Vegan & Vegetarian Indian Dishes You Need to Try
Indian cuisine is a paradise for plant-based eaters. Explore the best vegan and vegetarian dishes at Spice Room Denver.
India has one of the world's oldest and richest vegetarian food traditions. Roughly 40% of the Indian population follows a vegetarian diet, which means centuries of recipes have been developed to make plant-based food deeply satisfying — not an afterthought.
At Spice Room, over a third of our menu is vegetarian, and many dishes are naturally vegan or easily modified. Here are the standouts.
Vegetarian Must-Tries
Palak Paneer
Fresh spinach pureed with aromatic spices, studded with cubes of homemade paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It's creamy, iron-rich, and one of our most-ordered vegetarian dishes. The paneer is made in-house daily.
Dal Makhani
Black lentils and kidney beans slow-cooked for hours with butter, cream, and a blend of fresh-ground spices. Rich, smoky, and deeply comforting. This is the dish that converts meat-eaters to Indian vegetarian food.
Mattar Paneer
Paneer and green peas in a mildly spiced tomato-onion gravy. Simple, homestyle, and loved by all ages.
Vegetable Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice layered with seasonal vegetables, saffron, and whole spices. A complete meal in one pot.
Vegan Favorites
These dishes contain no dairy and are fully plant-based:
- Channa Masala — chickpeas in a tangy, spiced tomato sauce. Protein-packed and bold.
- Aloo Gobi — potatoes and cauliflower dry-roasted with turmeric, cumin, and fresh ginger.
- Dal Tadka — yellow lentils tempered with cumin, garlic, and dried chilies. Light, healthy, and aromatic.
- Vegetable Jalfrezi — stir-fried vegetables in a vibrant bell pepper and tomato sauce.
- Bhindi Masala — okra sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. A home-cooking favorite.
Vegan-Friendly Breads & Sides
Standard naan contains dairy, but roti and chapati are naturally vegan. Pair them with any of the dishes above. Our papadums and chutneys are also vegan.
Gluten-Free Options
Most of our curries, dals, and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free. If you have dietary restrictions, our staff is trained to help you choose safely. We're proud to be an Indian restaurant in Denver with gluten-free options.
Visit Us
Whether you're fully vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a plant-based meal, Spice Room has you covered at all three locations: Highlands, Colfax, and Arvada. Explore our Denver Food Guide for more recommendations.
Chef Ashok
Executive Chef
Chef Ashok trained in Hyderabad and Kathmandu before joining SPICE ROOM, specializing in street food, momos, and South Indian cuisine. He is passionate about introducing Denver diners to lesser-known regional dishes with bold, balanced spice profiles.
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Try Vegan & Vegetarian Indian Dishes You Need to Try at SPICE ROOM
Love this recipe? Taste the original at any of our 3 Denver locations — made fresh by our chefs daily.
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