Why Prague is a Vegan Hub
The reason for this vegan guide to Prague is because Prague is not known for being vegan-friendly. Prague is an enchanting, fairytale like city in the Czech Republic. When you think of places like Prague and Eastern European cities, your first thought might be: meat, potatoes, bread, and dairy. However, this may be what traditional Czech food is, but Prague has come a long way.
Believe it or not, Prague is one of the most vegan-friendly cities I visited in Europe. So not only does Prague have beautiful cobblestone streets, Gothic Architecture, the famous Charles Bridge over the Vltava River, but Prague also has an abundance of vegan restaurants, markets, and cafes!
I had the pleasure of living in Prague for four months back in 2018, and being a vegan, I was nervous for what I would be able to eat there (I clearly did not do enough research ahead of time). I was happily surprised when I realized I was surrounded (quite literally) by vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, and markets. Continue reading for my full guide to eating vegan in Prague!
About Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, an Eastern European country. This central country is surrounded by Poland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. Prague is famous for the Vltava River the crosses though the city center and the Charles Bridge that crosses over the river.
Prague is nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires”, and has a fairytale-like Old Town Square. This square is lined with colorful buildings, Gothic churches, and the famous Astronomical Clock. Some of Prague’s traditional dishes include Goulash, Potato Soup, Cabbage and Dumplings, Fried Cheese, and Pork Schnitzel.
Again, these traditional meals are not the most vegan friendly sounding dishes. But don’t be fooled because this city is a vegan hot spot!
Vegan and Veg-Option Restaurants in Prague
Arepas De Lyna
I may be a little biased about this place because I was neighbors with the kind owners of Arepas De Lyna and their cute pup. But bias aside, these are some of the best vegan arepas and Patacones (fried plantain flatbread with lots of toppings) I have ever had!
Arepas De Lyna [linked] also have plenty of non-vegan and vegetarian options so it is a great place to go with anyone no matter their food preference. Also, it is vastly different from most of the other food you will get in Prague so it is a nice change. I went here weekly while living in Prague and not only because it was directly below my apartment, but also because it was that delicious!
Although this restaurant is not in the Old Town Square, it is a short tram or metro ride away and is located in Vinohrady, which is a trendy neighborhood in Prague known for having an abundance of vegan and veg-options eateries.
Loving Bistro
Surprisingly, Prague also has a lot of vegan Asian buffets. I was shocked by the abundance of them located around the city. The Loving Bistro [linked] was one of my favorite ones to go to!
They are a restaurant committed to living more ethically and healthier. They have a menu to order off of and also a buffet full of healthy, delicious, vegan food! Definitely check them out next time you visit Prague!
Herbivore
I swear, I dream about this place multiple times a month (ok, maybe that is a little exaggerated, but I do think about this place a lot). Even though this vegan buffet wasn’t near my apartment, it was near the campus I attended, so I always had an excuse to stop by. Herbivore is located on the west side of Prague near the Vltava River and about a 15 minute tram ride from the Old Town Square in Prague.
Aside from being a vegan buffet, cafe, and restaurant, Herbivore [linked] is also a vegan, health food market. They have food at the buffet or from their menu for every meal from breakfast to desserts. The buffet is changed daily as well and always has a large variety to choose from. They typically have sandwiches or wraps, soups, salads, grains, and vegetable dishes.
Burrito Loco
Ok, this one may sound kind of weird because who goes to Prague just to go to a fast food Mexican local chain, however, this is a go-to for late night eats. As a vegan, it is not always easy to find ‘drunk’ vegan food or late night vegan food, so having these all over the city was a great option!
Burrito Loco [linked] has a full vegan menu of burrito bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads. They are open 24/7 and have multiple locations around the city, and also make for a great quick lunch or meal any time of the day!
Las Adelitas
Las Adelitas [linked] is a traditional Mexican restaurant in the heart of Prague. They have multiple locations all over the city and is a great break from traditional Czech food if you are looking for something different.
They offer traditional Mexican cuisine from chips, salsas, and guacamole, nachos, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, and so much more. On the menu they note what is vegetarian, and some of the dishes like the tacos, fajitas, and others can be made vegan upon request. I loved the vegetarian tacos, made vegan of course, that are made with prickly pear cactus!
Forky’s
Forky’s [linked] is a great vegan lunch spot. They have plant-based burgers, wraps, bowls, and some delicious finger foods! They are a chain that focuses on the protection of animals, commits themselves to being sustainably, and also donates a portion of their monthly fees to organization.
Forky’s is located in Prague 1 by Old Town Square. This are does not have as many vegan options as other areas in the city, so this is a great spot to check out when you are by the Old Town Square!
Vegan and Veg-Option
Cafes in Prague
Cafefin
Cafefin [linked] is a must visit, and not only because of the delicious food, but also because of the cute atmosphere. This cafe is known for their breakfast toasts, but also for their Vietnamese lunch options. This cafe is not strictly vegan, but there are plenty of options for vegans and a lot of their food can be altered to be vegan.
From the avocado toast, to the tropical fruit bowl (check out this guides cover photo!), and even the Tofu Banh Mi, there are plenty of options at this cute cafe for any vegan to enjoy! This is one of the many delicious and aesthetically pleasing cafes in the Vinohrady neighborhood of Prague.
Coffee Room
I was lucky to live in an area of Prague surrounded (literally) by amazing cafes and restaurants. Across from my apartment and across from Arepas De Lyna is Coffee Room [linked]. This cute cafe is known for delicious drinks and delicious breakfast toasts. They offer plant-based milks, avocado toast, and a banana bread that can be made vegan upon request! Again, they offer non-vegan options as well so it is a great spot for anyone!
Cafe Waffle
Cafe Waffle [linked] is a cute waffle-centric cafe located in the center of Prague. They are famous for their make-your-own-waffles and they also offer premade waffles on their menu. They also make both savory and sweet waffles so there is something for everyone, and I mean everyone, since they also offer vegan and gluten free waffles.
In addition to their famous waffles, they offer vegan milks for coffee and other drinks, other breakfast foods, and desserts.
My Raw Cafe
My Raw Cafe [linked] is located along the Vltava River about a 15 minute walk from Old Town Square. This cafe focuses on raw plant-based foods. You can get breakfast, lunch, desserts and they also have a wide variety of drinks.
For another fun experience, you can do a Raw Food Course to learn how to cook delicious raw vegan food. You can find more information about this course on their website linked above.
They are famous for their delicious cakes and desserts and have a wide variety of types of desserts from cheesecakes, to bars, pies, and so much more! Definitely add it to your go-to list when you are in Prague next.
Mama Coffee
Mama Coffee [linked] is a cafe in Prague with multiple locations throughout the city. Besides their freshly roasted coffee, they also offer a multitude of desserts, even vegan and gluten free ones. They are also a certified kosher bakery making it a great place for anyone visiting Prague to check out!
Add this to your list for the next time you are traveling to Prague. It is a great quick spot to stop for drinks, lunch or vegan baked goods!
Vegan and Veg-Options
Desserts in Prague
Blue Vegan Pig Shop
Blue Vegan Pig Shop [linked] is a delicious vegan donut shop about a 10 minute walk from the Vinohrady neighborhood. They have a wide variety of vegan donut flavors as well as other desserts. Definitely check them out if you are visiting Prague and near this area!
Check out the Farmers Markets
There are many farmers markets dotted around the city, and the most notable one is the Farmers Saturday Market [linked]. This market is every Saturday, hence the name, from 8am to 2pm and is located along the Vltava River in Prague 2. This is the biggest farmers market in Prague, and is also dedicated to cutting back on waste by not using any single-use plastics. They encourage you to bring your own bags and containers by not giving plastic bags, and if you bring a reusable coffee mug you get a discount on coffee there.
The Farmers Saturday Market has about 90 vendors, so there is a variety of stuff to choose from. There are farm produce stands, crafts, local designers, flower stands, and other food. They also have a variety of vegan options such as vegan desserts and other local vegan brands. This is a central located farmers market and a close tram ride to the Old Town Square, and is a great place to spend your Saturday!
There are also other farmers markets located all around the city that offer vegan options, so make sure to find time to check them out when you are visiting Prague next!
Mr. Gelato
This delicious gelato place is located a close walk from the Charles Bridge and has a variety of different vegan flavors. Mr. Gelato [linked] is a popular spot and since it is located in the touristy area of Prague, there is usually a line, but it is well worth the wait. If you love gelato, this is a must go-to spot in Prague and it is also some of the best vegan gelato I have ever had!
Summary: Vegan Guide to Prague
So, is Prague vegan friendly? Prague is definitely one of the most vegan friendly cities I have been to in Europe. In addition to all of the delicious restaurants, cafes, and dessert places listed above, Prague also has health-food stores and grocery stores throughout the city that carry vegan and plant-based products.
In Vinohrady, there were many markets that sold plant-based vegan products, treats and desserts as well including Moje Kredenc [linked]. Additionally, Herba [linked] is another great health-food store in Prague that offers bulk items as well making it sustainable as well. Herba is also closer to Old Town Square.
Next time you are thinking about traveling to Europe, make sure to add Prague on your list especially if you want to check out these delicious vegan places. There are so many other great, delicious vegan places in Prague not listed in this guide, but this guide will help you find your must-try vegan spots.
