In our vegan communities, we often engage with members to discover their favorite Indian snacks and street foods. Their valuable insights and recommendations have helped us compile this exciting list of India’s top 10 accidentally vegan street foods. So, get ready to raid the streets and indulge in these mouthwatering vegan snacks that capture the essence of Indian cuisine!

1. Pani Puri

Experience the explosion of tangy flavors in Pani Puri, where crispy puris are filled with zesty tamarind water and complemented by various chutneys. Enjoy this quintessential Indian street snack that is naturally vegan and incredibly satisfying.

2. Bhel Puri

Treat your taste buds to the delightful combination of puffed rice, crunchy sev, diced onions, tomatoes, and an array of chutneys in Bhel Puri. This refreshing and savory snack is a vegan-friendly option enjoyed by people of all ages. Like Bhel puri, Chana Jor Garam is another famous and widely available vegan snack!

3. Samosa

Sink your teeth into the iconic samosa, a deep-fried pastry filled with a savory potato and pea mixture spiced to perfection. This beloved street food is a true crowd-pleaser and a must-try for all food enthusiasts, vegans included.

4. Masala Dosa

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Masala Dosa, a thin and crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potato curry. Served with coconut chutney and sambar, this South Indian specialty is a vegan delight that will leave you craving more.

5. Vada Pav

Satisfy your cravings with the flavorsome Vada Pav, often called the Indian version of a burger. It features a spicy potato fritter sandwiched between a soft bread roll. Enjoy this popular street food, which can be easily found in its vegan form.

6. Chole Bhature:

A Delight combining deep-fried fluffy bread (bhature) served with spicy chickpea curry (chole). This North Indian specialty is a vegan street food indulgence that promises a burst of flavor with every bite.

7. Mirchi Bajji:

Spice up your street food adventure with Mirchi Bajji, where green chilies are dipped in a chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. This fiery snack is a favorite among spice lovers and is a vegan option worth exploring.

8. Momos:

Experience the flavors of steamed or fried dumplings filled with various savory fillings in the classic momos. Enjoy these delightful Tibetan-inspired treats, often served with spicy chutneys, and relish their vegan-friendly goodness.

9. Poha:

Indulge in the simplicity and flavors of Poha, a popular breakfast dish made from flattened rice sautéed with onions, peas, and spices. This vegan street food option can be found in various regions of India and is perfect for those seeking a comforting and flavorful experience.

10. Vada:

A popular fried snack takes on various forms across different parts of the country. In South India, the classic Urad Dal Vada steals the show with its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Moving towards the western region, we have the delightful Sabudana Vada, made from soaked sago pearls, mashed potatoes, and spices. The spicy and aromatic Masala Vada is a favorite in many households, known for its combination of lentils and aromatic herbs. And who can forget the mouthwatering Kanji Vada, a Rajasthani specialty where urad dal fritters are soaked in tangy fermented mustard water? Each variation of Vada holds a special place in our hearts, showcasing our beloved country’s diverse culinary traditions and flavors.

India’s vibrant street food scene has many accidentally vegan options that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the tangy Pani Puri to the spicy Samosas and the delightful Momos, each street food offers a unique and flavorful experience. So, venture out and immerse yourself in the diverse culinary traditions of India, savoring these plant-based street food delicacies that truly capture the essence of Indian cuisine. Enjoy your foodie journey and embrace India’s exciting world of vegan street food!

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Tofu (fish) Rawa Fry

Preparation time:

Literally 5 minutes for the cheese. Overall 15-20 mins for a pizza.

Servings: 6

Ingredients for the cheese

• 75 g tofu
• 25-30 (40-50 g) cashews
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt according to taste
• Water according to the consistency you want
• Optional: 2 tsp olive oil

Ingredients for the pizza

• Vegan pizza base
• Pasta pizza sauce
• Chopped yellow, red, and green capsicum
• Chopped onions

Instructions for the cheese

1. Add all cheese ingredients to a mixer and blend until you get a smooth paste.

Instructions

1. Gently press down the center of the pizza base using a masher or the back of a spoon, leaving the edges untouched so they stay puffed up while baking.
2. Spread pasta pizza sauce on the base and then spread pizza cheese over it.
3. Add chopped onions and capsicum as toppings.
4. Bake the pizza at 180°C convection mode for 6 minutes.

Enjoy!

With this quantity of cheese, 6 pizzas can be made. Don’t forget to sprinkle oregano and chili flakes to make the pizza tastier! If you like pizza with ketchup, add it to the top. Serve it as a snack, or during lunch or dinner! So now you know how to make it, when are you inviting your friends to a pizza party? Plan it soon and let your friends know that every dish on this planet can be veganised!

The recipe was contributed by Vaibhavi lonkar, one of our long-term volunteers. You can check more of her work here: Guide to everything vegan