Vegetarian food has always been at the heart of Indian cuisine. With millions of Indians following a vegetarian diet, chefs across the country have perfected the art of transforming simple vegetables, pulses, and grains into meals bursting with flavour. From comforting curries to street food favourites, vegetarian Indian dishes offer incredible variety and depth.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular vegetarian Indian dishes you can order at a . Whether you’re a committed vegetarian, curious foodie, or simply looking for lighter options, these are the top Indian vegetarian meals you won’t want to miss.
Let’s get started!
10 Best Indian Vegetarian Dishes to Try
From creamy paneer curries to spicy street food snacks, vegetarian Indian dishes offer a world of flavour that goes far beyond salad and sides. With India’s long tradition of plant-based cooking, some of the most popular Indian dishes are in fact vegetarian — rich in spices, comforting, and full of nutrition. If you’re searching for the best vegetarian Indian food to order at a restaurant or takeaway, here are the top 10 vegetarian Indian dishes that truly showcase the diversity of Indian cuisine.
1. Chana Masala
Chana Masala is one of the most famous Indian vegetarian curries. Made with chickpeas simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with ginger, garlic, and garam masala, it’s hearty, protein-packed, and full of spice. Best served with rice or soft naan, this dish is popular both in India and across the UK.
2. Masoor Daal
A staple in many Indian households, Masoor Daal (red lentil curry) is simple but nourishing. Cooked with cumin, curry leaves, and tomatoes, it’s light, filling, and naturally gluten-free. For those looking for healthy Indian vegetarian dishes, daal is a perfect choice.
3. Papdi Chaat
One of the most loved vegetarian Indian street foods, Papdi Chaat is a crunchy, colourful mix of fried wafers, potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt, and tangy chutneys. It’s sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury all at once — making it a must-try for anyone exploring Indian vegetarian snacks.
4. Vegetable Samosa
No list of famous Indian vegetarian dishes is complete without the vegetable samosa. These golden pastries are stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions, then deep-fried to perfection. Perfect as a starter, snack, or side, samosas are a universal favourite.
5. Pav Bhaji
Originating in Mumbai, Pav Bhaji is a street food icon made from mashed vegetables cooked in a buttery, spiced gravy, served with soft bread rolls. It’s one of the best vegetarian Indian dishes to order when you want something filling yet full of flavour.
6. Paneer Butter Masala
A rich and indulgent North Indian vegetarian curry, Paneer Butter Masala (or Paneer Makhani) features soft cubes of paneer cheese in a smooth tomato-butter sauce. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and best enjoyed with naan or jeera rice.
7. Vada Pav
Known as the “Indian burger,” Vada Pav is a vegetarian street snack made with spiced potato fritters tucked inside a bread roll, served with chutneys. Popular in Maharashtra, it’s one of the best veg fast foods in India and now available in many UK restaurants.
8. Hara Bhara Kebab
Hara Bhara Kebab is a nutritious vegetarian starter made from spinach, peas, and coriander mixed with potatoes and spices. Pan-fried or grilled, these green patties are a healthier alternative to meat kebabs and a favourite in Indian vegetarian restaurants.
9. Idli with Sambar
A breakfast staple from South India, Idli are steamed rice-and-lentil cakes served with Sambar (a lentil and vegetable stew). Idlis are naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, making them one of the healthiest Indian vegetarian dishes to try.
10. Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki (spiced potato patties) are a North Indian favourite, served with chutneys or topped with chickpeas and yoghurt for a filling snack. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re a popular vegetarian Indian dish for dinner or teatime.
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Popular Vegetarian Indian Curries to Try
If you’re looking for vegetarian Indian curries beyond this list, here are a few other classics worth ordering:
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Saag Paneer – paneer with spinach in a light curry sauce.
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Navratan Korma – a creamy curry made with mixed vegetables, nuts, and paneer.
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Baingan Bharta – smoky roasted aubergine mashed with spices.
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Aloo Gobi – potato and cauliflower curry with turmeric and cumin.
These dishes are staples in many Indian vegetarian menus and remain some of the best veg Indian curries you can order.
What to Eat with Naan Bread
One of the most common questions is “What do you eat with naan bread?”. The answer: almost everything! Some of the best pairings for naan include:
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Creamy curries like Paneer Butter Masala or Navratan Korma.
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Lentil-based dishes such as Masoor Daal.
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Street food-style snacks like Chana Masala topped with onions and chutneys.
Naan makes a great partner for vegetarian Indian meals, helping soak up every last drop of flavour.
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If you’re wondering whether there are Indian food takeaways that deliver to me, head over to ChefOnline UK today and browse through our long list of Indian restaurants near you. We have partnered up with the most popular and well-known food joints to bring the authentic taste of India to your doorstep. Visit https://www.chefonline.co.uk/ at any time for Indian food delivery or to make a reservation at your favourite curry house!
FAQs on Vegetarian Indian Dishes
What is the most popular vegetarian Indian dish?
Chana Masala and Paneer Butter Masala are among the most popular in both India and the UK.
What are the healthiest vegetarian Indian dishes?
Daal, Idli with Sambar, and Hara Bhara Kebab are all nutrient-rich and low in fat.
What vegetarian Indian food should I order if I don’t like spice?
Korma-style curries, Paneer Butter Masala, or mild Daal are safe choices.
Which vegetarian Indian dishes are best for dinner?
Paneer curries, Aloo Gobi, and Pav Bhaji make satisfying mains.
Wrapping Up
From wholesome daals to indulgent paneer curries and crispy street food favourites, vegetarian Indian cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re exploring traditional meals or searching for the best vegetarian Indian dishes to order in the UK, this list gives you a perfect starting point.
Next time you’re looking for a vegetarian Indian takeaway, you’ll know exactly which dishes to try — and why they’re loved around the world.
