Vegan Food You Have to Try from Indian Takeaways

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

By the end of 2025, the global vegan population is expected to reach 100 million, with over 2.5 million vegans in the UK alone. This surge underscores the importance of restaurants catering to diverse dietary preferences. Indian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavours and aromatic spices, offers many options, but how well does it cater to vegan needs?

If you’re seeking the best vegan dishes, whether from a vegan restaurant in Crawley or a vegetarian Indian restaurant, you’re in for a treat. Many Indian takeout places are now coming up with new and tasty plant-based options that don’t compromise on taste. With foods like creamy curries made with coconut milk and veggie-packed food, these takeouts make sure that vegans can enjoy real Indian flavours. Keep reading to discover the top vegan options and how Indian cuisine is evolving to meet the growing demand for plant-based dining.

INDIAN FOOD IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR VEGANS

If you are looking for dairy alternatives and meat-free dishes, you will be thrilled to learn that Indian food offers many vegan options. Indian cuisine has many vegetables, grains, and legumes, making it rich in plant-based dishes. The prevalence of vegetarianism in India, where 80% of the population is Hindu, contributes to the abundance of meat-free meals. While not all vegetarian dishes are vegan, many can easily be adapted to fit a vegan diet. India also has the most vegans worldwide; the trend in India for vegan diets is on the rise, with 13% of the population who are vegan.

Exploring Indian vegan recipes reveals a treasure trove of flavours and textures that tantalise the palate. From hearty lentil dals to vibrant vegetable curries, the best vegan dishes are both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re dining at a vegan restaurant in Crawley or enjoying takeout from a vegetarian Indian restaurant, you can find tasty and healthy options that fit your vegan lifestyle. Embrace the diverse and flavourful world of Indian vegan food.

IS INDIAN FOOD VEGAN FRIENDLY?

Before we jump into some of the best vegan-friendly Indian dishes, we thought it would be handy to share the top ingredients to look for if you want to follow a meat and dairy-free diet. Most Indian dishes and menus contain the traditional names for ingredients, so it’s important to know what these are.
The Zari Restaurant menu also labels suitable dishes to eliminate the guessing work.
The main vegan ingredients you want to look for are as follows:

Vegan Ingredients	Proteins (g/100g)	Carbohydrates (g/100g)	Calories (kcal/100g)
Chana (Chickpea)	19.0	61.0	364
Matar (Peas)	5.0	14.0	81
Coconut Milk	2.0	6.0	230
Aloo (Potato)	2.0	17.0	77
Palak (Spinach)	2.0	3.0	23
Saag (Spinach and Mustard Greens)	2.0	4.0	27
Vegetable Kofta	4.0	10.0	150
Tofu	8.0	2.0	76

 

WHAT POPULAR INDIAN TAKEAWAY VEGAN DISHES YOU HAVE TO TRY

While many Indian dishes are traditionally made with ghee and yoghurt, many delicious vegan-friendly dishes exist. To help you navigate, we’ve gathered some of the best dish options available:

1. MAINS

• Samosa: Since the pastry is made from flour and water, it is fine as long as you choose a vegan filling, like the ingredients mentioned above. When in doubt or stuck, simply ask the restaurant or takeaway for recommendations.
• Chana Masala: A tomato and chickpea curry served with fresh lemon and fragrant chilli.
• Dal: A plant-based lentil curry packed with flavour.
• Biryani: Most vegetable biryanis are vegan. Double-check it hasn’t been prepared with ghee or butter to sweat the onions.

2. SIDES

• Dosa: A thin crepe made from lentils and fermented rice, great with curries or dal dishes. Dosas are super popular due to the tangy taste you get from the fermented batter; paired with spiced potatoes and lentils, it’s a match made in heaven.
• Chutney: Most chutneys are vegan and offer a lovely tangy side to the main dish.
• Pilau Rice: Most rice dishes are vegan, but this is our top choice.

3. DESSERTS

• Chikki: An Indian take on peanut brittle, Chikki offers a delicious blend of sweetness and nuttiness with an unforgettable crunch.
• Coconut Cake: Coconut is a popular ingredient in Indian cooking, with many desserts offering a vegan option when it is used.

Whether dining at vegan-friendly restaurants in Crawley or exploring Indian vegan recipes at home, these dishes ensure a flavourful and satisfying meal. For more vegan options, check out the vegan menu at Zari Restaurant. Enjoy discovering the rich variety of Indian vegetarian dishes tailored for a vegan diet.

WHERE TO FIND VEGAN FOOD IN CRAWLEY

Visit Zari Restaurant, the best Indian restaurant in Crawley. We serve many vegan Indian dishes at our Crawley restaurant, as catering to everyone’s dietary needs is our top priority! Zari is dedicated to providing vegan-friendly options. If an item on the menu is vegetarian, the chefs will adapt it to be vegan. Additionally, they strive to offer meat-free alternatives wherever feasible. Get in touch with us today to make a booking.

Visit Our Vegan Menu

CONCLUSION

Indian food, with its wide range of spices, vegetables, and legumes, has many vegan choices that are filling and simply delicious to enjoy as part of a meal. From hearty mains like Chana Masala and Dal to spicy sides and desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The growing number of vegan-friendly restaurants in Crawley and beyond is a testament to the rising demand for plant-based dining. You can eat flavourful, healthy meals that meet your dietary needs.

FAQs

1. Can Vegans Eat Indian Takeaway?
This article proves that vegan followers can eat Indian takeaways. Pay attention to the ingredients and dietary markings when making your choices.

2. What Should You Avoid in an Indian Restaurant if You’re Vegan?
Aside from the obvious meat dishes, the main ingredients you want to avoid are Paneer (cheese), Ghee (Clarified Butter), Yoghurt, Cream, Makhani (Butter), and Korma dishes.

3. Are Any Indian Breads Vegan?
Roti, Puri and Paratha are all suitable unless brushed with butter to finish.

4. Are all Indian vegetarian dishes vegan?
No, many include dairy products like ghee, yoghurt, and paneer, but they can often be adapted to be vegan if you ask when ordering.

5. What are some common vegan ingredients in Indian cuisine?
Some common vegan ingredients in Indian cuisine include chickpeas, also called chana, peas (matar), coconut milk, potatoes (aloo), spinach (palak), mustard greens (saag), vegetable kofta, and tofu.

6. How can I ensure my Indian takeaway is vegan?
Look for plant-based ingredients and ask about cooking methods to avoid ghee, butter, or yoghurt.

7. What are some popular vegan Indian dishes to try?
Some popular vegan Indian dishes are Samosa, Chana Masala, Dal, vegetable Biryani, Dosa, chutneys, Chikki, and Coconut Cake.