With a wide range of dishes made from a colourful mix of tasty vegetables, fresh herbs and aromatic spices to choose from, South India really is a vegan foodie heaven!
India is a brilliant destination for non-meat eaters, as it has the highest population of vegetarians in the world. Many of the vegetarian dishes you’ll find are actually 100% vegan, although you may need to do a little detective work to be on the safe side.
Cauliflower, okra and onion bhajis – a small flat cake or ball of vegetables, fried in batter.
Vegetable pakoras – small, deep fried appetisers.
Vegetable samosas – triangular filo pastry with a potato and pea filling.
Baingan Bharta – roasted aubergine mashed with Indian spices (similar to Baba Ganoush).
Balti – A tasty curry served in a metal bowl.
Chana Masala/Chole (Chickpea Curry) – chickpeas and spinach spiced with garam masala.
Rajma - Red kidney beans in a thick sauce with spices, usually served with rice.
Sambar – A lentil-based vegetable stew or chowder cooked with a tamarind broth.
Vegetable Biryani- a mixed rice dish with vegetables.
Vegetable Curry – a medley of vegetables served at different strengths of spiciness.
Veggie Vindaloo - a spicy dish if you like a bit of heat!
Aloo Gobi – Made with potatoes, cauliflower and Indian spices.
Beetroot Vattom – A dry preparation of beetroot with spices and tapioca. Try the recipe here!
Bombay Potato - Cubed, boiled and fried, and flavored with spices such as chili powder cumin, curry, garam masala, garlic, turmeric, mustard seeds, salt and pepper and turmeric.
Chana Saag – a chickpea curry, with onion, tomato, chillies, coriander seeds, garlic, ginger and dried mango powder.
Daal –any dish made with split pulses such as lentils.
Saag Aloo – Spinach, potato and spices.
Chikki - A sweet and crunchy nut brittle that can be made with peanuts, cashews or almonds.
Ela Ada - A steamed doughnut-like delight, filled with grated coconut and jiggery.
Kuluku Roti - Roti (Indian flatbread) pieces mixed in jaggery and soaked overnight with crushed nuts or sesame seeds.
Petha - Ash gourd (winter melon) in different flavours, cooked in a sugary syrup.
Pori Urundai - Made during Karthikai Deepam ( Festival of Lights). puffed rice (pori) is mixed with cardamom, coconut pieces and jaggery syrup. Check for ghee before buying!
Suzhiyan - Usually prepared for Diwali, battered and fried lentils, coconut, and jaggery with a crunchy coating. Avoid if fried in ghee!
Tilkut/Tilkatri - A crunchy treat made with white sesame seeds and jaggery or sugar.
Do you have a suggestion, or a favourite dish we’ve missed? Get in touch at info@aitholidays.com