Today is World Vegan Day and with the rise of veganism, restaurants across India are amping up intriguing vegan alternatives that go beyond salads and incorporate international and Indian flavours. While this is not an exhaustive list of vegan eateries in different cities, dining at these restaurants with European, Indian, and Continental selections will make you warm up to vegan choices.
1. People of Tomorrow, Chhattarpur, New Delhi
People of Tomorrow initially started as a blog by founder Ritv Kapoor who shared content on sustainable lifestyle and eco-conscious living. Driven by his vegan journey, the blog developed into a restaurant offering vegan selections from across the globe, including Mexican, Italian, and Spanish. Shifu Tofu Taco, Watermelon Carpaccio, and Puff-Lo Broccoli are some must-try options here. To try the vegan variant of Indian delicacies, keep an eye out for their "Indian Nights" event, which offers a specially curated Indian menu.
Address: People of Tomorrow, The Dhan Mill, 100 Feet Rd, Chhatarpur, New Delhi
2. The Weekend Cafe, Secunderabad, Telangana
Krishna Vikas started the cafe with the intent to ease transitioning into a meat-free lifestyle. The menu is a mix of American and continental offerings, which you can enjoy in the calming ambience created by the cane furniture and plants in the space. In addition to the various salads, toasts, and bowls on the menu, you can also customise your burger with a selection of vegetables, plant-based meats, and sauces. When here, try the Piri Piri Wings, Weekender Burger, and Hot Chocolate.
Address: Plot No D, 3, Vikrampuri Colony, beside Vac's Bakery, Vikrampuri Colony, Secunderabad, Telangana
3. Terrassen Cafe, Film Nagar, Hyderabad
Terrassen Cafe serves everything from continental fare like burgers and buddha bowls to Indian comfort food like Chakna Kulcha and Jackfruit Dum Biryani. The cafe has a vibrant interior, roomy outdoor seating that makes it ideal for events, and cosy, quiet corners where you work. The cafe's highlight remains its selection of regional flavours from Rajasthan, Delhi, Bihar, and more. The Chaap with Sindhi-style Mutton is a must-try here.
Address: Plot B, 7, Rd Number 7, Durga Bhawani Nagar, MRC Colony, Film Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana
4. E’woke - The Vegan Cafe, Sainikpuri, Hyderabad
E’woke is your one-stop shop for all things vegan! The vegan store cum cafe features cuisines ranging from French, Italian and Mediterranean to Asian and Indian flavours. It has spacious al fresco seating and is also pet-friendly. Order Vegan Kheema Pav for a savoury bite and pair it with Chocolate Praline Frappe from their extensive beverage menu with cashew oat milk, almond milk and soy milk-based options. While you wait for your order, browse through their store for vegan items.
Address: 1-5-B/36, Armed Forces, A.N Colony, Sainikpuri, Hyderabad
5. BhajiPala India - Lifestyle Kitchen & Bar, Baner, Pune BhajiPala, which translates to "green veggies" in Marathi, was established in Pune as a result of the lack of vegetarian options for non-meat eaters in the city and the growing awareness of veganism.
The lifestyle vegan kitchen and bar provides a gourmet vegan experience thanks to head corporate Chef Rahul Kirtikar who meticulously crafted a contemporary menu brimming with Asian and Indian flavours. In the well-lit restaurant, try the Bhavnagri Tempura or Apple Gooseberry Spring Roll with Khus sauce and sip on their Vegan Whisky Sour or Lifestyle Vegan Colada.
Address: 135a, Baner Road, near Balewadi Phata, next to Porwal Cycles, Balewadi Phata, Baner, Pune, Maharashtra
6. The Green Affair - Cafe and Cocktail House, Breach Candy, Mumbai
The Green Affair takes pride in being India's first vegan party destination, and the rooftop cocktail bar with upscale dining lives up to that claim. The menu offers a variety of handcrafted drinks, from traditional favourites like the Whiskey Sour to modern concoctions like the Green Apple & Celery Daiquiri. You can order from their extensive menu of European and American flavours, including vegan salads, desserts, one-bowl options, and Jain alternatives. Mock Meat Tacos, Jackfruit Crepes and Asian Meatball Skewers seem like interesting picks.
Address: Hubtown Skybay, 4th Floor and Rooftop, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Mahalaxmi(W), Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra
7.GoodDo - The Vegan Eatery, Junction of Carter Road, Lower Parel, Andheri East and multiple outlets, Mumbai
GoodDo, is the brainchild of the plant-based meat company Good Dot and has multiple vegan kiosks dotted in Bombay. And their kiosks are what you need for a quick vegan bite on the go. In addition to regional small bites like Good Patty Wrap, Unmutton Sukka Roll, and Unmutton Keema Pav they also have hearty meal options that include Unchicken Makhani with Paratha and Vegetarian Biryani. Round out your meal with a vegan Chhas or an Oreo shake.
Address: Shop No. 12, Gagangiri Premises CHS, Ground Floor, B/26, Junction of Carter Road and, Pali Hill Rd, Khar Danda, W, Maharashtra
8.Earthlings Cafe, Sundervan Complex, Mumbai
Actress Sadaa Sayed's Earthlings Cafe offers a menu that combines healthy bites to satiate health-conscious diners and vegan fast food to entice first-timers. Pastas, soups, salads, smoothies, and pancakes are on the menu, and the creaminess of some of these items will make you question your vegan stance. Try the creamy basil pesto for something filling and the Mock Meat Fingers with Tartar Sauce for something light and intriguing or scoop into their bestseller Chocolate Ganache Cake.
Address: Shop No. 12 Sterlings CHS, Sundervan Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra
9. Ubuntu Eat, New Alipore, West Bengal
Ubuntu Eat is an eco-friendly eatery named after an African tribe believed to be the happiest in the world. In a city that loves its meat, the cafe offers a vegan variant for all of it, including prawns, fish, mutton, and chicken. Their extensive menu has a mix of continental small bites and regional classics including Kosha Manggsho and Chyngri Malaikari. Order their Unmutton Biryani and Fysh Fry with Kasundi on your next visit here. The conscious menu and recycled décor align with the ethos of a zero-waste cafe.
Address: 603/1B Block 'O', New Alipore 3rd right, opposite Hindustan Sweets, Kolkata, West Bengal
Aside from these places, there is also a vibrant vegan scene in other Indian cities. Check out our list of vegan friendly cafes in Bangalore, not to forget where to go for the best vegan sushi in Bangalore. And if the idea of mock meat sounds enticing, we have a list of restaurants in Bangalore that offer interesting mock meat options on their menus.
Chennai too offers vegan cuisine, as you'll see in this list, as does Goa vegan Cuisine
Last but not least, here are the top tips to stay vegan when travelling in India so you can eat well on your trips.
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
