Tell a friend you had Indian for dinner, and a rich, delicious curry is likely to come to mind. But Indian food is so much more than curries. Vegan Indian food in San Francisco is filled with diversity, history, amazing aromas, color, and flavor. Since San Francisco is known for its vibrant neighborhoods and its multicultural roots, it is no surprise that vegan Indian food in San Francisco can be found dotted around the city. There is an abundance of Indian Restaurants, street-style food, vegan dishes, and those tasty curries many households enjoy.
Luckily, you do not have to make an overseas trip to experience Indian cuisine or the Indian culture. Here are some of the best spots for a taste of wholesome vegan Indian food in San Francisco.
Vegan Indian restaurants in San Francisco
New Delhi Restaurant
If you are looking for an experience to remember, look no further than New Delhi Restaurant, located in San Francisco’s downtown Union Square. Serving plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan Indian food, the New Delhi restaurant has been named one of the best restaurants by the New York Times. The San Francisco City Council has also issued a Certificate of Honor recognizing New Delhi Restaurant for helping to make up “The Soul of the City.”
Delhi offers aromatic flavors and delicious vegan Indian food, including curries, vegetable side dishes, and household specialties. Their Banarasi Mattar Ghungi is a 3000-year-old specialty from the ancient city of Banarasi, re-created right in the heart of San Francisco. And if you need more convincing, check out the reviews from guests. Many enjoyed the quality of the food, the service, the ambiance, and their authentic flair. What’s more, if you are looking to re-create these Indian flavors at home, check out the most popular Indian food in the world, which shares easy-to-follow recipes to prepare at home. This is a great way to experience some of the vegan Indian food from San Francisco restaurants, prepared in the comfort of your own home.
Kasa Indian Eatery
Vegan Indian food in San Francisco does not have to be fancy. Instead, it can be delicious, vibrant, colorful yet affordable, and quick. Located on Polk Street in San Francisco, Kasa Indian Eatery specializes in creating the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine eaten in many households. Not only is their food delicious but also affordable and likely to keep you coming back for more. Kasa Indian Eatery takes pride in its freshly ground spices and the craft of making vegetarian and healthier alternative specials daily.
From the vegan-friendly Super Kati Roll to the Roti Kati Roll and Daal Lentils, Kasa Indian Eatery create food that is delicious, comforting, filling, and vibrant. Craving vegan Indian food or healthy meat alternatives? Kasa Indian Eatery is also about offering meat alternatives, and this is where you can find their Black Sheep Plant-based Lamb Kofte made 100% vegan. Guests have described Kasa Indian Eatery as a place that offers excellent homemade food as well as a delicious street-style Indian food spot with friendly staff greeting you each time. If you are worried about missing out, the Indian grocery store in San Francisco is the place to find special ingredients, grocery items, and spices so that you can create Kasa inspired, homemade Indian food all on your own.
Udupi Palace Restaurant
Most vegan Indian restaurants in San Francisco offer a range of vegan-friendly dishes, and Udupi Palace Restaurant is the perfect place that has a little something for everyone. Located on Valencia Street, this Indian Restaurant offers a variety of vegan options.
From the rich spinach masala Dosa, a Saag paneer, puffy Poori, Sada Dosa, and a cup of chai of Madras coffee, Udupi Palace gives you a taste of authentic Southern Indian cuisine. Their guests have enjoyed the availability of vegan and vegetarian choices, quick food, and the authentic tastes of Southern India. And if going out for this casual dining experience is still too much, then no worries. Udupi Palace provides a takeout option so that you can enjoy delicious vegan Indian food from San Francisco in comfort. If you want to re-create some of your vegan Indian favorites, Keto tofu Indian recipes teach you how to create delicious food, using tofu as the main ingredient. That way, you do not have to miss out on any Indian food favorites.
Keeva Indian Kitchen
Fancy yourself a place that follows traditional cooking methods rooted in culture and practice? Located at a relaxed venue filled with vegan options and tasty food, Keeva Indian Kitchen provides food made with traditional and historical methods. This vegan Indian Restaurant in San Francisco offers food that is packed with spice, flavor, comfort, and tradition. Their food is truly reflective of the preparation techniques used from 5,000 years ago.
At Keeva Indian Kitchen, vegetables and vegan-friendly options are their specialties. From the Indian Eggplant in Salan Sauce, Dal Makhani, and Channa Masala, you will not run out of the delicious vegan Indian food options on offer. There is a reason many customers recommend this hidden San Francisco gem, describing it as an amazing spot with delicious food, phenomenal flavors, and a cheerful atmosphere. This is the place to fall in love with vegan delicacies.
Is Naan usually vegan?
Unfortunately, most Naan bread is not made vegan. Naans are usually made with milk, yogurt, and beaten eggs. However, it is completely possible to find vegan-friendly Naans in restaurants that offer vegan Indian foods or vegan alternatives.
For bread alternatives, roti, puri, or poppadom/papadum are traditionally made vegan, and this could be your easy go-to vegan Indian-friendly alternative. However, if you are still craving the delicious traditional Naan, requesting vegan-friendly Naans is possible.
Which curry is vegan?
While many traditional curries are packed with animal products, it is quite easy to replace them with vegan alternatives. Many Indian restaurants, supermarkets, or Indian stores have vegan meat alternatives making it possible to create delicious, comforting vegan Indian curries without animal products. The key is to look for whole foods, lentils, black beans (a variety of legumes), and lots of vegetables.
Here is a list of mouth-watering, vegan-friendly Indian dishes to look for whether you are eating out, ordering in, or cooking at home:
- Chickpea curry
- Aubergine dhansak
- Red Lentil Dahl
- Caramelized Onion Dahl
