The Ultimate Guide to Vegetarian and Vegan Eats in Salzburg
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Austrian food isn’t inherently vegetarian, let alone vegan-friendly. Traditional cuisine is rooted in meats and dairy. In the past, as someone working in tourism, finding suitable vegan and vegetarian options for travelers was a daunting task. It remains hard to find traditional vegetarian dishes, and finding vegan Austrian food is nearly impossible, but Salzburg has transformed. This shift isn’t just about adding token dishes to menus. Instead, it is an effort by traditional restaurants to reimagine Austrian culinary traditions, incorporating diverse vegetarian options while honoring our cuisine’s flavors and heritage.
The effort to integrate vegan and vegetarian options into traditional Austrian cuisine has only been successful to an extent. However, if we expand our search beyond traditional Austrian food, Salzburg nowadays shines with vegan and vegetarian eateries offering various dishes.
In this guide, we will uncover the vegetarian dishes hidden within traditional Austrian cuisine before we spotlight Salzburg’s finest vegetarian and vegan dining spots that are not traditional Austrian.
Inherently Vegetarian Dishes in Austrian Cuisine
In this section, we will find vegetarian staples of Austrian cuisine, uncovering their origins, place in Austrian culture, and the best spots in Salzburg to enjoy these authentic dishes.
While every Austrian restaurant has at least a couple of vegetarian options, you will be out of luck in most cases if you are vegan. Most of these traditional vegetarian Austrian dishes include dairy.
Käsespätzle is the first vegetarian Austrian dish most people try. The Alpine comfort food, often likened to macaroni and cheese, features egg noodles lavished in melted cheese. A staple in Austrian restaurants, this dish embodies the essence of comfort food. You will find Käsespätzle in most Austrian restaurants. In Salzburg, Pauli Stubm is a top recommendation for authentic Kässpätzle.
Knödel, or bread dumplings, are versatile components of Austrian cuisine. Made from dry bread rolls, eggs, and milk, these dumplings are traditionally served as a side but can be transformed into a main dish with vegetarian sauces. They reflect the Austrian knack for transforming simple ingredients into comforting, satisfying meals. You, for example, find Spinatknödel (spinach dumplings) at Zirkelwirt or Zwettlers.
Kaspressknödel, a cheese dumpling that exemplifies Austrian cuisine’s straightforward nature, is another item in the vegetarian repertoire. As the name suggests, Kaspressknödel is a variation of our previous dish, a bread dumpling. They combine bread, eggs, milk, and cheese, often seasoned with herbs like parsley. Commonly served in a clear broth or as part of a salad, these dumplings are another testament to the culinary simplicity of the region. Andreas Hofer Weinstube, renowned for its authentic Austrian fare, offers soup and salad variations, allowing diners to experience Kaspressknödel in full glory.
Kaiserschmarrn exemplifies Austria’s love for desserts that double as main courses. This sweet shredded pancake, often accompanied by fruit compotes or a dusting of powdered sugar, is a versatile dish that can conclude a meal as a dessert or a delightful main course. For a great Kaiserschmarrn with a great view, I recommend visiting Stieglkeller just below the fortress. Stieglkeller is great for Austrian food and one of the prime locations for beer in Salzburg.
Kärntner Kasnudeln, originating from Carinthia, are delicate dumplings filled with fresh curdled cheese and mint. This dish showcases the regional diversity of Austrian cuisine, offering a combination of refreshing and comforting flavors. To taste these dumplings, visit Fuxn, another prime spot for beer enthusiasts. Although not centrally located, Fuxn’s off-the-beaten-path setting makes it a gem, attracting locals and those seeking a non-touristic dining experience in Salzburg.
Vegetarian Schnitzel sounds impossible since Schnitzel is a piece of meat, but Meissl und Schadn in Getreidegasse, a sophisticated eatery renowned for its schnitzel, offers celery Schnitzel. This dish involves a slice of celery root that is breaded and fried like traditional schnitzel, offering a vegetarian alternative to the classic meat-based version. Accompanied by tangy wild cranberries, homemade Sauce Tartare, and a sweet salad featuring apple compote, this dish at Meissl und Schadn offers a gourmet experience that beautifully bridges traditional flavors with vegetarian innovation.
Vegetarian Tafelspitz is another vegetarian twist on a classic. Traditional Tafelspitz is boiled beef. Like the vegetarian Schnitzel, you also find vegetarian Tafelspitz at Meissl und Schadn. Their version includes a baked egg, creamed spinach, carrots, and shredded and fried potatoes. Like traditional Tafelspitz, the dish is served with horseradish and apple sauce, chive sauce, and a bread-based mixture with horseradish. To be fully transparent, I have not tried the vegetarian Tafelspitz and can’t imagine what it’s like.
The dishes highlighted above are a few examples of the vegetarian options available in Austrian cuisine. Further dishes that I don’t have a recommended restaurant for include but are not limited to:
- Austrian Potato Goulash, a vegetarian variation of traditional Gulasch, borrows its paprika essence from Hungarian traditions.
- Gröstl, a traditional Austrian fry-up, is highly adaptable for vegetarians, typically featuring potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
- Marillenknödel (Apricot Dumplings) with apricots encased in dumplings and coated in streusel and sugar, reflecting Austria’s tradition of integrating seasonal fruits into its dessert repertoire.
- Germknödel is a fluffy, yeast-based dumpling, traditionally filled with sweet plum jam and topped with melted butter and poppy seeds.
More modern traditional Austrian Restaurants like Humboldstube and Urbankeller feature a wider selection of vegetarian dishes on their menus and even create some Austrian fusion food variations.
Top Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Salzburg
As mentioned, Salzburg’s dining landscape now offers many vegetarian and vegan restaurants. That’s what we will explore next. Each restaurant brings something unique, from traditional Austrian flavors with a vegan twist to exotic cuisines and innovative culinary creations.
Heart of Joy
Just a short walk from the Old Town, you will find the Heart of Joy Café. Renowned as one of Salzburg’s most visited vegetarian and vegan destinations, it offers a selection of dishes and cakes, all crafted with a commitment to organic, fair trade, and regional ingredients.
Inspired and guided by the teachings of spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, the Heart of Joy Café is a tranquil oasis where food is prepared with love and joy. The atmosphere is peaceful and alcohol-free, offering a dining experience that nourishes the body and soul.
The menu at Heart of Joy is a testament to the versatility of plant-based cuisine. From vegan breakfasts, bagels, and toasts to an array of salads. Moreover, their vegan cakes and a selection of drinks available with soy milk or caffeine-free options cater to a range of dietary preferences and needs.
A highlight of the Heart of Joy Café is their vegan apple pie, a favorite among locals and tourists. Made from organic flour and birch sugar, this dessert exemplifies the café’s dedication to using high-quality, health-conscious ingredients. The café’s location, alongside an avenue of plane trees near the Mirabell Gardens, makes it an ideal stop for a break while exploring Salzburg.
Spicy Spices
Established in 1998, this vegetarian bio-restaurant has pioneered organic cooking with an Indian flair, setting a trend long before plant-based diets became mainstream. Founded by Suresh Kumar Syal, a passionate vegetarian chef, the restaurant was a bold venture in the late 90s, when vegetarianism was not as prevalent. His commitment to organic, vegetarian cuisine has made Spicy Spices an institution in Salzburg’s culinary landscape.
The restaurant is celebrated for its Indian-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes. Guests are treated to mouth-watering options, including perfectly prepared paneer, exquisite tofu dishes, and an array of sumptuous salads. The menu’s highlights include hot samosas and freshly baked Naan bread, promising a genuine taste of Indian cuisine tailored to vegetarian and vegan preferences.
Spicy Spices is not just about the food but the experience. The restaurant offers a cozy ambiance, allowing guests to enjoy their meals comfortably and invitingly. The dishes are served in generous portions at reasonable prices. My singular visit years ago left a lasting impression, especially the delightful surprise of being treated to an extra serving after finishing the first portion.
Green Garden
The Green Garden, in the Nonntal area of Salzburg, is a flagship establishment in the city’s vegan dining scene. This restaurant is a place for anyone interested in exploring vegan cuisine, whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a vegetarian, or simply curious about plant-based eating. The Green Garden is perfect for those who occasionally prefer meat-free days or try vegan food for the first time.
Its appeal extends even to those who typically favor meat, as I discovered during a visit with a journalist whose photographer I was. As a non-vegetarian, I was surprised by their burgers, indistinguishable from their meat counterparts in flavor and left a lasting impression with their delicious taste.
The Green Garden is more than just a vegan eatery; it’s where the mantra of regional and fresh comes to life. Every dish highlights the restaurant’s commitment to using only seasonal and fresh local ingredients.
It is located in Nonntaler Haupstrasse, on the border of the Old Town, and offers a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is open from 9 am to 10 pm, with brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm, making it an ideal location for early birds and night owls.
Vegitalian
Vegitalian, also on Nonntaler Hauptstraße in Salzburg, is a haven for Italian vegan cuisine. This restaurant has established itself as a destination for vegan and vegetarian diners in Salzburg, offering an array of Italian dishes that are both authentic and creatively vegan.
Vegitalian’s menu celebrates Italian culinary traditions reimagined for a vegan diet. The restaurant serves perfectly prepared vegan pizzas, delightful Spaghetti Carbonara, and flavorful Patatas Bravas, each promising a burst of authentic Italian taste. For those with a sweet tooth, their Tiramisu is a must-try. The attention to detail and quality is evident in each bite, making Vegitalian a standout in Salzburg’s vegan dining scene.
Italian restaurants are, of course, inherently vegetarian-friendly, and there are many in Salzburg. You can always order a vegetarian Pizza or Pasta variation.
What sets Vegitalian apart is its dedication to homemade quality. The restaurant takes pride in crafting everything in-house, from wraps to vegan mozzarella, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every dish. This commitment to homemade cuisine adds a unique touch to their offerings, enhancing the overall dining experience.
GustaV
GustaV, a vegan bistro, has been a part of the city’s vegan food scene since 2015. This cozy establishment is known for its commitment to sustainability, natural ingredients, and organic, fresh, and joyfully colorful dishes.
Despite its modest size, with only four tables, GustaV offers a wonderfully friendly atmosphere, making it a unique and intimate eating experience. It’s a place where guests can enjoy not just a meal but a sense of community and warmth. The bistro’s founder, Denise, has infused the establishment with a personal touch evident in both the ambiance and the food.
GustaV’s menu features an array of delicious vegan options. Each item is crafted with care and attention to detail, from well-prepared soups and salads to exceptional tofu dishes. The bistro’s focus on sustainability and fresh, organic ingredients is reflected in every dish, offering a dining experience that is both health-conscious and environmentally friendly.
Located conveniently at Wolf-Dietrich-Strasse, GustaV is easily accessible and has become a popular spot in Salzburg. Please note that the bistro is only open from Thursday to Saturday and not open in the evening but it is a perfect spot for a delightful vegan breakfast, a snack, or a coffee.
Uncle Van
Uncle Van is celebrated for its Vietnamese fusion cuisine. This restaurant stands out for its flexibility, allowing guest to tailor their meals to their dietary preferences, particularly those seeking plant-based options. While studying for my tour guide exam, I got Uncle Van takeout daily for weeks.
Uncle Van’s ‘tick-what-you-want’ menu system empowers guests to curate their dishes. Diners can choose between rice or noodles as a base, add tofu for protein, and select from an array of vegan-friendly sauces, creating a meal that aligns perfectly with their taste and dietary requirements.
The restaurant’s charm is not just in its food but also in its ambiance. The place’s quaint, clean, and full nature is complemented by attentive service. This setting makes Uncle Van ideal for those exploring vegetarian or vegan options in a comfortable and inviting environment.
Adding to its appeal, Uncle Van offers a discount to students, making it a budget-friendly option for younger diners looking to explore different cuisines in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bio Burger Meister
BioBurgerMeister combines the comfort of classic burger cuisine with a plant-based twist, offering a menu that caters to various dietary preferences. BioBurgerMeister is located at Linzergasse, close to the Old Town, making it an accessible dining option for travelers exploring the city.
If you eat at Bio Burger Meister, visit Saint Sebastian’s Cemetery on the opposite side of the street! It’s slightly hidden but one of the must-see sights in Salzburg.
As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in American and fast-food cuisines with a healthy twist. Priced between €8 and €15, it offers a range of vegetarian and vegan burgers and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs and preferences are met.
The food quality at BioBurgerMeister is great, with organic and locally sourced ingredients, and the staff is friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive dining experience. The commitment to health and sustainability is evident in their menu choices, including offering Fritzkola as an alternative to mainstream cola brands. One of the highlights is the vegan burger, which is particularly suitable for takeaway or outdoor dining. However, the waiting time can be a bit long since the place is popular.
While the restaurant is relatively small, resembling a snack bar, it doesn’t detract from the dining experience. The size is appropriate for the fast, casual dining BioBurgerMeister offers.
My Indigo
Indigo Restaurant in Salzburg has carved a niche as a sought-after destination for health-conscious eateries and those seeking vegetarian and vegan options. Indigo’s menu blends international and Asian cuisines, strongly emphasizing healthy choices. While not only being a vegetarian restaurant, it caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring something for everyone.
There are 2 Indigo branches in the old town, making it an easy stop for tourists exploring Salzburg’s historic sites. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, suitable for families and solo travelers. Thanks to the friendly staff and comfortable environment, it’s a place where even English-only speakers feel at ease.
The restaurant is also commended for its range of delicious vegan dishes, which cater to those who find it challenging to find vegan food in Austria. One of my favorites is the Tom Kha Gai soup. Another highlight is the Buddha Curry, a massaman curry with carrots and soya pieces paired with refreshing mango lemonade.
Indigo operates on a self-service model, which is convenient and efficient. This setup allows for a quick and casual dining experience, perfect for those looking for a quick, healthy meal in the heart of the city.
While the restaurant is popular and busy, there are concerns about the use of plastic for sushi wrapping. This indicates a potential area for improvement in sustainability practices.
Tula Bistro
Tula Bistro, a new addition to Salzburg’s vegetarian and vegan dining scene, opened its doors in 2021, thanks to the joint efforts of Julia and Sandro. Located in the Künstlerhaus (artist’s residence) at Hellbrunner Straße, Tula Bistro is a destination for those seeking a blend of ayurvedic influences in plant-based cuisine. The Künstlerhaus itself is worth visiting if you want to explore modern art in Salzburg.
At Tula, the menu is an amalgamation of vegetarian and vegan dishes with a touch of Ayurvedic inspiration. This combination brings a fresh perspective to Salzburg’s food scene, offering dishes that are healthy and rich in global flavors. The bistro’s menu reflects a mix of Eastern and Mediterranean influences, catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten-free, and sugar-free options.
Tula Bistro is not just about the main courses; it’s also celebrated for its delightful range of baked goods. Their well-crafted cakes, particularly the falafel and scrumptious fruit cake, have garnered praise. The bistro also offers a variety of drinks, including good coffee, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing break on the outskirts of Salzburg’s Old Town.
The heart and soul of Tula Bistro lie in the personal touch brought by its founders. Sandro’s cooking and Julia’s baking are central to the bistro’s charm, ensuring that each dish is made with care and attention to detail. This personal approach makes dining at Tula an experience that’s both intimate and enjoyable. Their commitment to sourcing ingredients locally further adds to the authenticity and quality of the food.
The Keep Garden Kitchen
Keep Living, situated within the Keep Eco Residence in Salzburg, stands out as a culinary haven for vegan and vegetarian enthusiasts. This restaurant is not just about serving food; it’s about embodying a philosophy of sustainability with ingredients sourced from their own local garden.
The restaurant and the residence (a kind of hotel/hostel) emphasize using existing resources and breathing new life into them, a principle that extends to their approach to food. The commitment to sustainability is more than just a statement; it’s a part of their operation, reflected in their choice of ingredients and culinary methods.
The menu at Keep Living is a delight for vegans and vegetarians alike. It features fresh salads, seasonal soups, and a variety of bowls as main courses. The restaurant also offers exquisite desserts, including cakes and rice pudding, catering to a range of palates. A unique aspect of their menu is the nature-inspired surprise menu offered during lunch, which includes an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, adding an element of intrigue and novelty to the dining experience.
One of the culinary highlights of Keep Living is its vegan breakfast and brunch options. The breakfast buffet was initially offered on a “pay-what-you-want” basis, but now it has a set price. These meals are nutritious and crafted with an eye for flavor and variety, ensuring that vegan breakfast in Salzburg is never dull. The reasonable prices make it an accessible option for those exploring vegan cuisine in Salzburg.
More Than Just Restaurants – Exploring Local Markets and Supermarkets
In Salzburg, the vegetarian and vegan experience extends beyond restaurants. The city’s local markets and supermarkets are crucial in catering to plant-based diets, offering a range of products that make vegan and vegetarian living both convenient and enjoyable.
Local Markets: A Treasure Trove of Fresh Produce
Local markets in Salzburg are a delight for those on a plant-based diet. These markets feature stalls brimming with fresh, organic, and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. They are not just shopping destinations; they are community spaces where you can interact with local farmers, learn about the origin of your food, and discover seasonal specialties. They are ideal for those looking to cook their meals and seeking the freshest ingredients for their plant-based recipes but also for a quick bite.
Here are the three regular farmer’s markets in Salzburg:
- Salzburger Schranne: This weekly farmers market is a must for anyone visiting Salzburg on a Thursday. Here is my dedicated article on the Schranne Farmers Market.
- Grünmarkt: This is the daily traditional farmers market at University Square, held every day of the week except for Sundays and public holidays, from 7am to 7pm.
- Biomarkt: This organic food market can be found on Fridays at Kajetanerplatz from 6am to 2pm.
Supermarkets: Plant-Based Options Aplenty
Supermarkets in Salzburg have also adapted to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan products. Many now have dedicated sections with plant-based goods, ranging from dairy alternatives like soy and almond milk to meat substitutes, vegan cheeses, and various organic, gluten-free products. These supermarkets make it easy for vegetarians and vegans to find everything they need under one roof, simplifying the process of grocery shopping and meal planning.
Conclusion
Salzburg, a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, is also becoming a notable vegetarian and vegan cuisine destination. The evolution of its culinary scene to embrace plant-based diets reflects a global shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious eating habits. From traditional Austrian dishes reimagined for vegan and vegetarian diets to a diverse array of restaurants and eateries offering global cuisines, Salzburg caters to the tastes and preferences of every plant-based diner.
Beyond restaurants, the city’s markets, street food, and other non-traditional venues provide vegetarians and vegans with a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. These options reflect the city’s commitment to diverse dietary needs and add to its culinary landscape’s richness.
