The holidays are coming and lots of European towns and cities feature Christmas markets where people can gather and share and enjoy the run-up to the holidays.
If you find yourself at some nonvegan Christmas markets, you will want to know if there are items from this festive menu that you can enjoy. As always, it is better to be informed about what some of these treats are so you know what to ask and when.
We’ve put together a list of Christmas market goodies that you might find at Europe’s Christmas Markets that are probably accidentally vegan. Just ask the vendors to be sure.
Mulled wine
Warmed wine has been around since the 2nd century. Romans brought it to Europe and each country added its own flair. It’s basically warmed red wine with orange peel and spices that vary depending on the country you’re in but usually cinnamon, clove, and anise are the prevalent ones.
Stollen
This is a cake-like bread with fruit that is made with yeast, water, flour, and, depending on the recipe, rum, eggs, butter, milk, orange, marzipan, and cinnamon. As you might notice, some of these ingredients are not vegan. Even though stollen is not traditionally vegan, with the rise of alternative diets, vendors have been making vegan stollen. So, when in doubt, always ask.
Sugar nuts
It’s typical to have candied nuts in Christmas markets. In Germany, candied almonds or Gebrannte Mandeln are more traditional. The recipe usually has cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and sugar although we’ve found recipes in which they add egg whites or butter so beware of those two ingredients.
Fried potatoes
This one doesn’t need a lot of explanation. Is that: fried potatoes but, these are usually served with mayo, and that is what you need to keep in mind before ordering them. We may or may not have taken our own mayonnaise so we can experience these potatoes as they should be eaten.
Pretzels
Is there anything better than pulling apart a smooth shiny and warm pretzel? I am not sure there is. Just check that the pretzel doesn’t have an egg or dairy glaze.
Roasted chestnuts
This one is a staple as street food and it’s also comfort food for many. Served warm in a paper bag, they
prove that simplicity is also delicious.
Do you know of Christmas market food that might accidentally be vegan? Let us know in the comments!
