OUAI – Simply Vegan

If there’s one restaurant I’d recommend for vegetarians in Leipzig, it’s OUAI – Simply Vegan. Situated in the Zentrum-Süd district, this place exemplifies what a vegan Vietnamese restaurant should be.

I struggled to choose from their extensive menu because everything sounded delightful! I started with their Forever Young tea, an iced Assam tea infused with orange flower water, tamarind seeds, and rice milk—it was unexpectedly delicious.

For my main, I opted for the Long Life, featuring spicy fried tofu and seitan on lemongrass, accompanied by fresh herbs, crisp salad, rice noodles, roasted onions, peanuts, and homemade vinaigrette. The freshness and vibrancy of the flavors were exceptional.

Although I wasn’t particularly hungry, the dishes were so tasty that I couldn’t resist ordering dessert. Their Mango Tango, a delightful twist on mango sticky rice, incorporated sweet mango with sticky rice enveloped in coconut milk cream sprinkled with peanut salt—absolutely divine!

As OUAI can get quite busy, I’d recommend booking a table. At the time of my visit, they only accepted payment in cash or via PayPal, so be prepared!

Vleischerei Leipzig

Right in front of my apartment was a vegan donair shop—definitely a good omen for my stay in Leipzig!

Vleischerei serves a scrumptious array of vegan kebabs, donairs, and gyros, which proved to be a perfect post-travel meal. I ordered what I can only describe as a gigantic and flavorful kebab, accompanied by ten distinct sauces (the herb sauce comes highly recommended!). They also offer veggie burgers, loaded fries, and a salad option (with fried tofu, of course!)—a total win for plant-based eaters.

Moini Pizza

My experience with the pizza shop in the courtyard of the supermarket near my apartment was truly a mix of emotions. I grew impatient waiting for my pizza and, to make things worse, I was in desperate need of a restroom. However, once the pizza arrived (a mere 30 minutes later), I was instantly hooked!

Ordered the Daddeln pizza topped with white sauce, dates, red onions, feta, Gorgonzola, and roasted walnuts—it was pure heaven! Moini also boasts seven other vegetarian pizzas and a few meat options, providing plenty of choices. Seating is available in the covered courtyard, but I’d suggest taking it to the nearby canal for a breathtaking picnic.

MEGS – Coffee & Brunch

MEGS, also conveniently located near my accommodation, is bustling during weekend brunch, making early arrivals or visits on quieter weekdays ideal.

The ambiance is mid-century modern, serving an array of coffees, cakes, and light breakfast options. Torn between the muesli bowl and the avocado toast served on sourdough with tomatoes, balsamic drizzle, and a side salad, I ultimately went for the latter. I just regretted not having more days in Leipzig for second chances at their delectable selections!

Wullewupp Soup Bar

I almost overlooked Wullewupp, which ultimately became one of my favorite dining experiences! This soup bar rotates its menu weekly, ensuring at least one vegetarian or vegan option is available. I was fortunate enough to snag the last bowl of tomato soup with rosemary gnocchi at the tail-end of lunch hour, and it was simply delightful.

Kaiserbad Leipzig

Kaiserbad was highly recommended in my travel guide and is conveniently located across from my lodging. With a broader menu focused on meat, this place also offers various vegetarian options. However, my dining experience was marred slightly by slow service on a particularly busy evening.

Wendl Bakery & Konditorei

Leipzig is home to the popular Wendl bakery chain, already recognized for its delectable pastries. On one occasion, I enjoyed their poppyseed cinnamon bun for breakfast alongside a coffee. They also serve various egg-and-cheese sandwiches, omelettes, muesli bowls, and more—all at quite reasonable prices.

Other Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Leipzig

During my stay, I noticed several other vegetarian and vegan establishments I didn’t have time to visit. Here are a few I plan to explore on my next trip:

• Auerbachs Keller – This historic restaurant features prominently in Goethe’s Faust, offering a curated menu with clearly labeled vegan and vegetarian options.
• An Chay Vegan Diner – A close competitor, this Vietnamese vegan place is on my list for my next visit.
• Café Hin & Veg – Known for their mouthwatering veggie burgers that I unfortunately missed this time.
• Quan Xanh Veganes Restaurant Leipzig – I’ve visited, though I seem to have misplaced my photos. It’s a simple but tasty option.
• Zest – Known for their seasonal changes, this upscale vegan restaurant comes highly praised.

Overall, the Karl-Heine Strasse area is a hotspot for vegan and vegetarian options, making it the best culinary district for those wanting plant-focused meals.