The "mountain climber" is the largest vegan burger served at DieDa im Weingut in Bad Durkheim, Germany. It comes in mild and spicy versions, as well as a vegetarian version with cheese. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
Germany is known for its expertise in beer and wine but decidedly less celebrated for its traditional cuisine.
Along Germany’s picturesque national wine route, however, historic towns beckon visitors to savor hearty local culinary delights, from schnitzel to sausages.
But tucked away along a quaint side street in the heart of Bad Duerkheim, vegans and food enthusiasts can find an alternative to traditional meat-based dishes.
DieDa im WeinGut, a wine-focused vegan bistro whose name roughly translates to “that one in the winery,” has become a small beacon for those seeking plant-based options.
Seating capacity at DieDa im WeinGut is limited to 38, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Window seats offer a view on a quaint side street in Bad Duerkheim, Germany. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
I spotted the place on a stroll through town, and though it was closed at the time, I knew I had to stop in later. I finally visited on a recent Tuesday evening and was shown to a sunny window seat off the cobblestoned alley.
The small dining area under the wood-beamed ceiling at DieDa im Weingut in Bad Duerkheim is limited but cozy and invites guests to relax and unwind. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
Housed in a beautifully restored historic sandstone building, DieDa im WeinGut exudes rustic elegance. Exposed wooden beams and low lighting create an intimate and inviting atmosphere in the 38-seat restaurant.
The menu comes only in German with decidedly local names for items but is minimalist and easy to navigate. It features a selection of appetizers and soups. The vegan burgers in various variations take the proverbial center stage.
The potato lollipop appetizer at DieDa im WeinGut vegan bistro comes accompanied by vibrant Incan red drop peppers and a lemon dip May 23, 2023, in Bad Duerkheim, Germany. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
I started with the Grumbeere-Lolli with mojo, or potato lollipop appetizer. Don’t be fooled by its sweet-tooth title, though.
The dish consists of roasted rosemary potatoes in a delicious, creamy lemon dip topped with sweet Incan red drop peppers, which at first glance looked like tiny tufts of sauce but packed a surprising flavor punch for their size.
The “mountain climber” burger at DieDa im Weingut in Bad Duerkheim, Germany, comes loaded with red pepper, onions and sprouts. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
Then I had the pleasure of indulging in the establishment’s signature dish: the “mountain climber” vegan burger. And the creation earned its nickname.
The expertly assembled burger came stacked sky-high with toppings ranging from bell peppers and onions to sprouts. I opted for an additional non-vegan Swiss cheese.
Despite the fluffy bun, branded with the restaurant’s logo, this decidedly was not finger food and I quickly resorted to a civilized approach with fork and knife.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the patty, handcrafted with a homemade blend of plant-based ingredients, starting with a base of pearl barley, which added a delightful chewy texture and nutty undertones to each bite.
Paired with perfectly ripe tomatoes, lentils and a secret spice recipe and topped with a tangy French dressing, the burger offered a fantastic balanced profile.
The restaurant does not serve traditional fries, which could be a serious faux pas for burger gourmets but did not deter my enjoyment.
Instead, the burger came with a small side salad. The changing offerings of house-made soups are also a great side dish option.
A frozen yogurt dessert servedl at DieDa im WeinGut vegan bistro in Bad Duerkheim, Germany. Owner Martin Dreissig-Richter is a trained pastry chef. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
While the burger was filling, I couldn’t pass up the homemade fruit parfait, which was two slices of frozen yogurt with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa arranged in the shape of angel wings. It was a heavenly finish to a guilt-free meal.
The menu is rounded out by a small but carefully selected wine list. While I sampled a velvety and fragrant merlot, my favorite turned out to be the organic and alcohol-free Ur-Dinkel beer.
Ur-Dinkel is a German term that refers to a specific type of spelt, one of the oldest known cultivated grains. The resulting beer had a distinct but unobtrusive bready flavor that went well with the tangy burger.
Corn soup with a decorative sprinkling of popped corn can be ordered as a starter or a quick lunch at DieDa im Weingut vegan bistro in Bad Duerkheim, Germany. The small restaurant offers a changing menu of homemade soups. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
The brainchild of Kathleen and Martin Dreissig-Richter, DieDa im WeinGut launched in the middle of the pandemic in mid-2021. It started as an idea for a food bike, inspired by the mobile food stalls common in Asian countries.
On a walk through Bad Duerkheim, however, the couple passed the former Crow’s Cave, a pub that was known primarily for beer and blues. The space seemed ideal to support food-bike operations and expanded into the bistro.
DieDa im Weingut vegan bistro is housed in a historic building on a cobblestone street in Bad Duerkheim, Germany. The town is one of the key points on the famed German Wine Road. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
The small pub kitchen did not accommodate large appliances such as deep fryers and grills, leading to the creation of the largely plant-based menu.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply curious about exploring plant-based cuisine along with local wine, give “that one” a try and take a detour from the traditional for one of the best vegan burgers around.
A whimsical sign at DieDa im WeinGut in Bad Duerkheim, Germany, depicts 10 bunnies adorning a two-legged, toppled carrot. The sign was created by Swiss graphic artist Benedikt Notter. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
DieDa im WeinGut
Address: Roemerstrasse 13, Bad Duerkheim, Germany
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, noon-2 p.m., and 5-10 p.m. Open every third Wednesday, noon-3 p.m.; Friday, noon-2 p.m., and 5-11 p.m.; and Saturday, 2-11 p.m. The kitchen closes by 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Thursday and Sunday.
Prices: Entrees range from 7.20 euros for a small burger to 13.50 euros for the largest version. The restaurant features daily changing soups and seasonal items.
Information: Online: dieda-im-wein-gut.de and on Facebook; Phone: 06322-9 58 27 75
