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There is a prevailing belief in some culinary circles that veganism is a mere extension of vegetarianism, meaning vegans are vegetarians who abstain from consuming dairy products. However, there is more to veganism than that. In fact, veganism can be broadly classified into four types based on their motivation.
- Ethical veganism is the adoption of a vegan lifestyle that is free of any animal cruelty. People who adopt this type of veganism don't want their lives to involve animal cruelty in any form.
- Environmental veganism is the adoption of a greener lifestyle in order to save the planet.
- Health veganism is the adoption of a vegan lifestyle for health reasons, citing the medical risks of consuming food from animal sources.
- Religious veganism is the adoption of a vegan lifestyle for religious reasons.
The city of Kolkata, not to be outdone by other Indian cities' growing numbers of vegans, has its own vegan community. Plenty of restaurants and cafés offering vegan-only menus or dishes with vegan customization options have opened up in the last few years. Some of them are:
1. Ubuntu Eat
A paradise for vegans, this is Kolkata's first 100% vegan café. Made with peanut milk, they call their version of Dahi Vada Sahi Vada. Do try their burgers, pastas, smoothie bowls, and home-baked pizza.
Address: 603/1B, Block 'O', New Alipore 3rd Right, Opposite Hindustan Sweets
Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. closed on Mondays.
Price for two: INR 950
2. The Daily Café
A Euro-inspired bistro and café, this place has a millennial vibe and is minimally decorated. The quinoa salad is worth a try, and an avocado salad named Avo is also popular.
Address: Same Lane as Maharaja Tea Stall, 5, Sateen Dutta Road, Kalinga
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., on Sundays.
Price for two: INR 1100
3. Sienna Store and Café
Offering almond milk in their coffees as a replacement for dairy-based milk, this is a quaint place that is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The vegan salads and desserts are delectable and must-haves.
Address: 49, 1, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat
Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 1200
4. Urban Masala
With elegant decor, this place offers South Indian and North Indian cuisine as well as fast food. Their aglio olio pasta is a must-try, and vegan options can be requested from the waiter.
Address: 882 Lake Town Road, Block A, Lake Town
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 850
5. Fly Kouzina
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, this place gives us an airplane-like experience, complete with a boarding pass. This multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant has many vegan options, like the broccoli dumplings and Khao Suey. Don't forget their Strawberry Margarita and Strawberry Mojito mocktails.
Address: AD73, 1st Avenue Road, AD Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 1300
6. Kaidi Kitchen
Just when you think you've seen it all, someone comes up with something truly incredible. This multi-cuisine restaurant is vegetarian with plenty of vegan options and has a jail-like theme. They seem to have become a go-to place for Mexican food like the Fajita Sizzler, Corn Soup, and Pink Paradise Mojito.
Address: 1st Floor, 4/1, Camac Street, Kankaria Estates, Park Street Area
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 1600
7. The Flaming Bowl
Serving predominantly East Asian food, half of this restaurant's menu is vegan. Thai Basil Fried Rice, Phad Stew, Buddha's Delight, and Exotic Veg Sui Mai are some of the dishes that regular patrons recommend.
Address: 30, Harish Mukherjee Road, Bhowanipore
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 1200
8. Mizuki
A restaurant that serves Chinese and Japanese cuisines, Mizuki's dishes are tangy and full of flavor. Try the spinach or charcoal steamed vegan buns. Their pineapple fried rice or peanut noodle with broccoli and bell pepper, served with red cabbage or green apple pickles, is the main course.
Address: 18 A, Ramesh Mitra Road, Bakul Bagan, Bhowanipore
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 300
9. The Yellow Straw
Started by brothers-in-law Vikram Khinwasara and Piyush Kankaria, this place has a loyal following among fitness freaks and the health-conscious of Kolkata. Juices like Chili Pataka Straw, Power Punch Straw, and Healthy Straw are extremely popular. Dealing predominantly in juices without adding sugar, this place is a heaven for vegan juice enthusiasts.
Address: 4, RN Mukherjee Road, opposite Old Mission Church, Lal Bazaar
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
Price for two: INR 400
10. Binge Baefikar
Launched by a young food entrepreneur, Anisha Mohta, this place aims to make vegan food more accessible to citizens of Kolkata. Their vegan rotis, parathas, pizzas, and burgers are quite popular. This establishment caters to those looking for keto-friendly and gluten-free food as well.
Address: 26 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Badam Talla, Lake Gardens
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., all seven days of the week.
Price for two: INR 600
While still in the beginning phase of the vegan movement, the options enumerated above clearly show that the number of vegans in Kolkata is rising, and demand for corresponding cuisine is increasing as well. This is an ideal opportunity for food entrepreneurs and business people to start ventures that are sure to grow and bring in significant profits. Having said that, the already available vegan options in Kolkata are many and varied, and they are enough to satiate the vegan crowd, for now at least.
