Summary
- India offers a vegan paradise with its wide array of plant-based ingredients and naturally vegan dishes.
- Vegan food in India is not only delicious but also nutrient-rich, low in fat and calories, and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- The vegan movement is growing in India, with major cities opening more vegan restaurants and offering vegan alternatives in mainstream and street food.
Vegan foodies are flocking to India to enjoy the rapid growth of vegan food and restaurants in a destination that was already friendly to vegetarians. Even Indian branches of McDonald's now produce a vegan burger to keep diners happy, but that's not the extent of veganism in India.
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India's most well-loved foods are rich and delicious and have a long history according to the region they were created in.
Wandering around the food markets in India is an exhilarating and mouthwatering experience for most people, particularly vegans, who will be astounded at the colorful selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Whether vacationers are self-catering or staying in hotels, being vegan in India is a joyful experience.
Why India Is Great For Vegans
India has long had a great reputation for excellent food for all types of diets
Foods and Flavors of India - Spices in a New Dehli Outdoor Market
Non-violence towards living creatures is central to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, religions that have been practiced for centuries in India. This obviously fits in well with both vegetarians and vegans visiting India, where they will find food that satisfies all their senses and feeds the soul.
A Wealth Of Plant-Based Ingredients
There are very few countries in the world where vacationers will come across such an array of plant-based ingredients. High-quality vegetables, spices, rice, and pulses ensure dishes are exceptional. Many of India's well-known dishes are naturally vegan.
Full Of Nutrients
India's vegan dishes are not only delicious; they are also packed with nutrients. There are no empty calories here. Vegan foods are low in fat and calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Indian desserts are exceptional and dairy alternatives turn them into low-fat, vegan-friendly culinary delights.
Affordable
Vegetables and pulses can be prohibitively expensive in many countries, but in India they are very affordable, making eating out a joy while on vacation. Many ashrams that offer accommodation also serve vegan food.
Remember to wash fruit and vegetables well before cooking, as much of India uses pesticides.
Major Cities Are Opening More Vegan Restaurants
Indian restaurant owners and entrepreneurs are not only seeing a move towards veganism among their compatriots but also among the tourists who are enjoying their country.
Many new vegan-only restaurants have opened, and mainstream restaurants are also offering vegan alternatives. Even the street sellers are offering vegan alternatives, such as lassi made with coconut milk or water rather than dairy milk.
Chennai has recently been honored by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for being India’s top vegan-friendly city, not just for its food but also for its ingenious leather substitutes.
What To Eat And Where To Eat
The choice of foods on offer in India for vegans is enormous
Chennai view from above
One of the joys of being vegan in India is that most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan simply by removing dairy products such as paneer, curds, and ghee. Many restaurants serve vegan food under the 'vegetarian' label, so travelers need only ask if the dishes contain dairy when ordering.
Kerala, known mostly for its river cruises, is a good example of an area where vegetarian food is also vegan.
Tasty And Tantalizing Vegan Dishes
- Chana Masala (chickpeas with spices) - a chickpea curry from northern India. It's a subtly flavored dish, served with rice and/or naan and chapati.
- Dal Chaawal (lentils with rice) - nearly every household in India will have this extraordinary meal at least once a week. Different lentils lend themselves to different spices, so the flavors will vary depending on which lentils are used.
- Kashmiri Dum Aloo (deep-fried potatoes, slowly cooked in a spicy sauce) - this Kashmiri dish is served all over India.
- Vegetable Biryani (rice cooked with a variety of vegetables and fragrant spices) - this dish is on the menu in most parts of India.
- Rajama (red kidney beans slowly cooked in a sauce with whole Indian spices) - this northern Indian dish is usually served with roti.
- Masala Dosa (very thin pancakes made from fermented rice and lentils, filled with spicy potatoes and onions) Masala dosa is from southern India and is usually served for breakfast or lunch with sambar (a southern Indian vegetable and lentil soup) and sweet chutney. Bangalore is known for its dosa restaurants.
- Chole Bathure (a tasty chickpea curry, eaten with bathura - fried Indian bread, sliced onion, and chutney). A truly classic Punjabi dish.
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Excellent Vegan Restaurants In India
- Bangalore - Vidyarthi Bhavan has been welcoming diners since 1943. It's one of the best dosa restaurants in the country. Price per person: between Rs200 - Rs250.
- Goa - Bean Me Up is considered the best vegan restaurant in Goa and offers vegan food from around the world, including Indian dishes, in a tranquil garden setting. Price per person: between Rs600 - Rs800.
- Mumbai - While visiting Mumbai's latest attractions, check out Aharveda Restaurant which is top of most vegans' lists. The quality of food is out of this world. Price per person: between Rs500 - Rs800.
- New Dehli - Greenr Cafe offers diners fascinating menus that change with the seasons. A must for all vegans. Price per person: between Rs 500 - Rs700
What Percentage Of India Is Vegan?
The number of vegans in India is growing at a rapid rate
Corn by the basket-full - West Bengal
According to Statista and a 2021 survey, there are almost 600 million vegans in India, which is 9% of the population. Vegetarians make up a further 24% of India's population.
These figures clearly show that veganism in India is growing and is here to stay. India's love of dairy may slow the rise in veganism but many restaurants, chefs, and TV personalities are all working on dairy substitutes to encourage people to take the leap from vegetarianism to veganism.
The rise in vegan restaurants and street food is testimony to that. Vegans and vegetarians alike will thoroughly enjoy the experience of dining in India.
