8 Vegan Indian Breakfast Recipes We LOVE

Indian breakfasts are known for their bold flavors, rich textures, and nourishing ingredients, making them a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a hearty and flavorful start to their day. 

Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or a filling, savory dish, traditional Indian breakfasts offer a range of options. 

Across India, breakfast preferences vary by region: in North India, expect hearty parathas and potatoes, while South India is known for its lighter, rice-based breakfasts and flavorful chutneys.

This guide features vegan Indian breakfast recipes from all corners of the country, with each dish crafted for plant-based diets, ensuring that the flavors remain authentic and delicious. 

From classic recipes like masala dosas and soft idlis to lesser-known delights, there’s something here for everyone.

Vegan Breakfast Recipes to Try

1. Vegan Paneer Paratha (Tofu Paratha)

Paratha is a popular North Indian flatbread. Traditionally, it’s stuffed with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), but to make it vegan, swap in firm tofu.

• Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, salt, tofu, green chilies, red chili powder, garam masala, mango powder, and fresh coriander.
• Method: Mix the whole wheat flour, water, and salt to make dough, then roll it out and fill it with seasoned, crumbled tofu. Cook the paratha on a hot griddle with a touch of oil until both sides are golden brown. Serve with a side of vegan yogurt or chutney.

2. Chole Puri

This North Indian classic pairs spicy chickpea curry (chole) with puri, a deep-fried, unleavened bread.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, garlic, green chilies, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, whole wheat flour, and salt.
• Method: Boil the chickpeas and prepare a spiced tomato and onion base. Add chickpeas and cook until thick. Serve with puri made by frying small rounds of dough in oil. For a vegan-friendly accompaniment, enjoy with tangy mango pickle or vegan raita.

3. Moong Dal Cheela

Also called mung bean pancakes, moong dal cheela is a savory, protein-packed dish that’s light yet filling.

• Ingredients: Split yellow moong dal, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, salt, cumin powder.
• Method: Soak the moong dal, then blend with spices to make a smooth batter. Cook like pancakes on a griddle with a little oil until golden. Serve with coriander chutney for a fresh, vegan pairing.

4. Poha

Poha is a quick, healthy dish made from flattened rice and seasoned with spices and veggies.

• Ingredients: Flattened rice, mustard seeds, turmeric, peanuts, green chilies, curry leaves, and diced potatoes.
• Method: Rinse the poha until soft, then sauté mustard seeds and spices. Add the vegetables and poha, cooking until everything is well combined. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and chopped coriander for a refreshing touch.

5. Vegan Masala Dosa

A South Indian staple, masala dosa is a crispy, rice-and-lentil crepe filled with a spiced potato mixture.

• Ingredients: Rice, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, potatoes, onions, green chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and turmeric.
• Method: Soak and grind the rice and dal to make a dosa batter. Prepare a spiced potato filling with onions and spices. Cook the dosa on a hot griddle, then fill with the potato mixture. Serve with coconut chutney or sambar for an authentic vegan experience.

6. Masala Oats

Adding a touch of Indian spices to oats makes them savory and perfect for breakfast.

• Ingredients: Rolled oats, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, green beans, carrots, peas, tomatoes, turmeric, salt.
• Method: Toast the oats, then cook them with sautéed spices and vegetables until they reach a creamy consistency. Garnish with coriander and serve warm.

7. Rava Upma

This South Indian dish uses semolina (rava) to create a savory porridge.

• Ingredients: Semolina, mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, green chilies, and chopped ginger.
• Method: Toast the rava, then cook it with spices, peanuts, and water until fluffy. Serve with coconut chutney for added flavor.

8. Pav Bhaji

Pav bhaji is a Mumbai street food favorite featuring a spicy vegetable mash served with bread rolls.

• Ingredients: Cauliflower, potatoes, peas, carrots, tomatoes, green chilies, pav bhaji masala, vegan butter.
• Method: Sauté the veggies, mash them with spices, and cook until thick. Serve with toasted vegan-friendly bread rolls and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

Vegan Accompaniments for an Indian Breakfast

Indian breakfasts often come with flavorful sides that can enhance your meal. Here are a few vegan-friendly options:

• Pickles (Achaar): These tangy pickles, like mango and lime, add a burst of flavor. Look for oil-based versions without dairy or fish derivatives.
• Vegan Raita: Swap dairy yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt, and add cucumbers and spices for a cooling effect.
• Chutneys: Coconut chutney is perfect for South Indian dishes, while mint or coriander chutney complements Northern options. Be sure to use plant-based yogurt or skip it altogether.

Regional Vegan Breakfast Variations

Indian breakfast spreads vary widely across regions, each with its own specialties:

• North India: Hearty options like stuffed parathas, jeera aloo, and chole puri.
• South India: Light and nutritious dishes such as masala dosa, idli, and upma.
• West India: Dhokla and vada pav are favorites, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• East India: Enjoy options like aloo puri and litti chokha for a unique regional twist.

Final Thoughts

Indian breakfast recipes offer an amazing variety, from hearty North Indian flatbreads to lighter South Indian dosas and idlis. 

Each dish can be easily adapted for vegan diets, and many traditional recipes are already plant-based. 

Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or looking to add more variety to your breakfast, these vegan Indian breakfast recipes are packed with flavor and nutrition. 

Dive into these delicious dishes and start your mornings with a touch of spice!

Frequently Asked Questions