If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live as a vegan in Berlin, this episode of the World Vegan Travel Podcast brings that world to life. Brighde sits down with Olivera Darko, a Berlin-based vegan content creator who mixes humor, activism, and storytelling to show the fun side of plant-based living. Olivera has been vegan for more than four years, but it was Berlin — with its huge vegan community and amazing food — that helped her truly grow into her lifestyle.
Early in the episode, Olivera shares something many new vegans can relate to. When she first arrived in Berlin, she was amazed at how easy it was to be vegan. As she says:
“Berlin was like a vegan heaven. I’d never seen supermarkets so well stocked with vegan aisles — it was just, wow.”– Olivera Darko
This sense of wonder shaped her new life in the city and gave her the confidence to start sharing her journey online.
🏙️ What Makes Berlin So Vegan-Friendly?
Berlin has a special atmosphere that makes plant-based living feel normal, fun, and accessible. Olivera explains that compared to London, Berlin feels wider, slower, and full of hidden spaces where creativity and sustainability shine.
Here’s what she loves most:
1. Supermarkets With Huge Vegan Sections
Most grocery stores in Berlin have clear vegan labels, full aisles dedicated to plant-based products, and affordable everyday options.
2. Easy Access to Vegan Fashion & Beauty
From secondhand clothing apps like Vinted to vegan-labelled cosmetics, Berlin makes sustainable living simple for everyone.
3. A City Where Veganism Is Just… Normal
In restaurants, nobody questions vegan choices. It’s a city where plant-based living is widely understood and accepted.
🍩 Olivera’s Favorite Vegan Spots in Berlin
Berlin’s food scene can feel overwhelming — in the best way! Olivera helps narrow it down:
- Brammibals Donuts – Famous vegan donuts loved even by non-vegans.
- Lucky Leek – A fine-dining vegan restaurant serving beautiful multi-course meals.
- Like Thai (Friedrichshain) – Fresh, small vegan plates with true Thai flavors.
- Vegan Supermarkets – Especially common in East Berlin, including Friedrichshain.
Olivera also laughs about the city’s quirky vegan food trends — like vegan currywurst served with champagne!
👩🍳 Finding Vegan Community in Berlin
Berlin’s social scene is full of opportunities for vegans or vegan-curious visitors:
- Happy Cow for finding restaurants
- Meetup for vegan cooking classes or social gatherings
- Eventbrite for workshops and community events
Whether you’re traveling solo or exploring as a family, you’ll find people who share similar values.
🌍 Sustainability at the Heart of Berlin
Berlin is known for its “alternative” roots, but Olivera explains that sustainability here isn’t just activism — it’s a lifestyle.
One example she loves is the bottle deposit system, which rewards recycling and keeps the city cleaner. This small everyday action reflects a bigger mindset: making choices that help animals, the planet, and each other.
🏞️ Beyond the Vegan Food – Exploring Berlin
Olivera encourages visitors not to miss:
- The East Side Gallery
- Grunewald Forest
- Spy Museum & DDR Museum
- Historic streets and wide open spaces perfect for biking or walking
Berlin is a city where culture, nature, and activism blend seamlessly.
🌱 A Hopeful Future for Veganism in Germany
One of the most inspiring parts of the episode is when Olivera shares statistics showing how fast veganism is growing in Germany:
- Almost 10% of German consumers now identify as plant-based.
- Nearly half of Berlin families report children who eat little or no meat.
More schools are adding vegan meals, and younger generations see plant-based eating as completely normal. This, Olivera believes, is the real sign of progress.
💚 Final Thoughts
Olivera’s story paints Berlin as a place where veganism is not only possible — it thrives. From food and community to fashion, culture, and sustainability, Berlin shows how a city can support compassionate living in big and small ways.
If you’re curious about vegan travel or thinking of making Berlin your next destination, this episode is full of helpful tips, funny moments, and practical guidance.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Vegan Food Spots in Berlin – Olivera shares her favourite places, including Brammibals Donuts, Lucky Leek, Like Thai, Vöner, Doen Doen, and sweet treats from Cinnamood.
- Where to Shop Vegan in Berlin – Discover Vegan Rewe, a supermarket with huge plant-based aisles and clear labels that make vegan shopping simple.
- Apps & Tools for Vegan Travelers – Find vegan restaurants with Happy Cow and explore fun vegan events using Meetup and Eventbrite.
- Neighborhood Tips – Olivera talks about vegan-friendly areas in Berlin, especially around Friedrichshain, where many of these spots are located.
- Her Personal Berlin Experience – Hear how Olivera uses humor, sustainable habits, and community activities to build a happy vegan life in Berlin.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Exploring Ahead Hotel: A Vegan Oasis in Germany’s Landscape | Kim Stellbrinck | Ep 128
- Podere Sole: Vegan Living in Tuscany | Sabrina Valeria Ronco
- Exploring Berlin’s Vegan Hotspots | Roma Bhatt | Podcast
- Tobias Leenaert on Feathery Forest: Blending Activism, Ecotourism, and Animal Welfare
