Germany has gone surprisingly veg-friendly. Where to find dal, paneer and which supermarkets have the best Indian basics.
Germany now has more vegan products per capita than almost any other country. Every major supermarket has a dedicated veg/vegan section.
Aldi and Lidl carry basmati rice, chickpeas and lentils. Kaufland has the best Indian basics selection. Asian supermarkets (most city centres) carry dal, atta, poha and spices. Online: Dookan.eu and Jamoona ship nationwide.
Most German restaurants have vegetarian options — look for 'V' or 'vegetarisch'. Watch for Gelatine or pork-based stock in nominally vegetarian dishes. Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants are reliably good for meat-free options.
Weekly Indian shop: rice 5kg €5, red lentils €1.50/kg, tinned chickpeas €0.89, vegetables. Full week: €40–60. Frozen dal from Indian stores €3–4. Paneer €3–5 per 200g.
Induction hobs are common in Germany — heavy-bottomed pans matter. A pressure cooker (Schnellkochtopf from eBay, ~€30) makes dal in 10 minutes and is the best Indian kitchen investment.
