How Indian Food is Vegan-Friendly by Default

When we say that India is every foodie’s paradise, we really mean it. No matter what eating habits or practice you’re inclined towards, the country serves them all with a diverse platter. This also means that Indian food is also every vegan’s culinary paradise!

A trend started by a group of vegetarians in England back in 1944, veganism is a way of life—a choice that bars any food or product that comes from an animal. This means that a vegan diet means no dairy products, no eggs, and no meat. All in all, test veganism is an animal-friendly diet, which shares a lot of common traits with vegetarianism, which many of our fellow countrymen follow.

If you’re considering making the switch or even keeping it flexible that leans broadly towards plant-based options, we’d say you’re in the right place. Here’s why:

India is a Land of Diversity, in Food too!

The entire globe considers India as a diverse country, and we couldn’t agree more. While there is diversity in people and cultures, there is also variety in our food. With every new city, new season, and festivities, you’ll have a different platter of flavours and dishes.

So, while there is also a butter-laden pav bhaji, there is also a tray of dosa with coconut chutney. While there is a bowl of Dahi puri, there is also a plate of gol gappas that are devoid of any milk products. The street food and staple offerings in every state of India have a plethora of vegan options to tickle your tastebuds and retain your veganism.

Moreover, if you’re ever in doubt, we’d say, go south. South Indian staples like dosas, idlis, appams and coconut chutneys can never disappoint anyone looking for a wholesome, flavourful, and vegan meal. Moreover, some North Indian delicacies like bhel puris, kachori, puri sabzi, pakoras and more also serve as vegan-friendly must-haves every time you step out.

Easy Alternatives Available at Every Corner

Although Indian food is synonymous with desi ghee, there are many seamless substitutes to it as well as to other standard ingredients. While ghee can be swapped with coconut or mustard oil, paneer can be replaced with tofu. When it comes to other foods like butter, cheese, and mayonnaise, you can swap coconut or nut butter and hummus. When dining outside, you can simply go for vegan options or opt out of that added slice of butter on top.

Indian Food is Mostly Plants and Spices

When we said that Indian food is vegan-friendly by default, we truly meant it. The primary component that makes Indian food what it is today is its use of spices and plant-based ingredients. Our daily diet also includes a big portion of a combination of vegetables and spices galore, which is absolutely vegan. Since our staple elements are purely vegan, other non-vegan ones can easily be swapped with substitutes too.

Although it takes some practice to embrace this eating habit at first, with time, it becomes fairly easy to find your way with it. Nevertheless, if you’re in the country or are a fan of the desi kitchen, veganism should be a seamless lifestyle for you.