What Indian food is vegan?

Chana masala, Aloo gobi, Dal tadka (ask for oil), Baingan bharta, Idli and sambar are naturally plant-based or easily made so.

What hidden animal ingredients are common in Indian food?

Ghee, Paneer, Cream in gravies, Curd in marinades.

Vegan by cuisine

Vegan indian food

Short answer

Chana masala, Aloo gobi, Dal tadka (ask for oil) are naturally plant-based or easily made so. Ask for dishes cooked in oil rather than ghee — most kitchens can do it without changing the recipe.

Naturally vegan dishes

Chana masala
Aloo gobi
Dal tadka (ask for oil)
Baingan bharta
Idli and sambar

Hidden animal ingredients

Ghee
Paneer
Cream in gravies
Curd in marinades

How to order vegan indian food

Ask for dishes cooked in oil rather than ghee — most kitchens can do it without changing the recipe.

Say this: "Bina ghee, bina paneer, bina cream."

Frequently asked questions

What Indian food is vegan?: Chana masala, Aloo gobi, Dal tadka (ask for oil), Baingan bharta, Idli and sambar are naturally plant-based or easily made so.
What hidden animal ingredients are common in Indian food?: Ghee, Paneer, Cream in gravies, Curd in marinades.
How do I order vegan at a Indian restaurant?: Ask for dishes cooked in oil rather than ghee — most kitchens can do it without changing the recipe.
What phrase should I use?: "Bina ghee, bina paneer, bina cream."

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