Dine-in restaurant seating with table service
Takeout service available
Delivery service through platforms
Outdoor seating
Full bar with vegan cocktails and wine
Vegetarian and vegan menu (everything is vegan)
Gluten-free sushi available with gluten-free soy sauce
Reservations by phone recommended
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Best time to visit
Lunch hours from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM offer shorter waits. The restaurant gets busy during dinner, especially Friday and Saturday. Early arrival recommended as reservations can be difficult to accommodate. Weekday visits are quieter than weekends
Information Zen Chay – Asian Vegan Restaurant
Zen Chay is a fully vegan Asian restaurant specializing in Vietnamese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Everything served is 100% vegan including appetizers, mains, sushi, and drinks. The restaurant uses fresh handmade ingredients daily. Menu features sushi rolls, pho, ramen, baobao (steamed buns), Vietnamese spring rolls, tonkotsu ramen, Buddha bowls, crispy tofu sticks, and vegan shrimp dishes. The modern but cosy interior is located near Neumarkt in central Cologne. The restaurant stands for peace, love, and vegetables, aiming to serve vegans and non-vegans alike. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming with attentive service. Popular with vegans and health-conscious diners seeking authentic Asian cuisine.
Public Review Sentiments
Very positive reviews praising fresh ingredients, authentic Asian flavours, generous portions, and high-quality vegan cooking. Guests appreciate the creative dishes, beautiful presentation, attentive staff, and relaxed atmosphere. Many non-vegan customers are surprised and impressed with the vegan food quality. Matcha and tonkotsu ramen mentioned as highlights. Service gets strong praise for speed and friendliness. The restaurant is popular and can get busy during peak times. Some complaints about limited seating and crowding during busy periods. One negative review mentioned food as bland and tasteless, but this appears to be an outlier among mostly positive feedback.
Where is the Zen Chay – Asian Vegan Restaurant in Cologne Germany?
Zen Chay is located on Apostelnstraße near Neumarkt in central Cologne. Neumarkt is a central square close to the Old Town. The area is easily accessible by public transport and walking distance from many central attractions and shopping areas.
Getting around
By Car:
Drive to Apostelnstraße 2 near Neumarkt in central Cologne. Parking in central Cologne is limited. Use nearby parking garages or car parks in the area. Street parking is difficult to find.
By Taxi:
Tell the driver Apostelnstraße 2, 50667 Cologne. Journey takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic from most areas of the city.
By Public Transport:
Multiple tram and underground options serve the Neumarkt area. The restaurant is walking distance from central transport stops. This is one of the most accessible locations in Cologne by public transport.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Zen Chay – Asian Vegan Restaurant
Is everything really vegan at Zen Chay?
Yes, absolutely everything is vegan including all appetizers, main courses, sushi, drinks, and desserts. This is part of the restaurant's core philosophy. The kitchen handles all ingredients carefully to ensure 100% vegan preparation. Non-vegans can enjoy the food just as much as vegans.
What are the most popular dishes?
Popular dishes include vegan shrimp with avocado cream, tonkotsu ramen, pho, sushi rolls, crispy tofu sticks, baobao, spring rolls, Buddha bowls, and various Vietnamese specialties. The Green Dream Matcha and fresh smoothies are popular drinks. The house favourite vegan shrimp is highly recommended.
Can I get gluten-free options?
Yes, sushi can be prepared gluten-free, and gluten-free soy sauce is available upon request. Just ask the staff when ordering and they will prepare the sushi with gluten-free ingredients and condiments.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. The restaurant is small and gets busy during peak hours. You can call 0221 48499282 to make a reservation. Walk-ins are possible during quieter times but you may have to wait.
Is Zen Chay good for groups?
Yes, the restaurant offers share menus and tapas-style dishes suitable for groups sharing multiple plates. The group dining concept works well for friends or colleagues wanting to try different dishes together. Reservations essential for larger groups.