Indian food is one of the easiest cuisines to eat vegan, because so much of it is built on lentils, rice, chickpeas, potatoes and vegetables. South Indian dishes like dosa, idli and sambar are often naturally plant-based. The main things to watch for are ghee (clarified butter), yogurt, paneer, cream and butter.
The most important step: when you order at Ananda Kitchen, tell the counter you're ordering vegan. We don't publish a certified vegan list, and recipes and preparation can change, so asking is the only reliable way to be sure. We're happy to guide you.
Is Indian food vegan?
A lot of it can be, but not all of it. Indian cooking is vegetarian-friendly by tradition, but vegetarian in India often includes dairy. Ghee, yogurt, paneer, cream and butter show up in many dishes, sometimes in ways you can't see. That's why it's always worth asking.
Which South Indian dishes can be vegan?
South Indian cooking leans heavily on rice, lentils, coconut and tamarind, which makes it a good place to start. These dishes are often plant-based or can be, depending on how they're prepared:
- Plain dosa: a crispy crepe made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. Ask about how it's cooked.
- Idli: steamed rice-and-lentil cakes.
- Medhu vada: a savory lentil fritter.
- Sambar: a tangy lentil-and-vegetable stew.
- Coconut and tomato chutney: the classic sides with every dosa.
- Uttapam: a thick rice-and-lentil pancake with toppings.
Anything labeled "ghee" or "ghee podi" contains ghee, which is dairy. Cheese dosa and paneer dosa contain dairy too.
What about chaat and snacks?
Chaat is a mixed bag. Pani puri, bhel puri and samosas can often be made without dairy, but many chaat dishes, like dahi puri, dahi bhalla, chaat papdi and samosa chaat, are traditionally topped with yogurt. Some chaat can be made without the yogurt if you ask. Read our guide to pani puri and chaat for what each one is.
Where does dairy hide in Indian food?
- Ghee: brushed on dosas, breads and used in cooking.
- Yogurt: in raita, lassi, chaas and many chaat toppings.
- Paneer: fresh Indian cheese in curries, pakoras and fillings.
- Cream and butter: common in North Indian curries like dal makhani and paneer tikka masala.
- Breads: naan and some other breads can include dairy. Ask about roti and puri.
- Desserts: gulab jamun, ras malai and most Indian sweets are milk-based.
Tip: when you order, say "I'm ordering vegan, no dairy" rather than just "no cheese." That helps us flag ghee, yogurt and butter too.
What about drinks?
Lassi, chai and chaas are made with milk or yogurt. If you want a drink with your meal, ask at the counter about plant-based choices. SmoothieFRESH & Bubble Tea, in the same food hall, shares our online cart, so you can browse their menu and ask them about non-dairy options too.
Is Ananda Kitchen fully vegetarian?
Yes. Everything we serve is vegetarian, and it's cooked in a separate, dedicated vegetarian kitchen, apart from the other kitchens in the food hall. Vegan options are available; just ask. If you follow Swaminarayan dietary practices, see our Swaminarayan-friendly menu and mention it at the counter.
For a broader look at our menu, see our vegetarian Indian food page.
How to order vegan for pickup
If you order online, add a note to your order that you're ordering vegan. If you're not sure whether a dish works, call us before you order at (410) 381-0011 and we'll walk you through it. Ordering in person? Just tell the counter.
Where to get vegan-friendly Indian food in Langley Park
Ananda Kitchen is inside BITES Food Court + Bar at 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20783, in the Langley Park Shopping Center near New Hampshire Ave and University Blvd. Parking is free.
We're open daily 11am to 9pm, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Order online for pickup; most orders are ready in about 30 minutes.
