Christmas Market Foodie Guide

As we become more aware of the environmental impact that factory farming has, more of us are making the switch and going meatless. However, when the festive season hits it can be hard to know where to look for veggie options. We’ve taken a look and the top 10 festive treats for you to try on your travels - so whether you’re in the northern Alps at Salzburg’s Christmas Market or exploring the birthplace of ‘Good King Wenceslaus’ himself in Prague, there’s plenty of veggie options to try that will look great on the Insta feed.

 

 

• Fried potatoes - if in doubt, you can always depend on the trusty potato. The backbone of many dishes, this veggie staple is the ultimate comfort food and will keep you satisfied when all else fails. If you’re headed to Germany this Christmas, make sure you try reibekuchen & kartoffelpuffer (otherwise known as potato cakes). They’re kinda like hashbrowns but taken to a whole other level, and are normally dipped in apple sauce.
• Mulled Wine/Cider - a cup (or three) of mulled wine or cider is the cornerstone to any good and decent Christmas market, and you’ll likely find it no matter what Christmas market you’re going to. Easily described as the drink form of a hug, these are most definitely meat-free and will keep you warm when it gets a bit chilly. If you’re the designated driver, there’s almost always an alcohol-free alternative, like warm spiced apple.
• Crepes - French in origin, you’ll probably find the best crepes at the popular Christmas market in Jardin des Tuileries. From savoury to sweet, crepes are versatile and delicious at the same time. If you have a sweet tooth, they can be smothered in Nutella and paired with banana, strawberries or raspberries (or all three, yolo). On the flipside, crepes can come stuffed with mozzarella, basil and tomato, with maybe some extra cheese on top - not necessary but highly recommended.
• Pretzels - similarly as versatile as crepes, pretzels can come savoury or sweet and are to die for (not to mention pretty Instagrammable). These are an easy and fulfilling veggie option, and the best ones can be found in the beautiful Baroque streets of Vienna. (Did you know their Christmas markets date back to the middle ages?)
• Kürtőskalács - you may know these as chimney cakes, but these glorious Nutella-stuffed funnel cakes are a veggie delicacy in Hungary, and we can see why! Originally from Transylvania, you’ll now find these festive treats wherever you go in Hungary, and you’ll most likely spot some at Vorosmarty Christmas Market in Budapest.
• Gingerbread - dating back to 1628, Nuremburg Christmas Market is the place to be to experience ultimate Christmas vibes and authentic elisenlebkuchen. These traditional German treats are like boujee Gingerbread, being topped with chocolate and spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.
• Pizza - A year-round favourite, pizza can be consumed any time of the year, and Christmas is no exception to this rule. Particularly if you’re in the Swiss city of Basel, you’ll find many food specialities including thin Austrian pizza known as flammkuchen. These normally come with bacon on, but nowadays you’ll easily find veggie options topped with mushrooms or olives.
• Blini - not quite a pancake, but not a crepe either, it’s safe to say blinis are a pretty yummy enigma. These thick, fried pancakes are a popular wintertime speciality in Helsinki, Finland and are definitely worth trying. Helsinki Christmas market will be sure to satisfy with some of the finest blinis in Finland!
• Jamaican Christmas Cake - even if you’ve escaped the cold and drizzly weather to soak up the sun in Jamaica, there are plenty of ways to have some Christmas treats that are still veggie-friendly. The Gran Market in Jamaica is the ideal spot to try some Caribbean Christmas cuisine!
• Pitha - Not strictly found in a Christmas market, but if you get the opportunity to explore India around the festive season, you’ll likely find a ton of vegetarian treats on your travels! For example, pitha is a popular sweet treat make of rice flour, milk, coconut and molasses, but you’ll also discover semai, which is similar to rice pudding.

 

If you’re headed on a city break for festive food, then our single trip policy is the one for you. Or, if you’re discovering a whole bunch of new cultures and cuisines over the festive season, our multi-trip policy will be perfect for you.