Green Queen Travels: Where To Eat The Best Vegan Food In New Delhi

India has always been an incredibly welcoming country for vegetarian, a place where almost one third of the population avoids meat of any kind. While Southern India tends to be a vegan culinary sanctuary, the plant-based dining scene in the country’s capital has been growing of late, to cater to people embracing meat-free lifestyles for health and environmental reasons. These days, you can find typically meat-laden Northern Indian dishes such as lamb biryani and butter chicken in vegan-friendly formats. Below we roundup New Delhi’s best vegan and vegetarian restaurants. 

Nut & Bowls

Nut & Bowls is a 100% plant-based cafe offering both cooked and raw vegan dishes. They have everything from nut-based cakes to smoothie bowls (as the name suggests), as well as salads, burgers and pastas all made vegan. Previously only available for delivery, the café is now open for dine-in since March 2019. Bonus: they reportedly make great coffee using homemade almond mylk, and are also popular for their selection of fresh cold-pressed juices. 

Address: Nut & Bowls, Block M, Greater Kailish II, New Delhi. Open daily: 11.00am – 10.00pm. 

Travel Yoga Café

Inspired by travelling, the Travel Yoga Café serves completely vegan fusion cuisine. Their menu features dishes with global influences, from Mediterranean Zaatar Tofu Scramble and toast with baba ganoush and hummus, to Japanese Lentil Bento Box and Southeast Asian Cajun Cashew Jackfruit. They also serve local fresh fruit juices, artisan teas and coffees, various porridges in the morning made with nut milks and Instagram-worthy good-for-you burgers made from superfoods like quinoa and beets. 

Address: Travel Yoga Café, 33 Municipal Market, Block K, Connaught Place, Railway Colony (opposite Lazeez Affaire) New Delhi. Open daily (closed on Tuesdays): 10.00am – 10.00pm. 

Bhaja Govindam Restaurant

Bhaja Govindam is a vegetarian Indian restaurant with many vegan-friendly options. The joint has limited seats so there is often a bit of a line outside, especially because their veggie Indian food has earned rave reviews. They serve time-tested traditional South Indian dishes like dosas, uttapams and thalis. The menu also contains some international fare, like grilled sandwiches and fries, but most recommend sticking to the classic Indian menu. It is best to specify to ditch the dairy if you’re vegan. 

Address: Bhaja Govindam, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi. Open daily: 11.00am – 10.00pm. 

Rose Café

Though not strictly vegan, Rose Café does serve a separate vegan menu. It has been described by visitors as a “hidden gem” that is a bit difficult to locate, but worth it for lunch and coffee dates. On their vegan menu are Western plant-based dishes, such as Sundried Tomato & Garlic Salad Pizza and a must-try Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. They also do a selection of vegan desserts and lattes.

Address: Rose Café, 264 Westend Marg, Butterfly Park, Saiyad Ul Ajaib Extension, Saket, New Delhi. Open daily: 12.00 noon – 9.00pm. 

GREENR Café

Greenr Café is a Californian inspired plant-based kitchen and restaurant mainly featuring inventive dishes with vegan meat alternatives. Great for those who don’t want to be limited to salads with menu items like the Tofu Amaranth Burger and the Vegan Meatball Pizza keeping things hearty. They also cater to individual dietary requirements, so just let them know if you prefer gluten-free.

Address: Greenr Café, 4 Market, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. Open Monday – Friday: 12 noon – 10.00pm; Saturday – Sunday: 12.30pm – 10.30pm. 

Sattvik Restaurant

Sattvik is a pure vegetarian restaurant serving North Indian food, a tradtionnally meat-heavy cuisine. Classic dishes are remade completely vegan, so herbivores can enjoy everything from seekh kebabs to grilled tandoori specials. A must try: all visitors recommend ordering the Vegan Dragon Rolls, chock full of local vegetables and served with delicious traditional sauces. 

Address: Sattvik, Saket District Centre, Sector 6, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi. Open daily: 12.00 noon – 11.00pm. 

Soya King

Soya King is a vegan takeout spot and diner serving North Indian fast food located in Chittaranjan Park. This is the place to get a grab-and-go meal, and is also perfect for those looking to satisfy any late-night meaty cravings with a quick bite. Almost everything on the menu is made with soy-based faux meats, like their Chaap Roll and Soya Malai Tikka.

Address: Soya King, Shop 25, Market 2, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi. Open daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm. 

Mumu Dahlin

Mumu Dahlin is a pure vegetarian restaurant with a buffet and an a la carte menu. The diner is located in Southern Delhi and is also very vegan-friendly, with options for plant-based folk clearly labelled on their menu and buffet dishes. One of their signature dishes is the Tandoori Platter, comprised of tandoori mushroom, aloo tikka and soya-based seekh served with green chutney! 

Address: Mumu Dahlin, Plot 49, Pocket 1, Jasola, New Delhi. Open daily: 7.00am – 11.00pm.

Roadhouse Café

Roadhouse Café is located on one of Delhi’s busiest roads, and although technically this place does not strictly classify as a vegan or vegetarian eatery, it does have a separate vegan menu that we felt deserved a special mention. On their vegan menu are a whole range of Western dishes made with only plant-based ingredients, from artisanal pizza to ratatouille and lasagne. The diner itself is nicely decorated, making it a great pick for date night. Don’t forge to finish off your meal with their highly-rated vegan carrot cake!

Address: Roadhouse Café, 22 M Block, Main Market Second Floor, Greater Kailash I, New Delhi. Open daily: 12noon – 1.00am.

Saravana Bhavan

Saravana Bhavan is a long-standing international vegetarian chain serving up South Indian favourites, with many vegan options also on offer. At their branch at New Delhi, you will get the best authentic dosas, idlis, vadas and traditional filter coffee. If you’re unsure whether items on their menu are fully plant-based, their staff are always happy to help out and can alter certain dishes to suit your needs!

Address: Saravana Bhavan, 50 Janpath Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi. Open daily: 8.00am – 11.00pm.

Lead image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.