A vegetarian paradise, the city of Rishikesh in northeast India is a meat and alcohol-free zone. A serene hub of spirituality and nature, Rishikesh is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious vegan food. Read on for the best places to get vegan food in Rishikesh.
Located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India, Rishikesh is known as the spiritual and historical home of yoga. Deriving from the Sanskrit words ‘rishi’ and ‘kesh,’ Rishikesh translates as ‘hair of the sage.’
A hub of yoga, spirituality, and meditation, Rishikesh boasts an idyllic and tranquil location at the foothills of the Himalayas and the source of the holy Ganga River. Thus, making it a popular site of spiritual pilgrimage among people from all across India and further afield.
Given the city’s spiritual and religious significance, many people in Rishikesh refrain from consuming meat. Therefore, it is the perfect place to adhere to a vegan or vegetarian diet. Visiting soon? Here are the best places for vegan food in Rishikesh.
10. Soul Kitchen – for fresh, wholesome food and drinks
Located close to the Swarg Ashram on the Laxman Jhula side of Rishikesh, Soul Kitchen is a great place to enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch.
Undoubtedly one of the best places for vegan food in Rishikesh, they make the most of fresh, local ingredients to create wholesome and delicious dishes that are good for your body and soul.
You can expect everything from a classic Vegan Thali to a Khichdi Detox Bowl, various pasta dishes to fresh smoothies, juices, and natural desserts.
Address: Swarg Ashram, Jonk, Uttarakhand 249304, India
9. Tat Café – for epic food and epic views
Overlooking the Ganga River, Tat Café is the perfect place to visit for great food and great vibes. Sit out on the balcony and take in the surrounding scenery, watching India’s holiest river flow beneath you. Bliss!
When it comes to yummy vegan options, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from a tasty grilled pumpkin platter to sweet and savoury breakfast bowls, a vegan chickpea omelette to a tasty vegan thali complete with cashew cream cheese.
Address: Hanuman Mandir, Laxman Jhula Rd, Paidal Marg, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
8. Ira’s Kitchen and Tearoom – a relaxed jungle oasis
Hidden among the trees, Ira’s Kitchen and Tearoom is a popular spot for brunch, coffee, and tasty bites. Boasting a friendly vibe and a varied menu, this is the perfect place to sit back and relax.
Their various oat and muesli bowls offer a delightful and filling breakfast, while their various vegetable and tofu curries offer a delicious taste of vegan Indian cuisine.
Address: Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
As the name suggests, Vegan Shala is a fully vegan eatery located on the Tapovan side of Rishikesh. Hidden away down a little side street, this is somewhat of a hidden gem that would be easy to miss.
From hummus to soups, various vegan paranthas, and a great selection of veggie curries, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, we highly recommend their tasty and wholesome buckwheat pancakes!
Address: Balaknath Rd, near patanjali Yoga Foundation, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
6. Tulsi Restaurant – one of the best-loved vegan spots in Rishikesh
Located slightly out of the centre of Tapovan, Tulsi Restaurant is somewhat of a hidden oasis located up in the hills.
Boasting epic surroundings, you can relax with some friends here, enjoying a tasty plant-based bite to eat. For breakfast, they have everything from porridge to muesli to fruit salad and more. Aside from that, you can expect fresh salads, buckwheat pancakes, soups, pasta, and more.
Address: Ghugtyani Malli, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
5. Ramana’s Organic Café – for delicious, organic vegan food
Aside from delicious street foods, India also has many healthy options of Vegan foods and Ramana’s Organic Café is a good place to find them.
Overlooking the water on the Laxman Jhula side of Rishikesh, Ramana’s Organic Café is another one of the best places to buy vegan food in Rishikesh.
Serving up delicious fresh and organic dishes like soups, salads, gnocchi, and more, vegans will be blown away by the great variety of plant-based dishes offered here.
Address: Laxman Jhula Rd, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137, India
4. The Little Buddha Café – one of the most famous restaurants in Rishikesh
Boasting perhaps one of the best views in Rishikesh, The Little Buddha Cafe has come to be known as one of the best restaurants in the entire city.
Popular among locals and tourists alike, they offer a fantastic array of Indian, Chinese, and Israeli dishes. From fresh salads to veggie platters, tofu, and chana masala to veggie burgers, momos, and more, the options here are almost unrivalled anywhere else in Rishikesh.
Address: Laxman Jhula Rd, near Little Buddha Cafe, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302, India
3. Pure Soul Café – for healthy vegan dishes and drinks
Located within the Dewa Retreat in Tapovan, Pure Soul Café is a great spot to enjoy some delicious vegan food, fresh juices, and teas. With short tables, cushions on the floor to sit on, and floor-to-ceiling windows, this is the perfect place to relax, journal, and enjoy a bite to eat.
You can expect lots of fresh energy-boosting and antioxidant-rich tonics, elixirs, smoothies, and juices, making it a great spot for the health-conscious. Food-wise, they have lots of delicious soups, salads, breakfast bowls, and more.
In fact, if you are going to create an India bucket list, be sure to add a visit to Pure Soul Café.
Address: Dewa Retreat, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
2. Tattv Café – delicious and organic
Located above an organic health shop, Tattv Café is a great spot to indulge in some epic plant-based Indian dishes.
Using fresh, organic ingredients, the restaurant offers a varied menu of options, including Dal Fry, Mutter Mushroom, Aloo Ghobi, and Chana Masala. It also serves tasty soups, salads, pasta, and more, meaning there’s something to suit all tastes.
Address: Haridwar Rishikesh Badrinath Road, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
1. Secret Garden Café – a popular spot among Rishikesh yoga students
Topping our list of best places for vegan food in Rishikesh is the much-loved Secret Garden Café in Tapovan. This hidden oasis is a popular spot among the city’s yoga school students, serving up a delightful array of healthy and delicious veggie dishes.
Known for its coffee and rich and creamy smoothies, you can catch up with friends over a drink. Or, if you’re feeling peckish, you’ll delight in their range of healthy salads, sandwiches, and platters.
Address: Tapovan Rd, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192, India
Related: 5 epic spots to check out for street food in Mumbai, India