As more people recognise the value of healthy eating and are adopting plant-based diets, the vegan scene in Chennai has changed the food landscape of the city and how! Chennai has quickly become vegan-friendly and was recognised by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in 2018 with an award for being India’s ‘Most Vegan-Friendly City’ as part of its World Vegan Month celebrations. Here’s a curated list of the city’s most happening vegan joints.
The Viridian Plate, Kamaraj Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur
This green-themed, plant-based family-run restaurant offers an exclusively vegan menu. Previously known as Vegan Zeals in Pondicherry, the restaurant has moved to the heart of Chennai in a newer, greener avatar. The owners believe in serving guests food that is sustainable, healthy, ethical, and causes the least possible disturbance to the environment. Do check out their Jackfruit Biryani, Tofu Corn Tikki, and Tofu Butter Masala. As a bonus, they have a beautiful library and a range of board games for guests to unwind with. Periodically, they also have pop-up markets.
Address: The Viridian Plate: 17/9, 3rd E St, Kamaraj Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur
Timings: Friday to Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Closed on Thursdays)
Santé Spa Cuisine, Rutland Gate 2nd St, Thousand Lights
Touted for its unique and inclusive menu, Santé Spa Cuisine stands out with its vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Offering an ethnic indoor dining space as well as a cute outdoor seating area, it hits the right balance between modern and rustic. Do stop by the well-stocked reading nook, with books on clean eating and a soulful lifestyle. With Continental and Mediterranean offerings come a range of pizzas as well. The Crunchy Chlorophyll Dimsums on Red Curry, the Green Thai Curry, and the Organic Farm Fresh Pizza are the signature items you don’t want to miss out on!
Address: Santé Spa Cuisine: 4, Ground Floor, Rutland Gate 2nd St, Thousand Lights
Timings: Monday to Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Lyfe by Soul Garden Bistro, Ananda Rd, Alwarpet
A vegetarian restaurant that is a strong advocate of the planet-friendly vegan lifestyle, Lyfe by Soul Garden Bistro is the winner of the Times Food & Nightlife Awards 2022 in the Vegan - Casual Dine category. Known for its inclusive menu and a wide range of plant-based alternatives to meat-based delicacies, the restaurant caters to a wider palate of taste preferences. They also have keto-friendly, NONG (Jain-friendly), and gluten-free specials on their menu. Do try their Vegan Butter Cheekn, Vegan Mooton Rogan Josh, and Vegan Cheekn Marinara Pasta when you’re there next!
Address: Lyfe by Soul Garden Bistro: 14, Ananda Rd, Alwarpet
Timings: Open on all days from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Pumpkin Tales, Bheemanna Garden St, Alwarpet
Born out of a love for Asian flavours and with the influence of a global palate, Pumpkin Tales opened its doors in 2017, intending to bring good breakfast and pastries to the city. Their signature sourdough breads are vegan, and you can choose from five different variations, baked fresh every day. Pumpkin Tales is also one of the city’s breakfast hot spots, offering everything from classic kaya toast to breakfast bowls and bagel sandwiches. Their breakfast menu is quite extensive! The lunch and dinner menu is equally enthralling, offering predominantly Asian & Continental options. Do try their Harvest Grain Bowl, Vegan Sausage, and Mexican Bowl.
Address: Pumpkin Tales: 37, 20, Bheemanna Garden St, Alwarpet
Timings: Open every day from 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.| Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.| Hi-tea: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.| Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
Asian Station, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar
Asian Station is a Pan Asian dining platform that has a plethora of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes to choose from, with an exciting menu that undergoes regular changes to bring in new delectables. Be sure to check out their Food Festivals to not miss out on flavourful celebrations. Step into Asian Station the next time you are in Anna Nagar and try out the Asian Station Veg Elite Sushi, Thai Basil Dim Sum, Lotus Stem Honey Chili, and Triple Fusion Noodles. They also offer a cosy private dining space for family gatherings and parties.
Address: 17, 24, 3rd St, Lapis lagoon, AA Block, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar
Timings: Open every day for lunch (12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) & dinner (6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.)
B’ Veg Café, Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Gopalapuram
Conceptualised and started during the pandemic, B’Veg Café has risen to become a favourite haunt for vegans and vegetarians in the city, with its extensive plant-based menu. The options on the menu range from North Indian, Chinese, Tandoori, and pizza specials. Offering guests a pleasant and friendly ambience, the café also has a unique organic produce store for those who wish to take home a little something that is earthy and healthy. When you’re here next, do try their signature dishes - Paneer Tikka, Dum Subz Biryani, and Garlic Bread before rounding it off with a refreshing beverage.
Address: Ground floor, old 179, new 375, Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Gopalapuram
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Tamu Tamu Chennai
A delivery-only and curbside pick-up vegan food business.
Bringing in warm, breezy Mediterranean flavours packed in tempting all-day meal boxes, Tamu Tamu is an exclusively vegan food business. Quickly becoming Chennai vegan lovers’ go-to for their delicious pita pockets and hummus, Tamu Tamu’s menu offers a wide range of healthy lunch and dinner options, made from the freshest ingredients and cooked with love. Their planet-friendly approach reflects in their completely biodegradable packaging too. Do try out their Lebanese meal box, pita pockets, and hummus-falafel plates from their extensive menu.
Address: Central Kitchen, 3rd Floor, Jupiter Party Hall, Kamarajar Salai
WhatsApp for orders on 9884400821
Timings: All days - lunch from 11:30 a.m. onwards, dinner from 5:00 p.m. onwards.
Cauvery Kesavasamy
Cauvery Kesavasamy is a published author of two well-received books: Shru-berry Tales-Conversations with a Toddler, published in 2019 and The Perfect Face and Other Stories, published in 2020. She has just finished working on her third book, an illustrated picture book for children. Cauvery grew up learning the green from the trees and browns from the dusty towns of urbanizing India. With a background in law, and management, and a brief stint in banking, she found her true calling in writing stories. She is currently working as a freelance content writer for a leading hospitality brand.
3 Comments
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Menhir2021 2 years, 2 months ago
Thank you for listing them out ! You seem to have missed mentioning MEarth at R A though !!
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Menhir2021 2 years, 2 months ago
Flower Drum and Les Amis too.
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Menhir2021 2 years, 2 months ago
Lotus Stem HONEY Chilli is not a vegan dish.
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