Vegan Indian Food: How to Eat Vegan at Indian Restaurants

Craving flavorful, aromatic, and plant-based cuisine? Look no further than vegan Indian food! Bursting with vibrant spices, fresh vegetables, and protein-packed legumes, Indian cuisine offers a treasure trove of delicious vegan options. Whether you’re searching for vegan Indian food near me or just want to expand your plant-based dining experience, Indian restaurants provide endless possibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore how to navigate an Indian restaurant in the US and enjoy a fulfilling vegan Indian feast!

Understanding Veganism in Indian Cuisine

India has long embraced plant-based diets, thanks to its deep-rooted vegetarian traditions. While many Indian dishes are naturally vegan, some contain dairy-based ingredients like ghee (clarified butter), paneer (cottage cheese), and yogurt. The key to enjoying vegan Indian food is understanding these common ingredients and how to substitute them. Opt for oil instead of ghee, coconut milk instead of dairy-based creams, and tofu instead of paneer. By making simple swaps, you can enjoy an entirely plant-based meal at any vegan Indian restaurant!

Best Vegan Indian Dishes to Order

Indian cuisine is rich with vegan-friendly options that are packed with flavor and nutrition. Here are some must-try dishes from Neehee’s menu:

Indo-Chinese Delights

• Veggie Manchurian – A crispy, flavorful Indo-Chinese dish made with vegetable dumplings in a tangy, spicy sauce.
• Gobi Manchurian – Fried cauliflower tossed in a delicious, spicy sauce.
• Schezwan Fried Rice – Stir-fried rice infused with bold, spicy Schezwan flavors.
• Vegetable Hakka Noodles – Stir-fried noodles with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
• Chili Garlic Noodles – A fiery, garlicky noodle dish perfect for spice lovers.
• Dragon Potatoes – Crispy potatoes tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce for an addictive crunch.

Street Chaat Favorites

• Pani Puri – Crispy, hollow puris filled with spiced water, tangy chutneys, and chickpeas.
• Bhel Puri – A crunchy mix of puffed rice, chutneys, and vegetables, bursting with flavor.
• Sev Batata Puri – Crispy puris topped with potatoes, sev, and tangy chutneys.
• Samosa Ragda – Samosas served with spicy, flavorful ragda (curried white peas).
• Masala Puri – A warm and spicy chaat made with crushed puris and a savory lentil mixture.

Savory Dosa Options

• Masala Dosa – A crispy rice crepe stuffed with spiced potato filling.
• Mysore Masala Dosa – A spicier version of the classic masala dosa with a flavorful red chutney.
• Onion Rawa Masala Dosa – A crispy, thin dosa made from semolina, topped with onions and spices.
• Veggie Spring Dosa Wrap – A fusion of Indian dosa with fresh, stir-fried vegetables.

Classic Indian Entrees

• Undhiyu Puri – A traditional Gujarati mixed vegetable dish served with puris.
• Puri Bhaji – Spiced potato curry served with fluffy puris.

Crunchy Pakodas & Snacks

• Veg Pakoda – Crispy fritters made with mixed vegetables and gram flour.
• Onion Pakoda – Spiced onion fritters, perfect for a crunchy bite.
• Cut Mirchi – Spicy chili fritters that pack a flavorful punch.

Whether you’re in the mood for spicy street food or comforting curries, Neehee’s menu offers a variety of vegan delights to satisfy every taste!

How Neehee’s Makes Going Vegan Easy (and Tasty!)

At Neehee’s, we believe everyone deserves to experience bold, vibrant flavor, no matter their lifestyle. That’s why we’ve crafted a wide range of vegan-optional dishes that never compromise on taste. From street food favorites to hearty meals, many of our items can be made vegan upon request, using high-quality plant-based ingredients and authentic Indian spices. Whether you’re fully vegan or just starting to explore, our menu makes it easy (and delicious) to go plant-based.

Vegan Optional – These dishes can be modified to be vegan by removing or substituting certain ingredients. For instance, Paneer Paratha can be made vegan by swapping paneer for a plant-based alternative.

Here are our few Vegan Optionals from the menu:

• Chutney Vada Pav – Spiced potato dumpling mashed between two buns. 
• Dabeli – A sweet and spicy potato mix with peanuts, onions, and sev, served in a pav spread with tamarind and garlic chutneys. ​
• Bombay Veggie Grill – Boiled potatoes, beet, cucumber, and tomato with green chutney and ketchup, topped with mozzarella cheese. 
• Sandwich Dosa Wrap – Plain dosa filled with potato-onion masala, onions, tomato, and mozzarella cheese, served with sambhar and chutneys.
• Garlic Butter Vada Pav – Spiced potato dumpling mashed between two buns with dry vada pav masala. ​
• Aloo Tikki Burger – Vegetable patty with onions and tomato, served in pav with mint-cilantro chutney, ketchup, and cheddar cheese, accompanied by potato chips.
• Mumbai College Grill – Onions, tomato, green bell peppers, potato, mint-cilantro chutney, spices, and mozzarella cheese.

How to Order Vegan at an Indian Restaurant

Dining out at an Indian restaurant in the US? Follow these tips to ensure a delicious vegan experience:

• Communicate Clearly: Inform the server that you follow a vegan diet and ask for dishes without dairy or ghee.
• Request Customization: Many dishes can be easily modified. Ask for plant-based oil instead of ghee, coconut milk instead of cream, and tofu instead of paneer.
• Check the Bread: Indian breads like naan often contain dairy, so opt for roti or paratha made without butter.
• Ask About Hidden Ingredients: Some curries may include butter or yogurt. Always double-check with the staff.
• Explore the Sides: Many sides, like pickles, chutneys, and papad (crispy lentil crackers), are naturally vegan.

Vegan-Friendly Indian Restaurants in the US

Finding a great vegan Indian restaurant is easier than ever! Many Indian eateries now offer dedicated vegan menus or customizable options. If your Google search looks something like ‘vegan Indian food near me,’ check for places that specialize in fresh, plant-based dishes.

One such restaurant is Neehee’s, a haven for Indian street food lovers. With an extensive menu featuring 100% vegetarian dishes, including a wide variety of vegan options, Neehee’s menu makes it easy to enjoy authentic and delicious Indian flavors without compromising your diet.

Conclusion

Eating vegan at an Indian restaurant is a delightful experience, filled with rich flavors, aromatic spices, and wholesome ingredients. From comforting curries to crispy street food, there’s no shortage of delicious plant-based options to try. Next time you’re looking for vegan Indian food near me, visit Neehee’s for an unforgettable feast of authentic vegan Indian street food!

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