India is one of the easiest countries in the world to eat vegetarian: every menu has veg dishes and "pure veg" restaurants are common. Two habits matter most - drink only sealed or filtered water, and say "kam teekha" (less spicy) until you know a kitchen's heat. Jain travellers can eat well too: say "Jain" and kitchens understand no onion, no garlic, no root vegetables.
Local dishes
Masala dosa मसाला डोसा
Crisp rice crepe with a spiced potato filling - the south Indian breakfast staple
Watch out for: Often roasted in ghee; ask for oil. Potato is a root vegetable, so Jains should ask first
Chole bhature छोले भटूरे
Spiced chickpea curry with puffed fried bread - a Delhi favourite
Watch out for: The gravy usually has onion and garlic; heavy at lunch
Paneer tikka पनीर टिक्का
Char-grilled cottage cheese with peppers and spices
Watch out for: Marinade may include garlic; vegans note it is dairy
Dal makhani दाल मखनी
Slow-cooked black lentils with butter and cream
Watch out for: Rich with butter and cream; some kitchens add onion or garlic
Vegetable biryani वेजिटेबल बिरयानी
Fragrant rice layered with vegetables, saffron and fried onions
Watch out for: Fried onion is standard; in mixed kitchens the rice may share stock with meat biryani - ask
Butter chicken बटर चिकन
Tandoori chicken folded into a mild tomato and butter sauce
Watch out for: Mild but rich; the same sauce often comes in a paneer version
Chaat चाट
Tangy street snacks with yoghurt, tamarind and crunch
Watch out for: Pick busy stalls that cook to order; avoid raw chutneys with ice or unfiltered water
Thali थाली
A platter of many small dishes - the easiest way to taste a region
Watch out for: Refills are common; spice varies sharply by region, Gujarat is the mildest
Lassi लस्सी
Thick yoghurt drink, sweet or salted - the classic cooler with a spicy meal
Watch out for: Sweet versions are sugary; salted is the local remedy for heat. Dairy, so not for vegans
Idli sambar इडली सांभर
Steamed rice cakes with a lentil and vegetable stew - the light south Indian breakfast
Watch out for: Usually vegan if the tempering uses oil, not ghee - ask. Sambar can contain onion
How to order vegetarian
Show these lines to the staff. Say them aloud if you like.
I am vegetarian (no meat, fish or egg)
Without milk, ghee or paneer - no dairy at all
Jain food please: no onion or garlic (and no root vegetables)
Less spicy, please
Jain food is realistic across India. Many restaurants know "Jain" means no onion, no garlic and no root vegetables (potato, carrot, ginger) - say "Jain" when ordering and staff will guide you. Jain-specific restaurants and counters are common in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and most pure-veg restaurants can adapt dishes.
Backup plans
- Supermarkets and convenience stores in cities stock sealed snacks, fruit cups, curd and bottled water.
- International and Indian chains (dosa chains, thali houses, global fast food) are easy fallbacks in every city.
- Carry familiar snacks and any medication from home for the first days.
- When in doubt, a "pure veg" restaurant or a busy hotel coffee shop is the safest bet.
For parents and seniors
Spice is adjustable almost everywhere: ask for "kam teekha" (less spicy) and order curd or raita on the side. Familiar comfort food - khichdi, dal-rice, curd rice - is easy to find and gentle. Hotel breakfasts are a safe start to the day, and mealtimes are flexible: lunch runs past 3 pm and dinner starts late in big cities.
Trips to India
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