15 Best Indian Vegan Appetizers

Did you know that Indian cuisine has a rich vegetarian & vegan cooking tradition, with many dishes featuring plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, & vegetables? Yes, India is known for its diverse & flavorful cuisine, & Indian appetizers are no exception. Small bites, big flavor. That's the magic of appetizers.

Let's explore a vegan journey through Indian appetizer flavors.

Best Indian Vegan Appetizers

• Samosas

These triangular pastries are a classic Indian appetizer. The filling can vary from vegan options like potatoes, veggies, paneer, cheese & more with blends of spices & serve with chutney or ketchup for dipping.

For a perfect classic vegan twist on samosa, Sudo Plant Based Keema Samosa here with a popular vegan twist on the traditional meat version. This is a perfect balance of spice & crunch & a great snack for parties or a chai break. 

Check Here: Samosa Grilled Cheese Recipe

• Momos 

Momos, originally from Tibet, have a special place in the Indian appetizer. They are typically filled with vegetables or meat & served with a spicy dipping sauce. With its growing popularity, even vegan versions such as Sudo vegan momos are now widely available, making it an ideal option for meat lovers & for those who follow a plant-based diet.

Check This: How to Make Veg Momos 

• Aloo Tikki 

This appetizer is made with smashed boiled potatoes & different spices, & herbs like cumin, coriander, & chili powder & then fried until crispy & served with tamarind chutney & mint chutney.

Also Check This: Best Indian Vegan Snack

• Chana Chaat

Chana chaat is a popular Indian tangy & spicy appetizer made from chickpeas (vegan protein source), veggies, & tangy spices. It's a healthy & delicious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. 

Check This: Top Biotin-Rich Vegetarian Foods

• Vegan Odia Dahi Vada

These dumplings (shape like doughnuts) are made with lentil flour, soaked in soy yoghurt mix (vegan version), & then topped with spicy toppings. It's a perfect dairy free & combination of sweet, spicy, & tangy flavors many love.

Also Check This: Vegan Curry Recipe

• Hara Bhara Kabab

These kababs are made with spinach, potatoes, & peas & then flavored with ginger, garlic, & spices. They're a healthy & flavorful appetizer perfect for vegetarians & vegans. & a more flavorful & healthy twist on Hara Bhara Kabab called Plant-Based Seekh Kebab is here with delicious vegan options packed with protein & perfect for guilt-free indulgence.

Check This: Vegan Keema Tacos Recipe

• Pani Puri (Gol Gappe)

These crispy small, hollow, fried wheat shells are filled with a tangy & spicy mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, & tamarind-spicy-sour water. It's popular street food in India & the perfect appetizer loved by people to enjoy on the way home before the main course.

Check This: Vegan Keema Recipe

• Corn Chaat

This is a popular Indian appetizer made with corn kernels seasoned with various spices, chutneys, & lemon juice. It's a flavorful tangy-spicy appetizer enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.

Also Check This: Quick Vegan Snack Ideas

• Bhel Puri

This is a popular Indian vegan appetizer made with puffed rice, vegetables like onions, tomatoes, potatoes, chutneys, & a mix of spices. It's a popular street food in India known for its unique blend of sweet, sour, & spicy flavors.

Check This: Best Vegan Snacks in Indian Market

• Masala Papad

This is a crunchy & tangy Indian delight that entices taste buds with spicy toppings of onions, tomatoes, & chilies sprinkled with a blend of aromatic chaat masala. It's a quick, easy snack, usually served as an appetizer or side dish.

Also Check This: Top 10 High Protein Indian Vegan Breakfast

• Dal Vada

This is a popular Indian vegan appetizer made with ground lentils & spices, shaped into patties or balls & deep-fried to crispy perfection. It's a tasty & nutritious snack & with the addition of chutney or sauce, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Check This: Jackfruit Biryani Recipe

• Gobi Manchurian

A popular Indian-Chinese delicious appetizer that is made with crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy & tangy sauce. It's a flavorful & delightful vegan snack that can be relished on its own or with rice.

Also Check This: Plant-Based Seekh Kebab Salad Recipe

• Popcorn

Popcorn is also a perfect appetizer for a movie night that can double up as a pre-dinner snack. It's also a versatile snack that can be made with different types of kernels, oils, & toppings. For a more substantial appetizer, add a protein like chicken or go for a vegan version using plant-based alternatives - Plant-Based Chicken Popcorn.

Check This: Veg Galouti Kebab Recipe

• Batata Vada

This is a mouth-watering vegan Indian appetizer made from mashed potatoes mixed with spices, coated in chickpea flour batter, & then deep-fried to crispy golden perfection. It's a popular street food in India & is often served with chutney or as a filling in a sandwich or burger.

• Onion bhaji

A flawless, crispy, flavorful, & easy-to-eat Indian appetizer. The combination of sliced onions & spices dipped in a batter & fried until golden brown creates a savory & satisfying snack that pairs well with chutney or sauce. In addition, it is smal-size, & bite-sized pieces make it a great finger food for parties or gatherings.

Conclusion

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious vegan appetizers, from crispy-spicy samosa to savory bhaji, offering a diverse & mouth-watering range of options for plant-based eaters. 

Enjoy more flavorful & healthy cuisine with Sudo Plant Based Foods - Where Veganism Meets Indian Flavors. Made with high-quality plant-based ingredients & packed with authentic spices & flavors. Even meat lovers won't resist Sudo vegan products' flavors & texture, a plant-based twist on a beloved classic.