Being vegan is not easy in India, where the only vegetarian alternative to protein is dal(lentil) and paneer (cottage cheese). Further, maintaining a vegan diet is all the more difficult when travelling in the country. However, it's not completely impossible. Here's how.
With growing awareness about vegan lifestyle in the country, a number of like-minded people have opened up spaces, offering meat alternatives and dairy-free food options in a restaurant setting. Here's a list of seven vegan cafes and restaurants that will help you kill the boredom and get a decent meal free of animal products.
Planning a vacation in Goa has become easier for vegans now. Bean Me Up is a restaurant that serves vegan dishes from all around the world; from tofu, tempeh, fresh salads, home-cooked pasta dishes to even deserts. Adding cherry on the cake is the accommodation facility available to all the visitors. It has become the go-to place for vegan travellers in Goa.
Cost for two
Rs 800
Cuisine
American, Italian, Japanese
Standout dishes
Bruschettas, pasta, pancake, sushi
Timings and location
9.00 am to 11.00 pm and Ozran beach road, Goa
Contact
077690 95356
Taking forward the philosophy of non-violence towards all living beings, this vegan cafe in Shirdi offers a wide range of items on its menu. There is a separate breakfast menu. The cafe also offers health bowls made from fresh ingredients. Most popular dishes to try here are the wraps, fresh smoothies and turmeric latte. The restaurants further aims to produce cruelty-free world-class dishes every day, which are also 'on-the-go'. The place attracts a lot of pilgrims.
Cost for two
Rs 600
Cuisine
Indian, Continental
Standout dishes
Wraps, fresh smoothies and turmeric latte
Timings and location
9.00 am to 11.00 pm; Hotel Jivanta, Rui Shiv Road, Shirdi
Contact
7410 091 491
Craving for authentic Burmese cuisine with no meat or dairy? Then this is the place for you. With 80% of the menu being vegan, it offers some unique preparations that you definitely shouldn't miss. Burman blossom drink, tofu starters and the yellow Burman rice are some of them. Other branches of this restaurants are in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurgaon.
Cost for two
Rs 1,500
Cuisine
Burmese
Standout dishes
Samosa soup, Khao Suey, Burman blossom drink and yellow Burman rice
Timings and location
12.00 pm to 3.00 pm, 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm; Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Contact
8043008120
A rustic place with outdoor seating, which offers everything vegan–this is what Dharam Swasti is about. The place is perfect to visit with your friends and family and enjoy a mix of Indian and continental cuisine. The cafe also arranges for film screenings, bonfires and live music to go with the food. Massaman curry momos and fresh juices are some of the best items to try here.
Cost for two
Rs 500 for two
Cuisine
Asian
Standout dishes
Massaman curry momos and fresh juices
Timings and location
10.00 am to 9.30 pm; Auroville main road, Kuilappalayam, Auroville
Contact
9994614149
Everything served in this cafe is made from scratch and is organic–even the bread. This all-vegan cafe experiments with plant-based meat like dishes. The cafe aims to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Butterscotch ice-cream, chocolate brownie, jack-fruit shake and their pizza is worth a try. Come here, enjoy the peaceful ambience and relish on every single bite you take. The cafe keeps on changing its menu, so one visit is never enough here.
Cost for two
Rs 750
Cuisine
Bakery, Italian, American
Standout dishes
Sandwiches, brownies, hot chocolate and pumpkin soup
Timings and location
12.00 pm to 9.oo pm; Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Contact
9398273467
Ludhiana has finally come up with an all vegan restaurant where they have it all. From starters to deserts, everything is cruelty-free and this is the only 100% vegan place in Ludhiana. Also, with a wide variety of healthy options, The Holy Tree is also a great escape for people trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but are bored with cooking every meal. All their ingredients are fresh and organic and you can enjoy these guilt-free pleasures anytime. Some of the best dishes include their quinoa salad and vegetable risotto.
Cost for two
Rs 1000
Cuisine
Continental, Italian
Standout dishes
Quinoa salad and vegetable risotto.
Timings and location
12.oo pm to 10.30 pm; Basant Vihar road, Ludhiana
Contact
9007081260
The Real Green Cafe is Pune's first all-vegan cafe and serves some delicious desserts. The place also organises events like open mics and interactive discussions. Known for its interesting decor and amazing hospitality. The cave has maintained the quality of all its dishes since last three years. Some of the must-tries here are BBQ pizza, tofu burger, cheesy spinach mushroom, green smoothie and mushroom-corn sandwich.
Cost for two
Rs 750
Cuisine
Continental, American, Italian
Standout dishes
BBQ pizza, tofu burger, cheesy spinach mushroom and mushroom corn sandwich
Timings and location
11.00 am to 9.00 pm; North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune
Contact
8806270327
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