Indian food is one of the easiest cuisines to enjoy as a vegan, which is why vegan Indian food in Oakland is such an easy, satisfying choice. So many classic dishes are built on chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, cauliflower and spices, and they’re packed with flavor without any dairy at all.
We’re Royal Kitchen, a halal Indian restaurant on 98th Avenue in Oakland, and our menu has a full vegan section, from street-food chaat to curries, biryani and breads.
Here are eight vegan dishes worth ordering, starting with the one that’s always a hit: our Samosa Chaat.
Samosa Chaat (Vegan)
Let’s start with a street-food favorite. Traditionally, samosa chaat takes crispy samosas, breaks them open and tops them with spiced chickpeas, tangy tamarind and mint chutneys, onions and fresh cilantro. Our Samosa Chaat (Vegan) keeps all that flavor plant-based. It’s crunchy, saucy, sweet, tangy and spicy all at once, the kind of dish that wakes up your whole palate. If you’ve been looking for samosa chaat in Oakland, start here: it’s the perfect starter to share, or a light meal on its own.
Gobi Manchurian (Vegan)
Love Indo-Chinese food? Traditionally, gobi manchurian is cauliflower florets fried until crispy and tossed in a sticky, garlicky sauce with soy, chili and spring onions. Craving gobi manchurian in Oakland? Our Gobi Manchurian (Vegan) is a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that even meat lovers fight over. It’s crunchy, saucy and a little spicy, and it’s perfect for sharing with the table. Order it alongside a biryani, and you’ve got a full vegan feast in two dishes.
Veggie Biryani (Vegan)
For a hearty main, there’s Veggie Biryani (Vegan). Traditionally, biryani layers fragrant basmati rice with spiced vegetables and whole spices, then cooks it slowly so every grain soaks up the flavor. It’s aromatic, filling and satisfying, a complete meal in one bowl, and an easy vegan biryani in Oakland to order for the family. It’s a great pick for a family dinner or a big lunch. Pair it with a side of Channa Masala for extra protein and an even bigger plate.
Vegan Pani Puri (Golgappa)
Want something fun? Vegan Pani Puri (Golgappa) is one of India’s most loved street snacks. Traditionally, you crack a hollow, crispy puri, fill it with spiced potato and chickpeas, then pour in tangy, minty flavored water and eat it in one bite. It’s a burst of flavor every time, and it’s a great dish to share with friends who’ve never tried it. Just be ready for a little mess.
Tandoori Soya Chaap (Vegan)
Looking for something meaty without the meat? Traditionally, soya chaap is a plant-based protein made from soy, marinated in spices and roasted in a tandoor for a smoky, charred finish. Our Tandoori Soya Chaap (Vegan) is chewy, savory and full of flavor, a favorite with vegans who miss the texture of tandoori chicken. It’s great as a starter or with Tandoori Roti (Vegan) to make it a full meal.
Channa Masala (Vegan)
Every vegan Indian order needs a good curry, and Channa Masala (Vegan) is a classic. Traditionally, chickpeas simmer in a rich tomato and onion gravy with ginger, garlic and warm spices until thick and comforting. It’s hearty, a little tangy and packed with protein. Scoop it up with roti, spoon it over rice or pair it with biryani. It’s simple, satisfying and one of the most loved vegetarian dishes in Indian cooking.
Vegan Baingan Bartha (Egg Plant)
Want something smoky? Vegan Baingan Bartha (Egg Plant) is a North Indian favorite. Traditionally, eggplant is roasted over an open flame until soft and charred, then mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic and spices. It’s smoky, rich and silky, with a flavor unlike any other curry on the menu. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves eggplant, and it pairs beautifully with warm bread straight from the tandoor.
Vegan Combo
Can’t decide? The Vegan Combo makes it easy. It’s a three-compartment container with two vegan curries, rice, naan bread and fresh mixed salad, a full plate in one box. It’s perfect for lunch at work or a quick dinner at home, and it’s the easiest way to try vegan Indian food in Oakland in one box. Want to compare all our combo boxes? Our combo box guide explains every one, and our vegan and vegetarian guide covers even more meat-free dishes.
Feeding the office? Our halal office catering post has ideas for group orders. For everything else, order straight from us through our own online ordering: ordering direct means we get the full order with no app commission, and you’ll earn reward points on every direct order.
See you soon at Royal Kitchen, your neighborhood 98th Ave restaurant in Oakland.
