The Best Vegan Cafés In Chennai

The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, the then secretary of the Vegetarian Society in Leicester, UK, when members of the society demanded that a section of the newsletter be dedicated to non-dairy vegetarianism. When their request was denied, Donald Watson started a new quarterly newsletter called "The Vegan News" in November of 1944. The term was made by using the first three letters and the last two letters of the word "vegetarian." This has now evolved into a global movement with a sizable global following. In India, where ethical lacto-vegetarianism has been practiced for millennia, veganism has found many followers. The city of Chennai, capital of the state of Tamil Nadu in India, has earned itself a name in this field by having been crowned the "most vegan-friendly city" in 2018 by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Since then, the number of vegan restaurants and cafés has been steadily on the rise. Even if some restaurants aren't vegan, they have either introduced or increased the number of vegan dishes on their corresponding menus.

The following are some of the best vegan cafés in Chennai.

Nestled in a quiet corner of Chennai, this place is a boon for vegans and vegetarians alike. The Triple C Soup is an ideal starter made with carrots, cauliflower, and coconut. Snacks like Broccoli Tater Tots and Spicy Tofu With Coffee Coulis will blow one's mind. Do try their Jimani Tofu Bhurji, Creamy Corn and Peas Pasta, and the incredible Jackfruit Biryani.

Address: 17/9, 3rd E Street, Kamaraj Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur

Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday to Wednesday Closed on Thursdays.

Price for two: INR 900

Santé Spa Cuisine 

With dishes that look and taste great, the focus here is on clean eating. To focus on relaxation and de-stressing, the decor is mostly green and white. The beetroot and spinach hommus with khakra and salads are highly recommended. Do try their ragi pizza and Khandasari sugar in desserts.

Address: 4, Ground Floor, Rutland Gate, 2nd Street

Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Price for two: INR 1600

Mearth Café  

With a myriad of vegan, keto, and gluten-free options, this place will spoil you for choice. Their many vegan pizza options will keep one busy for quite a while. Must-try dishes here are Guacamole Burger, Thai Curry, Mezze Bowls, Spaghetti, and Korean BBQ Burger, which are all vegan.

Address: 58, 2nd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Trustpakkam

Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Price for two: INR 950

VB Signature Progressive Veg. Restaurant

With a warm vibe and quirky decor, this place offers North Indian, South Indian, and Asian cuisine. Do try the Sabudana Pops, Sri Lankan Curry Noodles, and Gilli Barley Biriyani. With plenty of vegan options on the menu here, their cocktails are stimulating.

Address: No. 52, 103, Nungambakkam High Road, Subba Road Avenue, Nungambakkam

Hours of operation: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Price for two: INR 1200

Asian Station 

The Pan-Asian cuisine here offers an assortment of mouth-watering foods. Most of their vegetarian options are inherently vegan, with the exception of desserts. The Dragon Pom Pom, Cinnamon Curry, Udon Noodles, Tofu Nigiri, and Thai Fried Rice with Chili and Basil are must-haves.

Address: 17, 24, 3rd Street, Lapis Lagoon, AA Block, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar

Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Price for two: INR 1800

Wild Garden: The Café at Amethyst

With both indoor and outdoor seating available, this place predominantly serves Continental food with many vegan options. Try the spiced tofu scramble with sourdough and kale, as well as the fusili pesto with green beans and baby potatoes.

Address: 28 Whites Road, Amethyst, Royahpettah

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Price for two: INR 1300

Mezze 

While the decor and menu here might have one convinced that they are in the Middle East, the vegan options and customization available will make the vegans among us happy. Vegas must absolutely try the falafel sandwich, smoked tofu salad, and dukkah mushroom.

Address: Abhinav Centre, Old No. 19, New No. 14, Cooperative Colony, Alwarpet

Hours of operation: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Price for two: INR 1900

Flower Drum Adyar- Pure Vegetarian

A place for subtle East Asian cuisine, most vegetarian options here are inherently vegan. Tomato Garlic Soup, Stuffed Fried Mushrooms, and Thai Veg. Bali Curry with Noodles is a must-order dish for casual dining or takeout.

Address: 4th Floor, 3, Lattice Bridge Road, Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar

Timings: 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Price for two: INR 1000

Lyfe by Soul Garden Bistro

With a range of vegan options, this restaurant is an ideal combination of rustic ambience and wholesome food. With an exquisite range of ice creams, the zucchini chips, BBQ tofu, and pasta Arabiatta are must-try dishes.

Address: 14, Ananda Road, Alwarpet

Timings: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

Price for two: INR 950

Pumpkin Tales 

From seasoned appetizers to flavorful desserts, this is the perfect multi-cuisine restaurant for vegans. They inquire about the patron's allergies first and then proceed with taking an order. Do try their vegan curries and bowls like Pumpkin Curry, Thai Green Curry, Balinese Curry, Sambal Bowl, Vietnamese Noodle Salad, and Guiltless Fried Rice.

Address: 37, First Floor, Bheemanna Garden Street, Sriram Colony, Alwarpet

Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

Price for two: INR 2000

From the above options, it seems that Chennai is deserving of its title of "most vegan friendly city." Vegans in Chennai have no shortage of culinary options to choose from. With such a wide variety of vegan restaurants offering multiple cuisines, it won't be long before Chennai reclaims the crown of being the most vegan-friendly city again.