Long before vegan labels appeared on supermarket shelves, Indian households were simmering dals without ghee, grinding fresh coconut instead of curd, and baking rotis on open flames without a drop of butter. Ayurveda, our ancient system of wellness, has always spoken of sattvic food—clean, plant-based meals that nourish the body and calm the mind. Many communities in India have historically avoided not just meat but also dairy, eggs, and honey out of deep spiritual or ethical beliefs.
Take the Jain community, for instance. Their philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) doesn’t stop at animals; it includes micro-organisms and even root vegetables in order to minimise harm. While not all Jains identify as vegan, their lifestyle often comes astonishingly close. In the tribal belts of central and eastern India, many forest-dwelling communities have long embraced a plant-forward, foraged way of life, respecting the rhythms of nature rather than exploiting them.
Every region in India presents a gentle, almost poetic version of veganism. In Tamil Nadu, breakfast might be steamed idlis with coconut chutney and tamarind-spiked sambar. In Gujarat, thepla and undhiyu are already vegan if you skip the optional dollop of curd. Head north, and you’ll find rich chickpea curries, flame-roasted baingan bharta, and turmeric-laced stir-fries—all vibrant, hearty, and plant-made.
You don’t have to “veganise” Indian food. You only have to notice it.
Of course, we’re living in a time when food choices are under a global spotlight. Climate concerns, animal ethics, and personal health are all pushing people to think more sincerely about what’s on their plate. And while India has always had the building blocks of veganism, the movement now has a name, a voice, and a growing tribe.
This is where The Vegan Routes fits in.
We’re not simply showing travellers how to eat vegan across India; we’re making sure the local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and even temples understand what vegan really means. We offer vegan consultancy, helping partners transition to plant-based offerings without losing the soul of their cuisine. Our certification ensures that “vegan” in India isn’t a loose label but a trusted mark of integrity.
And yes, we also plan to curate a thoughtful retail collection of vegan products in the near future so that compassionate living can continue long after the journey ends.
“If you’re someone who chose the vegan path out of love, be it for animals, for the Earth, or for your own wellbeing, know this: when you walk through India with us, you’re not stepping into an exotic land with unfamiliar rules. You’re coming home to an older way of living, where plant-based traditions have quietly prospered under banyan trees and temple bells.”
Veganism in India is not a novelty. It’s not a trend. It’s a living, breathing lineage of kindness. And we’re here to help you discover it, not through checklists and guides, but through stories, meals, conversations, and connections that leave a trace on your soul.
