10 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants In Chennai That Belong in Every Foodie’s List

Chennai, a city located along the south-east coast of India is a metropolis like no other. From sharing its rich cultural heritage, literature, and architecture to offering an eclectic array of dining options to locals and travellers alike— this urban hub has something for everybody, including vegans! 

That’s right. The city is slowly but surely on its way to becoming a hotspot for plant-based foods with its list of vegan-friendly restaurants. Here are Chennai’s top 10 restaurants that are highly recommended by the city’s growing vegan community.  

1. Ashvita Nirvana in Besant Nagar 

You know you’re in for a treat when ‘nirvana’ is involved.     

Located at a nearby distance to Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar, this quaint lounge cum café is an ideal place to enjoy a delightful plant-based meal. Ashvita Nirvana offers a range of Continental and Asian delectables that are vegan, alongside other menu options that are customizable. It’s a place that is known and loved for its selection of mock meats. An absolute must-try is their Vegan Lemon Chocolate Cake.   

Ashvita Nirvana

2. Pumpkin Tales in Alwarpet  

For a complete casual dining experience

Thanks to their extensive vegan menu, Pumpkin Tales is the perfect multi-cuisine restaurant for vegans who want to indulge in soul-filling food. From seasoned appetizers to flavoursome dessert and everything in between, this place has got you covered. Pumpkin Tales is a community favourite for offering vegan mylks and cheeses under one roof (we’re getting there).  

Vegan chocolate cake 

3. Soul Garden Bistro in Alwarpet 

Where a rustic ambience meets wholesome food

This new gastronomical space with a cosy set up makes for a great hangout for students and families alike. Soul Garden Bistro offers multi-cuisine and fusion delicacies with a range of explicit vegan options. The place is renowned for its exquisite range of vegan ice creams at ‘196 Degrees Below’. Some much-loved vegan options here include Zucchini Chips, BBQ Tofu, and Pasta Arabiatta.  

Buddha Bowl at Soul Garden Bistro

4. Flower Drum in Egmore & Adyar 

Vegans who find comfort in Chinese food— redirect here.    

The Flower Drum is a crowd favourite for its subtle yet palatable East Asian cuisine. Apart from a few items, most of their vegetarian food options are inherently vegan. It's the perfect casual dining or takeout place for the times you’re craving some Asian comfort food. A few recipes from our list of favourites include Tomato Garlic Soup, Stuffed Fried Mushroom, FlowerDrum, and Thai Veg Bali Curry with Noodles.  

Flower Drum

5. The Brew Room in Mylapore & Besant Nagar 

European coffee shop vibes coming your way in 3...2…      

The Brew Room is— as you may have guessed from its name— all about speciality coffee and comfort. Here you can expect to find a cosy nook for yourself indoors or relaxed seating outdoors in a gazebo. Their continental menu offers multiple vegan and customizable options. Some vegan favourites that come highly recommended include their Almond Milk Smoothie, Banana Walnut Bread, Spaghetti Aglio Olio, and homemade ice cream.  

The Brew Room

 6. Cups & Teas in Besant Nagar  

Simple. Organic. Wholesome. 

 Cups & Teas is a homely little café that serves over 35 types of dairy-free teas and an array of delicious quick bites. The placed is focused on offering food that is healthy, nutritious, and wholesome. Enjoy teas that are naturally flavoured, lip-smacking homemade sauces that are vegan, and dairy-free dessert options that speak to your soul. Some highly recommended vegan items include the Avocado Hummus Toast, Vegan Pasta, Tender Coconut Pudding, and Chocolate Fondue.  

Cups & Teas 

7. Mezze in RA Puram  

Send your taste buds on a trip to the Middle East.    

Mezze is your go-to place for a Middle Eastern food retreat. If their charming blue interiors don’t almost convince you of being near Middle Eastern shores, then their food menu undoubtedly will. While you can pick options that are inherently vegan, customizations are also accepted with delight. Their must-try vegan delicacies include Falafel Sandwich, Smoked Tofu Salad, and Dukkah Mushroom.  

Middle Eastern delicacies at Mezze

8. Amethyst in Royahpettah 

A garden cafe validated by Alice from Wonderland.        

Nestled amidst greenery is this contemporary continental café that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. With its artsy interiors and refreshing gardens, Amethyst is a breath of fresh air regardless of what time of the day or year it is. The place offers exquisite continental fare with multiple vegan and customizable options. Some must-try vegan treats at Amethyst include their Spiced Tofu Scramble with Sourdough and Kale, The Vegan, and Fusilli Pesto with Green Beans and Baby Potato.    

Wild Garden Cafe at Amethyst

9. The Asian Station in Anna Nagar East 

A Pan-Asian paradise for the Vegan parade.     

Located on the bustling 2nd Avenue of Anna Nagar East is this calming pan-Asian set-up that will keep you coming back for more. The Asian Station offers its visitors a supreme dining experience with a fine assortment of mouth-watering dishes. Excluding dessert, most of their vegetarian options are inherently vegan. Something to look forward to is their seemingly inviting array of mocktails. Some vegan favourites include the Dragon Pom Pom, Cinnamon Curry, Udon Noodles, Tofu Nigiri, and Thai Fried Rice with Chilli and Basil.  

Asian Station

10. VB Signature in Nungambakkam 

The age-old Indian food affair and then some.      

This earthy casual dining spot gives out a warm vibe with a hint of quirk. VB Signature is a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers North Indian, South Indian and Asian cuisine. From stimulating mocktails to wholesome ‘thaalis’ and more, you can expect to find a convenient display of vegan options through their menu. Some must-try recommendations include Sabudana Pops, Sri Lankan Curry Noodles, and Gilli Barley Biriyani.  

VB Signature

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