With the rising awareness about the meat industry and the intolerance for dairy amongst many, people are slowly turning towards veganism. These vegan restaurants around India are making sure they cater to all vegans, without compromising on the food or taste or diversity of the menu. By Sreetama Basu
Vegan food culture in India
India is one of the largest milk producers in the world. It has forever been a country that loves its dairy and has a high percentage of the population who consume non-vegetarian food. So, where does India stand on veganism?
Thanks to social media, the world has become a smaller place where everyone has access to everything. So, change and awareness spread much faster. Up until a few decades back, a lot of us did not know the cruelty and torture that’s inflicted on animals so that they can be presented on our plates. With these videos being widely circulated, and vegan influencers from around the world educating us on the realities of the meat industry, more and more Indians are now opting for veganism.
This compassion-driven attempt to live a sustainable and ethical lifestyle has made veganism popular in India today. To cater to this section, there are several vegan restaurants that have opened up pan India. Let’s take a look at them.
Best vegan restaurants in India
Rose Cafe, Delhi
With pretty aesthetics, tasty food and an overall pastel colour palette, this exquisite vegan restaurant in the capital is located in South Delhi. Their cruelty-free and gluten-free menu includes pizzas and pastas that are to die for, among other things.
Opening hours: 12pm – 9pm
Location: 64, Westend Marg, Butterfly Park, Saiyad Ul Ajaib Extension, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
How to reach: Nearest metro station is Saket
Cost: INR 1,400 for 2
What to try: Skinny Pizza, Eggless Dessert, Chicken Tarts, Belgium Chocolate Ice Cream, Herbed Chicken, Waffle Sundae
Contact details: +91 98990 55665
Visit here.
Kitchen Garden by Suzette, Mumbai
If you are a picture-first kind of person, this place is for you. All their dishes look super appetising and fit for the ‘gram! From pancakes, salads, to sandwiches and lip-smacking desserts, this place has plenty of vegan options.
Opening hours: 8am – 11.30pm
Location: 16/28-29, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Rd, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
How to reach: Near Juhu
Cost: INR 1000 or 2
What to try: Soba noodles
Contact details: +91 7304 540859
Visit here.
Wabi Sabi, Kolkata
If you want to sit and spend some time in peace by yourself or have a quiet date with your beau, this Kolkata-based vegan restaurant should be on your list! Salads, sandwiches, wraps, sizzlers, pastas and main dishes, everything is top-notch here.
Opening hours: 9am – 10pm
Location: 10, Dr. Sarat Banerjee Rd, Lake Market, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
How to reach: Take the Lake Town flyover
Cost: INR 1,400 for 2
What to try: Whole Wheat Wrap, Zucchini Roll, Masala Khichdi, Pesto Sandwich, Gnocchi, Red Rice
Contact details: +9133 4001 3578/ +91 98306 20072/+91 99038 95372
Visit here.
Bean Me Up, Goa
If you are tempted to take a break from conscious eating while on a holiday, this place will make sure you don’t end up doing so. From a wide variety of breakfast options, to sizzlers, pizzas, wraps, main dishes, and more, this place will never disappoint you.
Opening hours: 9am – 11pm
Location: Bean Me Up, 1639/2 Devulvaddo, Ozran Beach Rd, Vagator, Goa 403509
Cost: INR 1,200 for 2
What to try: Healthy Veg Food, Chilli Basil Noodle, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Burrito, Sundae, Smoothies
Contact details: +91 77690 95356/+91 90219 80602
Visit here.
The Real Green Kitchen, Pune
Previously known as The Real Green Cafe, this is Pune’s first complete vegan restaurant. The place hosts open mics and a lot of other live gigs. Dig into their vegan pizzas and end on a sweet note with all-vegan dessert menu while you enjoy live performances.
Opening hours: 9am – 10pm
Location: 6, N Main Rd, Liberty Phase 2, Ragvilas Society, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Cost: INR 750 for 2
What to try: Zucchini Burger, Cashew Cheese, Mushroom Sandwich, Smoothies, Bbq Pizza, Wraps
Contact details: +91 88062 70327
Visit them here.
The Terrassen Café, Hyderabad
In the posh locality of Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, this tiny vegan restaurant is all about earthen feels and a rustic charm. Stop by this pretty place to catch a quick cup of vegan coffee made from dairy-free milk with a side of a delish banana cake.
Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm
Location: Plot B, 7, Rd Number 7, Durga Bhawani Nagar, MRC Colony, Film Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500096
Cost: INR 800 for 2
What to try: Hot Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Brownie, Meat, Desserts, Cake
Contact details: +91 83097 37962
Visit here.
Carrots, Bengaluru
What’s in a name, they say. But for this place, we’d say, a lot. Carrots holds the reputation of India’s first vegan restaurant. With a dairy-free and gluten-free menu, this place is known for its warm, welcoming owner and a calm, homely environment.
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm
Location: N 0.21 1st Floor 27, Main, Pipe Line Rd, VGS Layout, Ejipura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560047
Cost: INR 250 for 1
What to try: Soya Buttermilk, Mushroom Stroganoff, Falafel, Cookies, Hummus, Wraps
Contact details: +91 96320 41340
Visit them here.
Greenr Cafe, Gurugram
With beautiful interiors, you can visit this vegan restaurant in the heart of Gurugram with friends or family. Their Falafel Pita Bread is a must-try, so make sure to try it when you are here.
Opening hours: 12.30pm – 10pm
Location: 32nd Avenue, Sector 15 Part 2, Sector 15, Gurugram, Haryana 122022
Cost: INR 1,200 for 2
What to try: Pesto Spaghetti, Sweet Potato Fries, Gnocchi, Smoothie, Cappuccino
Contact details: +91 70425 75339
Visit here.
Earth Cafe, Mumbai
Serving dairy-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly dishes, this is a great place to start if you are just getting started on a vegan diet. From burgers and sandwiches to smoothie bowls made with coconut milk and the shakabuku, this vegan restaurant in Bandra could be your new favourite!
Opening hours: 8am – 10:30pm
Location: Durga Chambers, Waterfield Road, above Pernia’s Pop Up MEN, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Cost: INR 1,800 for 2
What to try: Baked Nacho, Strawberry Cheesecake, Smoothies, Chocolate Cake, Spaghetti, Hummus
Contact details: +91 98198 28989
Visit here.
Ahimsa – The Vegan Cafe, Shirdi
Your journey to Shirdi will now no longer be just spiritual but gastronomical too, courtesy this vegan restaurant. If you thought vegan restaurants are all about soups and salads, the global menu here will surprise you.
Opening hours: 11am – 3:30pm, 7pm – 10:30pm
Location: Hotel Jivanta, Rui Shiv Road, Oppo Sun N Sand Hotel Taluka Rahata Ground Floor, Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
Cost: INR 800- 2,000 for 2
What to try: Coconut cheese pizza
Contact details: +91 74100 92055
Visit here.
All Images: Courtesy Restaurant Instagram handles
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Answer: Ask the server or the chef what ingredients go into a dish. A lot of times, we don't know what ingredients are being used in what we eat. This maintains clarity.
Answer: No, they are not. Vegan restaurants do not serve dairy products, while vegetarian restaurants may.
Answer: As long as a dish doesn't contain any form of animal or meat products, including milk, vegans can have everything.
Answer: Ramsay admitted that he loves vegan food and has developed a taste for it.
Answer: Vegans can be categorised into 4 types - Dietary vegans, Whole-food vegans, Junk-food vegans, and Raw-food vegans.
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