17
Jul, 2023
60 Best Vegetarian Meals

60 Best Vegetarian Meals

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian and want to mix up your usual rotation of vegetarian dinner recipes, or are an omnivore wondering “what can I make for dinner if I have no meat?”, we’re betting that you’ll find what you’re looking for here! We’ve rounded up 60—count ‘em! 60!—of the very best vegetarian meals. From a 15-minute mac and cheese to a super-healthy, vegan hummus bowl and just about everything in between, we just know that you’ll find more than a few meatless recipes in this website https://bombaysandwichco.com/ to love.

60 Best Vegetarian Meals

Healthy Vegetarian Meals

  • Walnut-Lentil Bolognese. Boldly flavored, super hearty and incredibly easy, this vegan walnut and lentil bolognese recipe takes your plant-based eating goals to new heights.
  • Vegetable Soup. Just pair this vegetarian vegetable soup with some good bread or toast and you’re good to go.
  • Vegan Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. Roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, black beans and raw kale are tossed in a creamy, lime dressing in this brightly flavorful, vegan sweet potato salad recipe.
  • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing. Loaded with nuts, as well as dried and fresh fruit, this hearty vegetarian salad makes a great light, healthy lunch.
  • Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with Avocado Crema. Roasted veggies, savory beans and a lime-garlic avocado crema top a bed of cilantro-lime rice in this hearty, healthy vegetarian burrito bowl recipe.
  • Green Curry Buddha Bowl. Finished with a creamy green curry sauce, this veggie-loaded vegan bowl is the healthiest thing you’ll ever love.
  • Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta With Ratatouille. Ratatouille—a classic combination of late summer vegetables, cooked to tender perfection—is an ideal partner for creamy goat cheese polenta. Together, they’re the vegetarian dinner of your dreams!
  • Curried Cauliflower Quinoa Salad. This loaded salad is hearty and filling, and topped with an irresistible yogurt-tahini dressing.
  • Curried Pumpkin Soup. Velvety smooth and brilliantly hued, this creamy vegan pumpkin curry soup recipe is deeply beloved in our homes.
  • Spring Salad With Barley and Lemon Chive Vinaigrette. Dressed with a chive vinaigrette, crunchy sunflower seeds and tart cranberries, this recipe is an edible celebration of the cusp of spring.
  • Roasted Cauliflower and Hummus Bowl. Za’atar roasted cauliflower, roasted chickpeas and creamy hummus make this low-carb vegan bowl recipe delicious, filling and loaded with protein.
  • Butternut Squash Soup. Creamy butternut squash soup made with sweet apples, garlic, and thyme is the perfect cozy, light dinner.

Super Quick Vegetarian Meals

  • Instant Pot Mac & Cheese. Mac & cheese is pure vegetarian comfort food, and this one is ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Sesame-Garlic Ramen Noodles. Use a pack of instant ramen noodles to whip up sesame garlic ramen noodles that taste restaurant-worthy but come together in about ten minutes.
  • Perfect Grilled Cheese. It always comes back to grilled cheese. Lunch, dinner, snack-time—this one is a no-fail crowd-pleaser.

High-Protein Vegetarian Meals

  • Tofu Lettuce Wraps. Soy sauce, lime juice and a little chili paste make a simple, delectable sauce for these easy low-carb vegetarian tofu lettuce wraps.
  • Braised Chickpeas with Chard. Smoked paprika and jarred marinara sauce punch up a simple vegan dinner of tomato-y braised chickpeas with chard. Healthy, fast and high in protein, it ticks every box.
  • Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce. Cooked quickly at high heat and drizzled with lots of homemade peanut sauce, this stir-fry is a wildly flavorful celebration of how delicious a plant-based dinner can be.
  • Vegetarian Meatballs. Savory and sooo satisfying, these delicious, lentil-based vegetarian meatballs are a fast favorite. Plus, they freeze well!
  • Kung Pao Tofu. With crunchy cashews and lots of veggies doused in a healthy dose of spicy Kung Pao sauce, this quick vegetarian recipe really hits the spot.
  • Lentil Soup with Quinoa and Mushrooms. French green lentils—the “caviar” of lentils—lend a toothsome bite to this protein-rich, vegan lentil soup with quinoa and mushrooms.
  • Falafel. Ever notice that the best vegan recipes are the ones that are accidentally vegan? As in, no ingredients posing as a faux version of something meaty or cheesy? Falafel is just exactly that kind of meal.
  • Vegetarian Chili. Whether you’re just dipping a toe into the world of plant-based eating, are a long-time vegan, this sweet potato-studded, smoky chili recipe is guaranteed to more than satisfy.

Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes

  • Cauliflower Curry. Easy, rich, creamy and warmly-spiced this 30-minute vegetarian cauliflower-loaded coconut curry redefines comfort food.
  • Coconut Curry Lentil Soup. A creamy, rich coconut curry broth loaded with veggies makes this coconut curry lentil soup the perfect 30-minute, one-pot dinner. Oh, and P.S. it’s vegan!
  • Coconut Curry Zoodle Ramen. This coconut curry ramen is sure to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. Thanks to a few easy shortcuts, it comes together super fast.
  • Mediterranean-Style Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce. We think that it’s high time more people made room in their hearts for these Italian-ish (parmesan!), Greek-ish (hello tzatziki!) crispy zucchini fritters.
  • Mushroom Alfredo Cauliflower Gnocchi. This vegetarian recipe comes together in minutes thanks to an ingredient list that’s only 3 items long. Thanks, Trader Joe’s!
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup. This naturally vegetarian recipe will have you falling in love with this classic earthy, savory soup all over again (and ditching that canned stuff for good)
  • Vodka Sauce and Green Bean Cauliflower Gnocchi. The only thing more luxurious than gnocchi with vodka sauce for dinner is pasta with gnocchi with vodka sauce that takes just ten minutes to make!
  • Vegetable Curry Soup. This creamy curry soup is rich and creamy—thanks to a silky coconut milk broth—and loaded with hearty vegetables like carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and eggplant, and fragrant spices like ginger and garam masala.
  • Vegan Cauliflower Gnocchi with Kale-Cashew Pesto. Hearty, healthy and vegan, this ten minute cauliflower gnocchi dinner is almost too good to be true. Almost.
  • Cauliflower Pizza Crust. Because we love a challenge, we figured out how to make a Trader Joe’s-inspired cauliflower pizza crust at home!

30-Minute Vegetarian Meals

  • Creamy Curry Noodles with Crispy Tofu. Fresh, toothsome udon noodles team up with red curry paste and rich, silky coconut milk to become a bowlful of vegetarian dinnertime bliss.
  • Baked Gnocchi with Broccoli. Cheesy, gooey, hot and bubbly—this one-pan baked gnocchi with broccoli is 100% pure certified vegetarian comfort food that any omnivore would also happily gobble down.
  • Wild Mushroom Risotto. Our easy-peasy wild mushroom risotto recipe is so richly flavorful you’ll want to find any excuse to make it again.
  • Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce. Regular old canned tomatoes—both tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, actually—and fresh basil get the luxury treatment in this quick vegetarian dinner recipe.
  • Creamy Zucchini Pasta. A big bowl of this silky, rich pasta—nope, we don’t mean zoodles! We mean real, carb-o-licious pasta—is really hard to beat.
  • Broccoli Pesto Pasta. This recipe is a thing of logistical beauty. A stock pot of boiling water + simple ingredients come together to make a healthy, quick, satisfying supper everyone can feel good about.
  • Rigatoni with Mushroom Cream Sauce. A buttery, rich cream sauce made even more decadent with the addition of earthy mushrooms—what’s not to love?

Easy Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

  • Coconut Curry Ramen. Using just one pot and (instant!) ramen noodles—just the noodles, toss that sodium-bomb flavor packet—makes this vegetarian coconut curry ramen a quick vegetarian dinner
  • Crock-Pot Vegetable Lasagna. Fresh basil, tons of veggies, and three cheeses brighten up jarred pasta sauce and no-boil noodles in this super easy Crock-Pot vegetable lasagna.
  • Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. Everything’s better served in a warm tortilla and paired with avocado, which is why we’re currently obsessed with this super simple cauliflower taco recipe.
  • Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. If you’ve got ten minutes and can open a jar, you can make this tonight.
  • Three-Ingredient Tomato Sauce. Olive oil, salt, fresh tomatoes, and a little time are all it takes to create the most vibrant fresh tomato sauce recipe that’s ever emerged from the TMP test kitchen.
  • Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers. Brimming with a taco-seasoned, cheesy bean-and-rice filling, this is an easy, healthy dinner that’s sure to spice up your week.
  • Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Paprika-tinged and soothing, there’s something uniquely cozy about this creamy mushroom soup.
  • 4 Cheese and Mushroom Rolled Lasagna. Loaded with four kinds of cheese, savory mushrooms, and plenty of garlic (duh), this easy, cheesy rolled lasagna is a modern vegetarian classic.
  • Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe is a throwback to a childhood classic with an extra cheesy, velvety sauce and all the crispy crusty parts everyone will fight over.

Vegetarian Sheet Pan Dinner Recipes

  • Sweet Potato Tacos. Loaded with tangy slaw and black beans, these easy sweet potato tacos are the comforting vegetarian dinner that Meatless Monday dreams are made of.
  • Portobello Mushroom Fajitas. A healthy, fast, vegetarian sheet pan dinner is as easy and delicious as can be—meet our veggie-loaded portobello mushroom fajitas!
  • Sheet Pan Quesadilla with Jalapeño Ranch. Stuffed with cheese and avocado, this giant, melty, upgraded cheese sheet pan quesadilla is so crazy good.
  • Apple, Caramelized Onion and Spinach Quesadilla. We favor baked quesadillas—as opposed to those cooked on the stove-top—simply because it’s so easy to make a bunch of them at the same time if you bake them in the oven.

The Best Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes

  • Huevos Rancheros. Runny, fried eggs over a bed of seasoned beans—homemade huevos rancheros are a no-brainer vegetarian breakfast.
  • Spinach Mushroom Strata. Swiss cheese and buttery mushrooms make this savory, earthy spinach strata recipe your new weekend brunch-at-home favorite.
  • Migas. This Tex-Mex classic plays nice with whatever it’s served with—be it waffles or home fries, hash browns or pancakes—and we cannot get enough.
  • Caramelized Onion Frittata. Heavy cream helps this vegetarian frittata stay tender, light and bouncy.
  • Salsa Verde Baked Eggs. With just two main ingredients, a vegetarian main dish does not get simpler than this satisfying breakfast recipe.
  • Tomato, Basil & Caramelized Onion Quiche. With heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, a shaving of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and onions caramelized to perfection, this is the be-all end-all of quiche recipes.
  • Five Onion Tart with Arugula Salad. This sweet little tart makes a wonderful vegetarian meal any time of the day.

8
Jul, 2023
Vegan Breakfast Near Me: 17 Chains to Grab a Tasty Morning Meal 

Vegan Breakfast Near Me: 17 Chains to Grab a Tasty Morning Meal 

Breakfast is, arguably, one of the best meals of the day. Whether you eat first thing in the morning or you’re more of a brunch-lover, you can’t go wrong with a stack of pancakes, a plate of (vegan) bacon and eggs, a bagel, or a simple bowl of cereal and oat milk. But when did we first start eating breakfast? And why? https://bombaysandwichco.com/ We’ve got the answers below. And, for days when you roll out of bed and just don’t feel like cooking, we’ve also listed the very best chains to grab some tasty plant-based morning grub.

Why do we eat breakfast?

While it’s now considered by many as the most important meal of the day, people haven’t always eaten breakfast.

Those who lived in medieval Europe, for example, would only eat early in the morning if they were up early for work, or they were suffering from an illness. Some also rejected the idea on religious grounds. Fasting was the pinnacle of morality, and eating too soon in the morning was seen as a sign of gluttony. Fun fact: the word breakfast literally means to break the fast—because we fast as we sleep.

But over the centuries, as new foods and beverages (like tea and coffee) were introduced to Europe from countries they had colonized, breakfast became more normalized, and even celebrated.

By the Victorian era, people on both sides of the Atlantic were enjoying breakfast. For poorer, working people, this would be something simple and quick, but for, say, wealthy Americans, breakfast became a feast of poached eggs, English muffins, toast, and French cheese, reports CBS.

The 19th century also brought with it the invention of Quaker Oats and cereals, like cornflakes. And by the turn of the 20th century, breakfast, as we know it today, had started to take shape.

Vegan Breakfast Near Me: 17 Chains to Grab a Tasty Morning Meal 

Popular vegan breakfast foods

According to USA Today, bacon, eggs, sausage, and pancakes are all in the top five breakfast foods for Americans. But plant-based alternatives to all of these foods exist, so if you want to indulge in a big vegan meal in the morning, you don’t have to miss out. For more on vegan bacon options, follow our guide to the best brands here. We’ve also got the ultimate guide to vegan sausages, and you can find out everything you need to know about one of the most popular vegan egg products, Just Egg, here.

Where to buy vegan breakfast

Life is all about the little things that make us happy. And waking up at the weekend and finding somewhere to eat a delicious breakfast is one of those little things. Luckily, the vegan breakfast options are leveling up all of the time—and not just in the US.

If you’re in Toronto, Revelstoke Cafe is the newest brunch spot turning its customers on to plant-based foods with vegan breakfast classics, like tofu scramble and cashew hollandaise. And in London, popular breakfast chain the Breakfast Club serves an extensive vegan menu, and even turned one location totally vegan for Veganuary.

But in the US, there is also an abundance of vegan breakfast options. Next time your stomach growls in the morning, consider breaking your fast at one of these chains.

Peet’s Coffee

If you’re in the mood for a munch and a morning coffee (with dairy-free milk, of course), head down to Peet’s and try the Everything Plant-Based Sandwich, which includes Beyond Breakfast Sausage, Just Egg, and vegan cheddar cheese.

Starbucks

If you’re passing a Starbucks (which, to be honest, is a frequent occurrence for most of us), meat-free breakfast options include an Impossible Breakfast Sandwich (which comes with egg and cheese) or a bagel with avocado spread (which is totally vegan!).

IHOP

Ok, so unfortunately the pancakes at IHOP are not vegan. But don’t despair, the menu at the popular pancake chain has plenty of other plant-based choices, including plant-based sausages, avocado toast, and crispy hashbrowns.

Qdoba

Qdoba is a great place to grab a quick burrito for lunch or dinner, but there are some vegan breakfast options too. Ask for the Potato Breakfast Burrito, or the Potato Breakfast Bowl, without egg or cheese, and ask for extra guac.

Caffe Nero

Based in London and inspired by Italy, the coffee chain Caffe Nero also has several locations in the US. And just like its UK spots, a handful of vegan options are on the menu, including a Vegan Breakfast Roll with Beyond Sausage, Just Egg, and Daiya vegan cheese.

Odd Burger

Odd Burger (formerly known as Globally Local) is currently a Canada-based vegan chain, but it’s on its way to the US very soon, as it signed a letter of intent last year to open 50 new spots in the US and Europe. And when that moment comes, make sure your stomach is ready, because its vegan breakfast menu—which includes the Bacun Maple Crunch, the Faconator, and the Ham Breakfast Sandwich—is extensive.

Silver Diner

Eastern US chain Silver Diner really delivers on the vegan breakfast options. If you want to keep it simple, there’s the standard (yet always delicious) pancake stack, or you can indulge in Just Egg Breakfast Tacos, which are served with BBQ Beyond Meat. If you’re extra hungry, you could add some tempeh bacon too.

Breakfast Republic

Breakfast Republic caters to all tastes and lifestyle choices, and its vegan menu doesn’t disappoint. There’s even a Harvest Omelet, complete with plant-based eggs, veggies, vegan sausage, pancakes, and a Vegan Breakfast Burrito with meatless beef strips.

Alfred Coffee

Popular LA coffee chain Alfred has something for everyone—including vegans. Grab an iced, dairy-free latte, and if your stomach is rumbling, there are choices like an Avo Bagel with chives and micro greens or a VLT bagel with avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee started in Minnesota in the 1990s and has since expanded to around 485 locations across the US. If there’s a spot near you, head down in the morning for an Iced Oatmilk Crafted Press and a Just Egg Roasted Tomato & Pesto Flatbread, complete with vegan cheese.

Plant Power Fast Food

McDonald’s may be lacking in vegan breakfast options, but you still can grab a meaty, cheesy plant-based muffin, croissant, or bagel at California-based chain Plant Power Fast Food. Don’t forget the side of hash browns!

Jajaja Mexicana

For a taste of Mexico in the morning, head down to one of Jajaja Mexicana New York locations and grab a Breaky Burrito with vegan eggs and mushrooms, or treat yourself to a big stack of Kale Pancakes with coconut mango jam.

The Butcher’s Daughter

Despite the name, The Butcher’s Daughter is an entirely vegetarian chain, with locations in Venice, West Hollywood, Nolita, Williamsburg, and West Village. At the weekend, it serves a brunch menu, complete with vegan Loaded Banana Bread and Butcher’s Pancakes with coconut drizzle and berry sauce.

Planta

With 10 locations across the US and Canada, Planta is the place to go if you’re celebrating something special. Its indulgent plant-based brunch menu includes French Toast, Frittata, and Overnight Oats. If you prefer something a little less breakfast-y, there’s also a Poke Bowl with spicy ahi watermelon and hearts of palm.

Saxbys

It’s breakfast all day every day at Philadelphia-based Saxbys, so don’t worry if you want a super long lie-in. After you’ve emerged from your slumber though, you should definitely try the Plant-Powered Breakfast Grilled Cheese with dairy-free cheddar and Just Egg.

Turning Point

With 20 locations across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, Turning Point is a bit of a vegan breakfast paradise. There are plant-based omelets, sausages, patties, and Just Egg, but the star of the menu is the I Can’t Believe They’re Vegan Pancakes, served with fresh fruit.

Gregory’s Coffee

New York-based Gregory’s Coffee goes above and beyond with its breakfast menu, which is prepared under the guidance of its own in-house registered dietitian. The croissant Deluxe is one of its most popular menu items, but vegans don’t have to miss out, because the chain has made a plant-based version with vegan eggs, sausage, and cheese.

4
Jul, 2023
Diet-Friendly & Vegan Options in Indian Food

Diet-Friendly & Vegan Options in Indian Food

Eating out can be a challenge if you have dietary restrictions. Many restaurants offer special dishes to cater to various diets, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dietary restrictions, but these meal options are often less flavorful than other menu choices. However, Indian food naturally caters to vegan and vegetarian diets and the menu options offered at https://bombaysandwichco.com/ don’t compromise on flavor. Our menu is filled with a wide variety of healthy Indian food that caters to every preference, from lean proteins to vegetarian and vegan entrees. Choose from any of the flavorful meals below to enjoy vegan Indian food that is completely satisfying.

Diet-Friendly & Vegan Options in Indian Food

Chana Masala

One name you’ll see often repeated throughout the menu at any Indian restaurant is masala. Masala is simply a traditional blend of spices used in many dishes of India, in this case in chickpea dishes. The chickpeas are cooked in a tomato-based masala sauce that is made with cumin, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric. It is flavored with our signature spice mix.

Dal

Dal is a thick stew or dish made with lentils and is typically vegetarian as long as you make sure it has not been prepared or served with ghee (butter). For instance, bombaysandwichco serves two different dal dishes, a dal soup, and Dal Makhni, which are lentils with garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices.

Dal Makhni

Lentils are a nutrient-dense food that keeps you satisfied for hours, making them incredibly popular for people following a vegan diet. Our dish is made with red and yellow lentils that are cooked to perfection and seasoned with ginger, garlic, and tomato in addition to other spices.

Malai Kofta

This dish is traditionally vegetarian as it is made by frying balls of potato and paneer and then smothering them in gravy or creamy sauce. If you want to customize Malai Kofta to accommodate your diet, simply ask for koftas made without paneer and then cover them with our rich gravy seasoned with a variety of spices.

Vegetable Biryani

Biryani is the perfect dish for special occasions and the vegetable variety allows you to indulge in a flavorful meal while sticking to your vegan diet. Our vegetable biryani features layers of long-grain rice and seasoned vegetables covered in a rich, thick gravy. The entire dish is flavored with exotic spices and herbs and then is cooked over a low flame.

Vegetable Curry

Curry is a staple Indian dish, and there are many different varieties to cater to various tastes. Our vegetable curry features a flavorful sauce seasoned with the Chef’s signature spice mix. It is combined with an array of fresh vegetables for a healthy meal option.

Alu Mutter

Although the consumption of potatoes is restricted on other diets, the starchy vegetable is a staple for the vegan diet. Alu Mutter is a healthy combination of potatoes and green peas flavored with a variety of traditional Indian spices

Alu Gobi

Indian cuisine offers a lot of vegetable dishes, and one of the healthiest Indian dishes is Alu Gobi, which is just potatoes and cauliflower seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that give them the traditional Indian flavor. Both vegetables are nutrient-dense, making them ideal for any vegan diet. One of the main spices in this dish, turmeric, gives the food a yellow color, while ginger, coriander, cumin, garlic, and onion combine with the turmeric to provide the plate with a distinctive flavor.

Bombay Alu

Bombay Alu features our signature curry sauce made with tomatoes, chilies, spices, and herbs. Diced potatoes, seasoned with our signature spice blend, are mixed into the curry to thicken the rich sauce.

Navratan Korma

Because they are satisfying and filled with essential nutrients, vegetables should be the cornerstone of any diet, but they are a critical component of a vegan diet. This dish features a blend of seasoned mixed vegetables that are cooked in delectable whipped cream and topped with flavorful nuts for a satisfying crunch.

Mushroom Mutter

The hearty, earthy taste of mushrooms makes them a wonderful addition to many dishes and this traditional Indian meal makes them the main event. Whole mushrooms are cooked with green peas, tomato, and onions and flavored with herbs and spices.

Bhindi Masala

As with all Indian dishes, the spices are what make bhindi masala so flavorful. This dish features okra as the main ingredient and combines it with tomato and onion for enhanced flavor and texture. Exotic Indian spices make this dish come to life.

Alu Saag

Spinach is a superfood with many health benefits and when it is seasoned with traditional Indian herbs and spices, it becomes a flavorful dish that many vegans love. This dish combines chopped spinach with diced potatoes and coats them in an exotic spice blend.

Saag Chole

Made with flavorful chickpeas, this dish enhances the taste by seasoning them with our signature spice blend. Chopped spinach enriches the dish and makes it a delicious option for people following a vegan diet.

Roti

Vegans needn’t give up bread at an Indian restaurant. While naan is traditionally made with yogurt, making it off-limits for vegans, roti is a vegan flatbread that will pair perfectly with your food.

4
Jul, 2023
12 Vegan Indian Dishes You Must Try at Least Once

12 Vegan Indian Dishes You Must Try at Least Once

You’ve probably heard that India is great for lacto-vegetarian travelers, but did you know that there are also plenty of vegan Indian food items to choose from?​

The vegan movement is really taking off in India. But even before veganism was popular, there were already many vegan dishes in Indian cuisine, and even some vegan Indian desserts.

Today’s post from this website https://bombaysandwichco.com/ , an Indian travel enthusiast who’s here to share eight vegan Indian dishes that you definitely don’t want to miss.

12 Vegan Indian Dishes You Must Try at Least Once

Vegan Indian Food: 12 Dishes You Must Try

1. Chana Masala

Chana masala is my favorite vegan Indian dish. Watch the video to learn all about it!

Chana masala is primarily a northern Indian dish, although it is also eaten as a breakfast food in the south of India.

Chana means “chickpea” and masala means “spice”, so this dish is a chickpea curry made with tomatoes, garlic, ginger, onion, plenty of spices … and chickpeas, of course!

It’s usually vegan by default. The only non-vegan ingredient that you might find in this dish is ghee – a type of clarified butter that is sometimes used as a cooking fat in India.

If that’s the case, you can ask the restaurant staff to replace the ghee with a plant-based oil. Chana masala can be eaten with rice or with a bread such as chapati or naan. Or both!

2. Dal Chaawal

This is a common dish prepared in every household in India. Depending on the region, some families even prepare it three or four times a week.

Dal means “lentil” and chawal means “rice”, so this is a dish of lentils and rice. Indians use different kinds of lentils for making different lentil soups.

I remember there used to be more than 10 types of lentils in my mom’s kitchen. Each kind of soup uses a different combination of spices.

Thus, each of them differs in taste significantly. Indians love to eat lentil soup with rice and sometimes with roti (Indian flatbread). Interestingly, this dish is more popular in homes than in restaurants.

Often Indian families add a little bit of ghee or butter in the serving of lentil soup once it is ready. If you are traveling as a vegan, make sure you let your host or server know that you do not want ghee or butter.

In restaurants, you will probably find two kinds of lentil soups:

Dal Fry or Dal Tadka

This one is mostly prepared with yellow lentils (arhar or toor dal). It is possible that the restaurant staff might add butter or ghee to your serving without consulting you, so be sure to let them know you want a vegan meal.

And of course, to make this a complete dal chaawal (lentils and rice), just order rice as an accompaniment.

Dal Makhani

This is another popular lentil soup in India. However, the word “makhani” means butter, which is always an ingredient in this dish. For that reason, this type of lentil soup is not easily veganized.

You should either confirm with your server that the restaurant serves a vegan version of it or just order something else.

3. Kofta

Kofta actually means “meatball”. However, in India, it is common to see vegetarian and vegan varieties of kofta.

Vegan versions often include kofta made with lentils or potatoes or mixed vegetables. Kofta is usually served with spicy curry or gravy. If you are familiar with Indian cuisine, then you probably know that there are different kinds of gravies in India.

Some gravies may contain butter or cream as an essential ingredient, so confirm with your server which gravy they serve with the kofta. If it’s a creamy gravy, ask if they can swap it out for a vegan one.

4. Kashmiri Dum Aloo

This dum aloo is a traditional dish from Kashmir that is made with small deep-fried potatoes cooked slowly in a spicy gravy. Although the dish originates from the state of Kashmir, it is also very popular in the rest of India.

You will easily find it in most Indian restaurants, both in India and in other countries. When it is prepared at home, it is almost always vegan.

However, some restaurants serve it in a gravy that contains cream or curd (yogurt). Confirm with your server whether they can offer a vegan version of this dish.

5. Vegetable Biryani

The first dish on this list is for all the rice lovers out there! No matter where you are traveling in India, you’re never far away from a sumptuous plate of vegetable biryani.This is the Indian version of vegetable fried rice.

The fragrant rice cooked with succulent vegetables and a heaping mix of aromatic spices like nutmeg, pepper mace, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, and mint can make your senses go wild. And trust me, you’ll end up craving more.

6. Rajma

Rajma is a popular vegan Indian dish made of red kidney beans cooked with many Indian whole spices in a thick gravy. It’s usually served with roti (an Indian flatbread) and steaming hot rice. Even though the kidney bean is not of Indian origin, it’s still an integral part of the typical diet in Northern India.

7. Masala Dosa

Made from fermented rice and dal (lentils), masala dosa is a super-thin, crispy, savory pancake wrapped around a mix of curried potatoes, onions and spices. It’s popular mainly in South India, and also in neighboring Sri Lanka.

This scrumptious dish is served with chutney and sambar and is best suited for breakfast or lunch. The southern city of Bangalore is particularly famous for its many dosa joints, and it was also recently named India’s most vegan-friendly city.

Just be aware that some chefs will use yogurt (curd) in the fermentation process when making the batter.

8. Hara Bhara Kabab

If you enjoy munching on snacks but still want to get all the nutrients your body needs, then Hara Bhara Kabab is the perfect snack food for you.

These little round patties look similar to falafel but are made from potatoes, green peas and spinach. They are a tasty alternative to the typical meat kabab.

9. Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta is a smoked eggplant curry, somewhat like a warm version of the baba ghanoush that is eaten as a cold dip in Middle Eastern countries.

Baingan Bharta is a simple combination of spices and herbs with chargrilled eggplant (known as “brinjals” in India). It is a flavorful dish that is easy to whip up and is healthy and tasty to boot.

10. Aloo Puri

The next vegan Indian food item on this list is a bit of a decadent treat but is worth every calorie. An essential part of North Indian cuisine, puri bhaji is a must-try dish for those who like their food on the spicy side. Puri refers to the delicious, crispy deep-fried, puffed bread that is served with a delectable spicy gravy made of aloo (potato).

If you’re traveling by train (a quintessential Indian experience in itself), you’ll find vendors selling Aloo Puri at almost every station. For hygiene reasons, though, it’s best to stick to government-authorized vendors or the one that you get with your official IRCTC ticket.

11. Pakoras

When it comes to vegan Indian food, pakoras are undoubtedly the perfect snack! They are basically Indian fritters made of besan (chickpea flour) with added vegetables like potato, bell peppers, cabbage, and spices. This item is usually served with a delicious mint or coriander chutney.

12. Chole Bathure

A guaranteed crowd-pleasing vegan Indian food item, chole is enjoyed by people of all ages. This chickpea-based curry not only tastes good but is also packed with lots of healthy ingredients. The spicy, mouthwatering dish is accompanied by puris or bhatura (fried Indian bread).

These 12 vegan Indian food items should all be on your must-eat list while traveling in India. Happy travels!