If you've been a vegetarian for a long time or lean more towards a vegan lifestyle, the plant-based nature of Indian food offers something for everyone. Indian cuisine uses flavors, spices, and various legumes, vegetables, and grains; Indian dishes are delicious and nutritious for anyone who lives a plant-based lifestyle. Today, Indian cuisine is a go-to option for vegans and vegetarians.
Let's explore popular Indian dishes well-known for being vegan and vegetarian.
What Indian food is Vegan?
To find out what Indian food is vegan, look for a few common names that will guide you to the ingredients used.
Chef Bombay’s Vegan Options
Chef Bombay offers a variety of vegan appetizers and meals you can enjoy at your table, packed with flavor and nutrition. These dishes include:
- Vegetable Samosas: These snacks are a multi-layered light and crisp pastry filled with authentically spiced real, natural vegetables.
- Vegetable Pakoras: These popular snacks or appetizers are bite-sized fritters delicately spiced and served with tamarind sauce.
- Masoor Biryani: Our Masoor Biryani is made with lentils and spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin.
The Most Popular Vegan Indian Food
Indian food is well-known for using vegan ingredients like legumes, nuts and seeds, chickpeas, and black beans in their dishes. Some of the most popular Indian vegan foods include Samosas, which are commonly made with vegan ingredients; Chana Masala, made with spiced chickpea curry; Vegetable Biryani, a spiced rice dish; and Aloo Gobi, a potato and cauliflower curry dish, are few popular vegan Indian foods options.
Masoor Dal is a comforting vegan Indian dish with stewed lentils, peas, Indian spices, tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic for additional flavor. Dal is typically served with rice or naan.
What Indian Food is Vegetarian?
India is the largest vegetarian country in the world. For many generations, Indian food has followed a culturally rich diet heavy in well-seasoned vegetables. Indian food is the most vegetarian-friendly, offering dishes made with chickpeas and paneer cheese. It has a unique ability to make vegetables taste delicious while still being packed with nutrients.
Chef Bombay Vegetarian Options
All of Chef Bombay’s vegan options are vegetarian-friendly. We also offer two vegetarian dishes that are flavorful and very filling.
- Chole Naanpanadas: A mini empanada-like sandwich with a sautéed chickpea and cheese filling sandwiched in a naan dough.
- Palak Paneer: This meal is made with paneer cheese in a creamy spinach curry served with turmeric rice.
Popular Vegetarian Indian Dishes
Chana Masala, Dal Makani, Saag Paneer, Mutter Paneer, and Malai Kofta are the five most popular vegetarian dishes that can be made at home or enjoyed in a restaurant.
Malai Kofta is a vegetarian dish you will be dreaming about. It is one of the most sought-after Indian restaurant dishes traditionally served on special occasions. It takes a lot of effort to make, and good ones are hard to find. This dish is made with potatoes, a mixture of vegetables, paneer cheese, heavy cream, & spices and stuffed with nuts and raisins.
Indian food offers endless vegan and vegetarian options. Since its beginning, Indian cuisine has been crafted with natural vegetables and flavorful spices. As the vegetarian and vegan populations continue to grow worldwide, Indian Food has various options for all diets. Chef Bombay offers vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes in the comfort of your home that are easy to make, affordable, and convenient.