India’s Irresistible Already Vegan Street Eats
Indians have been enjoying vegan foods for millennia and many of our widely-consumed traditional dishes are vegan. These foods that you know and love are also easily accessible and affordable, which means that you can go vegan to protect animals, your health and the environment without sacrificing flavour..
Here are just some examples of common, lip-smacking street foods we all love that are already vegan!
Bhel Puri and Sev Puri
You don’t have to be on the beach in Mumbai to enjoy these popular street foods. Seriously addictive, they’re perfectly seasoned, crunchy snacks you would want more of!
Chaat
Crowd favourites across the country, popular chaats like Aloo Tikki, Chinese Bhel, Aloo Chaat, Tamatar Chaat and Papdi Chaat (without yogurt) are vegan!
Maggi
The most popular brand of instant noodles to have achieved fame worldwide, this iconic and quick to prepare dish, had plain or reimagined in various versions is a weakness for all kids and most adults and vegan!
Idli/Dosa and Medu Wada
A traditional South India dish, Idli is known for it’s simplicity and versatility. Another crowd-pleaser, Dosas stuffed with vegetables and drenched in rich sambar is bound to turn your day around! Medu Wada, enjoyed as both, sweet and savoury, are scrumptious South India doughnuts prepared with black gram or urad dal and make for fulfilling snacking options.
Misal Pav
Ranking 15th in the 100 best rated vegan dishes in the world, many choose to start their day with this beloved sprouted bean and aloo curry from Maharashtra, which is comforting and nourishing.
Pani Puri
It’s impossible to resist the pillow-like goodness that is pani puri, which some say is the most loved street food in the country.
Poha
Popular in many parts of the country, this hearty, pressed rice breakfast that’s steamed with veggies is easy to make and extremely satisfying.
Ragda Patties
A mainstay in southern street chaats, it’s no wonder that everyone loves crispy, piping-hot aloo and channa curry patties smothered in chutney.
Samosa and Kachori
Arguably the best handheld, savoury pastries, people eat samosas and kachoris all over the world. A crunchy exterior with potato or moong dal filling, makes this a much loved treat! Just make sure that they’re made with oil, not ghee.
Vada pav
Mumbai’s number one street snack is an aloo-based flavour bomb in a bun that satisfies any craving. Just make sure the buns are vegan!
Dabeli
A popular street food from Gujarat, Dabeli is a tangy, tart and spicy snack of a pav with potato filling and sauces. Make sure you ask for a butter-free pav for your order!
Bombay Sandwich
Typically made with a vegetable filling consisting of potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber and onions, layered with chutneys and spices, this Mumbai street food makes for a lip-smacking treat! Remember to ask for it to be made without butter and cheese.
Sabudana Vada and Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana is the main ingredient, coupled with potatoes and peanuts, deep fried for maximum crunch in a Sabudana Vada, and sauteed with spices, curry leaves and green chillies as Sabudana Khichdi in these beloved breakfast or snack options.
Bhajiya and Bread Pakodas
Nothing beats piping hot and fried onion bhajiyas or crispy bread pakodas with a delicious potato filling, especially during monsoons!
Veg Momos
A famous Tibetan dish, momos have gained widespread popularity all over India. These dumplings are typically filled with a savoury mixture of vegetables, often including cabbage, carrots, green onions and mushrooms. No one can eat just one!
Rolls
Whether traditionally made with a potato filling or had Chinese style with noodles and sauces, rolls are go-to snack options, popular all over India.
Ram Laddoo
Deep fried fitters made of yellow moong dal and various spices, Ram Laddo is a well-liked street food snack, particularly in North India. Each mouthful is sumptuous and bursting with flavour.
Puri Bhaji
A staple at most street food shops across India and a sought after snack, hot puris with potato curry hit the spot every time!
Veg Chowmien and Manchurian
A crowd-favorite, a steaming hot bowl of veg chowmein and manchurian make for the perfect duo that never disappoints and are readily available all over India!
We’re lucky to live in an inclusive vegan paradise! Vegan foods have always been part of India’s culture and there are numerous treasured dishes, such as channa masala, rajma, dal, and aloo gobi, that are vegan and affordable. And thanks to public concern for animal welfare, human health and the climate catastrophe, the number of vegans here in India are on the rise with a conservative estimate of at least five million.
So what are you waiting for? Embrace a greener tomorrow – go vegan today.
Try Vegan for a Greener Tomorrow!
