15 Restaurants In Pune That Will Serve You Cruelty Free Vegan Food

Going out as a vegan can be a little harrowing not due to the lack of food options but thanks to the fixed mindset of chefs who don’t want to modify their dishes. One thing we say: Vegans go out and demand your food. Teach restaurants how to vegan-ise standard vegetarian offerings!

Pune is starting to have better offerings for vegans. The list below has restaurants that are stepping into the future and modifying their fare to cater to plant-based clients. Of course, many of the iconic restaurants have dishes that are already vegan whether dosas and vadas at Vaishali on Fergusson College Road or tart sweet, and spicy bhel at Kalyan Bhel outlets across the city.

 A loud plant-powered call out to all the restaurants and cafés lagging behind, please be more inclusive. Choose kind, choose cruelty-free, choose vegan plant-based.

1. CraveLok, Wadgaon Sheri

Currently, the only 100% Vegan restaurant in Pune, the disclaimer on the menu clearly states: “No animal-deriv ingredients have been used to make this food.” It’s a basic and affordable restaurant, no frills.

Meal for 2: Rs. 700

Image Source- CRAVELOK

2. Little Italy (Bund Garden Road, Shivaji Nagar, Kondhwa, Chinchwad)

For those who grew up in Pune in the 90s, Little Italy has that nostalgic value of being one of the best places for vegetarian Italian food. Now with the wide vegan menu, there is a range of plant-based deliciousness on offer, including desserts. Are you already on your way?

Meal for 2: Rs. 2000

Image source - LITTLE ITALY

3. Sante Spa Cuisine, Koregaon Park

Part of a chain with outlets in multiple cities across India. There is a wide range of dishes on offer and staff that understands and respects vegan eating. Start with the spinach and beetroot hummus, a debate over the main course options—there are many—but don’t forget to end with the Vegan Valrhona Jaffa Torte.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1500

Image source - SANTE SPA CUISINE

4. Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park

Iconic, n for those who grew up in Pune in the 90s. Malaka Spice is still serving amazing food! There is a range of vegan Pan Asian dishes. Don’t miss the one called Top Hats.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1,500

Image source - MALAKA SPICE

5. Café One O Eight, Koregaon Park

An all-day breakfast café that serves pizzas at night. Totally my kind of place! Vegan friendly with the servers who understand vegan and are willing to modify dishes that aren’t.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1000

Image source - CAFÉ ONE O EIGHT

6. Flour Works (Baner, Kalyani Nagar) 

No vegan options are listed on their menu but are willing to modify them. They have tofu scramble which is right up our planet-powered alley.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1,300

Image source - FLOUR WORKS

7. Chafa Café & Studio, Koregaon Park

Personally love a clearly labeled menu with different dietary preferences. The Crispy Tofu Zenwich is all things yummy. They have mock meat options too if that floats your vegan boat.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1,000

Image source -  CHAFA CAFÉ & STUDIO

8. Café Paashh, Kalyani Nagar

More than just a café, Paash is a fashion and lifestyle store with an organic cafe. The menu is clearly labeled and the food offers interesting twists like the Daal Pakwan Nachos. With seasonal menus on offer, you might find a different dish to experiment with on every visit. 

Meal for 2: Rs. 1,500

Image source - CAFÉ PAASHH

9. Zen Café, Koregaon Park

A quiet green space with minimalistic decor, this café offers a personal favorite of vegan avocado sushi. A labeled menu with sufficient options for a couple of visits, don’t miss the coffee with fresh in-house almond milk.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1000

Image source - ZEN CAFÉ

10. Fab India Café (Aundh, Baner)

Limited menu, but with representations across starters, main course, and importantly, dessert. The tofu paratha is delicious. If you have missed a vegan tiramisu, then get the Vegan Almond Crunch & Espresso Cake here.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1000

Image source - FAB INDIA CAFÉ

11. Gong, Baner

Asian food always lends itself to vegan eating and Gong does a fabulous job. Do watch out for those unnecessary Indian additions of paneer/cottage cheese, something which no self-respecting Asian place should do in my opinion.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1700

Image source - GONG

12. Swig—Bar & Eatery (Baner, Koregaon Park, Senapati Bapat Road)

The vegan menu isn’t labeled, but helpful staff will point out the vegan dishes or help modify them. Range of vegan sushi, dim sums, and ramen.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1500

Image source - SWIG

13. the vege table 

This restaurant used to have a compact dedicated vegan menu way back in 2018 but it didn’t take off well. The staff understands vegan food, and if you have a sizeable group (6-8 persons) and inform them in advance, they will serve you a chapata Indian vegan meal.

Meal for 2: Rs. 800

Image source - THE VEGE TABLE 

14. The Sassy Spoon, Koregaon Park

Limited menu with just three labeled options for vegans but with a main like Teriyaki Tofu with Jasmine rice one meal is a must! Might be a good place to go for non-vegan friends who need a range of choices for themselves.

Meal for 2: Rs. 1,600

Image source -  THE SASSY SPOON

15. The Rustle Nest — Bakery and Bistro, Baner

Few labeled options, but works if you are headed out with a group of hardcore meat eaters.

Meal for 2: Rs. 800

Image source -  THE RUSTLE NEST

If none of these restaurants in Pune is an option, here is a Vegan First Pro tip!

Asian food is the easiest to vegan-ise. Most of the vegetarian fare is already vegan, just watch out for the mayo in sushi, maki rolls, and honey in the dressing or sauces. At pizza joints, ask for any vegetarian pizza without the cheese.

After these meals, if you wish to end with a nice coffee, check out Third Wave (Crossword Aundh). Their coffee, especially the El Diablo Blend, is strong and can wash down everything. They offer multiple plant-based milk options.

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