Are you in Gouda and looking for vegetarian or vegan food?
Good news: the city has a surprising selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a healthy plant-based lunch, exotic international cuisine, or a lavish dinner by the water, here are the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants for a plant-based culinary adventure in Gouda!
Curcuma Lunch Café – organic, colorful, and homemade
Everything at Curcuma is organic and vegetarian, and there are vegan options. You’ll find this hotspot in the Groenendaalkwartier, a neighborhood with sustainable shops, green entrepreneurs, and the Netherlands’ first Fairtrade street. The cozy lunch café, located in a national monument dating back to 1639, serves homemade, colorful dishes that change regularly.
Vegan Africa – spicy flavors from Eritrea and Africa
Looking for spicy, warm, and flavorful food? Then Vegan Africa is the place to go. Owners Tedros and Aster are known for their Eritrean and African dishes. Vegan food is anything but boring! Traditional spices, authentic Eritrean drinks: everything is plant-based, and gluten-free options are available.
Bangkok City – Thai food with a vegan twist
In the mood for Thai food? Then Bangkok City is the place for you. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or fiery spicy. In addition to the regular menu, there’s a separate vegan menu featuring over twenty vegetarian options and eight vegan dishes. It’s no surprise that the restaurant has been awarded the Lekker Vega Silver Seal of Approval.
Gouwestrand Restaurant– Relaxed dining with your feet in the sand
Don’t put your heels in the sand—put your feet in the sand and head to Restaurant Gouwestrand. It’s located on the creative GOUDasfalt grounds along the Hollandsche IJssel and has a relaxed vibe. You can come here for lunch, drinks, and dinner, with several vegan options on the menu. Regular live music nights.
Kruim – coffee, culture, and vegan treats
Located in the charming Chocoladefabriek is Kruim, a café that combines culture with a creative atmosphere. You’ll find it nestled between the Library, the Printing Workshop, and the Regional Archives. Kruim serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, pastries, and drinks, and offers several vegetarian and vegan options. A great spot for remote workers, get-togethers with friends, and coffee lovers.
Curries and Candles – Flavorful Indian street food
Curries & Candles is a cozy spot in downtown Gouda where you can pick up authentic Indian street food. The owner prepares fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes daily, such as curries, parathas, and poori bread. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Specialties: red bean curry, pakoras, mango lassi, gulab jamun. Give it a try!
Herfst Pastry Shop & Tearoom – plant-based sweets for true sweet tooths
Proof that vegan pastries can be absolutely delicious. For those with a sweet tooth who crave plant-based treats, Herfst offers an extensive vegan selection. From raspberry tartlets to stroopkoeken: everything is vegan. For a coffee break, high tea, or to treat someone to something sweet (and animal-friendly). Think classics like mille-feuille, marzipan cake, caramel brownies, and raspberry tartlets—100% vegan and homemade.
Museumhavencafé IJsselhuis Gouda– mindful dining by the harbor
For pure, mindfuldining, look no further than Museumhavencafé IJsselhuis Gouda. In the kitchen, head chef Herman Winkelman works with organic ingredients and forgotten vegetables from the region. These find their way into surprising vegetarian (and non-vegetarian) dishes. All of this makes the IJsselhuis a wonderful spot if you love honest food, great flavors, and a relaxed atmosphere at the Museum Harbor.
