Vegan-Friendly South Indian Restaurants in Mumbai and Delhi

Business Apr 16, 2025 18 Add to Reading List

South Indian cuisine is known for its wholesome, plant-based dishes bursting with flavors, spices, and textures. For vegans, the region’s food offers a delightful array of naturally meat- and dairy-free dishes. From crispy dosas and soft idlis to tangy sambars and flavorful chutneys, the choices are endless.

In this guide, we take you through some of the best vegan-friendly South Indian restaurants in Mumbai and Delhi, highlighting their specialties, ambiance, and what makes them stand out for the growing number of conscious eaters. Whether you're a local or a traveler seeking vegan delights, these restaurants are a must-visit.

Why Choose South Indian Cuisine as a Vegan?

South Indian food is an excellent choice for vegans because of its heavy reliance on rice, lentils, coconut, vegetables, and traditional spices. Most dishes are steamed, grilled, or sautéed, making them not only healthy but also incredibly tasty.

Key components include:

Dosa and idli: Made from fermented rice and urad dal, naturally vegan.
Sambar and rasam: Lentil-based soups enriched with tamarind, curry leaves, and mustard seeds.
Chutneys: Coconut, tomato, and mint chutneys made without any animal products.
Curries and poriyals: Mixed vegetable dishes sautéed with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried chilies.

With minor tweaks—like omitting ghee (clarified butter) or curd—many dishes can be completely vegan.

Vegan-Friendly South Indian Restaurants Mumbai

Mumbai, being a cosmopolitan city, caters well to diverse dietary preferences. Here are five vegan-friendly south indian restaurants Mumbai locals and tourists love.

1. A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding (Matunga)

Located near the Matunga railway station, this legendary establishment has been serving authentic Udupi cuisine since 1942.

Vegan-Friendly Options:

Unlimited thalis with vegetable curries, sambar, rasam, and steamed rice.
Coconut chutneys without dairy (ask beforehand).
Idli and dosa made in vegetable oil instead of ghee on request.

Why Visit?

Offers a nostalgic, homely dining experience.
Affordable meals served on banana leaves.
Extremely popular among students and families.

2. Madras Diaries (Bandra & Fort)

Madras Diaries blends traditional South Indian fare with a modern café vibe. It's one of the most stylish south indian restaurants Mumbai boasts.

Vegan Dishes:

Millet dosa with spicy tomato chutney.
Banana blossom vadai.
Jain-style preparations for vegans avoiding onion/garlic.

Highlights:

Instagram-worthy interiors.
Perfect for brunch or casual meetings.
Accommodating towards dietary preferences.

3. Idli House (Kings Circle)

As the name suggests, this place specializes in a wide variety of idlis. It’s one of the few south indian restaurants mumbai that focus solely on steamed dishes.

Vegan Choices:

Kanchipuram idli, masala idli, and Rava idli (check for ghee usage).
Vegan sambar and tangy chutneys.

Perks:

Minimalistic, hygienic setting.
Light meals ideal for health-conscious diners.

4. Arya Bhavan (Matunga West)

This pure-vegetarian restaurant caters well to vegans with customizable menu options.

Must-Try Vegan Items:

Ragi dosa, tomato rice, and filter coffee with plant-based milk.
Steamed appams with vegetable stew (ask for coconut milk base).

Why It's Loved:

Great balance between traditional and innovative recipes.
Fast service and consistent quality.

5. Café Madras (Matunga East)

Café Madras is an iconic establishment that’s been satisfying Mumbai’s love for South Indian food for decades.

Vegan Picks:

Mysore dosa without ghee.
Lemon rice and tamarind rice.
Seasonal vegetable poriyals.

Customer Favorites:

Always bustling with food lovers.
Known for maintaining traditional Udupi standards.

Vegan-Friendly South Indian Restaurants Delhi

Delhi, with its growing awareness of veganism, is home to several eateries that serve delicious South Indian food. Let’s explore top-rated south indian restaurants Delhi that are vegan-friendly.

1. Sagar Ratna (Multiple Locations)

Sagar Ratna is a household name across North India and stands out among south indian restaurants Delhi for its consistency and vegan adaptability.

Vegan Offerings:

Vegan dosa options including Mysore and Rava.
Sambar without ghee.
Chutneys made fresh with minimal ingredients.

Why Choose Sagar Ratna?

Easily accessible across the city.
Family-friendly and budget-conscious.
Staff is aware of vegan requirements.

2. Naivedyam (Hauz Khas, CP, Gurgaon)

Naivedyam is a South Indian restaurant chain that offers a more luxurious, traditional ambience.

Top Vegan Choices:

Vegetable stew with appams.
Mixed vegetable curries.
Coconut rice and lemon rice.

What Makes It Stand Out:

South Indian temple-style interiors.
Ideal for a cultural experience.
Pure vegetarian kitchen reduces cross-contamination risks.

3. Carnatic Café (Greater Kailash, Rajouri Garden)

Carnatic Café gives Delhiites a taste of Karnataka's cuisine with a modern twist.

Vegan-Friendly Dishes:

Malleshwaram dosa (without ghee).
Ragi mudde (finger millet balls).
Tamarind rice and vegan sambar.

Perks:

Funky and cozy setting.
Unique recipes seldom found elsewhere.

4. Dakshin – ITC Sheraton (Saket)

For those looking for fine dining among south indian restaurants delhi, Dakshin at ITC is the perfect choice.

Vegan Menu Highlights:

Vegan-friendly curries using coconut milk.
Rice dishes and dosas made without ghee.
Banana chips, avial, and chutneys.

Luxury Dining Features:

Attentive service and knowledgeable chefs.
Great place for a vegan celebration or special dinner.

5. Padmanabham (Janpath)

Padmanabham brings flavors of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh under one roof.

Vegan Specialties:

Kerala sadya (traditional thali) with customization.
Ulli theeyal, thoran, and vegan avial.
Tapioca with red chili chutney.

Unique Qualities:

Authentic presentation with banana leaves.
Ideal for those exploring deeper regional dishes.

Tips for Eating Vegan at South Indian Restaurants

Even though South Indian food is largely plant-based, certain dishes may contain ghee, butter, or curd. Here's how to eat vegan smartly:

Ask for Oil Instead of Ghee: Most restaurants are happy to swap out ghee for vegetable oil.
Check the Ingredients of Chutneys: Some coconut chutneys include curd or milk—ask before ordering.
Clarify the Use of Curd in Rice Dishes: Curd rice, for instance, is not vegan unless specified.
Avoid Paneer Dishes: These are dairy-based and not vegan-friendly.
Carry Your Own Plant-Based Milk: If you're a filter coffee lover, this can come in handy.

Vegan Dish Recommendations to Try

Whether you're in Mumbai or Delhi, look out for these dishes which are easy to make vegan:

Plain Dosa: A crispy, golden crepe made from rice and lentil batter.
Medu Vada: Savory lentil doughnuts, crunchy on the outside.
Vegetable Upma: A hearty semolina dish with veggies and spices.
Pongal: A rice and dal dish—request the version made without ghee.
Sundal: A tangy and spicy chickpea snack, popular in Tamil Nadu.

These dishes are not just vegan, but also rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

The Rise of Veganism in Indian Cities

Veganism is no longer a niche lifestyle. In metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, the trend is rapidly gaining traction. The demand has encouraged traditional eateries to adapt and innovate their menus.

Contributing Factors:

Rising health awareness.
Ethical choices concerning animals and the environment.
Influence from global vegan movements.

This has made it easier than ever to find vegan food even in traditional, regional cuisines.

Why Support Vegan-Friendly South Indian Restaurants?

By supporting vegan-friendly south indian restaurants Mumbai and south indian restaurants Delhi, you're contributing to:

Sustainable Food Practices: Plant-based diets use fewer resources and cause less pollution.
Animal Welfare: Choosing vegan meals helps reduce demand for animal products.
Local Economy: Many of these restaurants are family-run or small businesses.
Health: Vegan South Indian food is often low in fat and high in fiber.

Final Thoughts

From the bustling bylanes of Matunga to the serene corners of Hauz Khas, south indian restaurants Mumbai and south indian restaurants Delhi offer vegan food that’s not only traditional but also deliciously inclusive. Whether you're on a strict plant-based diet or simply experimenting with healthy alternatives, these restaurants have something for everyone.

Remember to communicate your dietary preferences clearly and enjoy the burst of flavors that South Indian vegan cuisine has to offer. With a little bit of awareness and willingness to explore, your culinary journey through Mumbai and Delhi will be rich, flavorful, and completely compassionate.