Finding the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights can be surprisingly rewarding for anyone who wants flavorful plant-based food without sacrificing variety. Indian cuisine has a long tradition of cooking with vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, rice, grains, herbs, spices, and plant-based ingredients, making it one of the world’s most naturally adaptable cuisines for vegan diners.
Brooklyn Heights itself has a relatively compact Indian restaurant scene, but its location makes it easy to explore additional Indian restaurants in nearby Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights. That wider area gives vegan diners access to everything from vegetable curries and dal to South Indian dosa, idli, sambar, and vegetable biryani.
For example, Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is directly in Brooklyn Heights and specifically promotes options for building a vegan and gluten-free meal. Its menu includes modern Indian dishes such as coastal curries, paneer tikka, tandoori specialties, and aromatic biryanis, alongside plant-based choices.
Curry Heights, at 151 Remsen Street, is another centrally located Indian restaurant with a broad vegetarian menu and vegan-friendly choices.
The important thing for vegan diners is to understand that vegetarian does not automatically mean vegan. Indian cooking frequently uses ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, and paneer. A vegetable curry can therefore be vegetarian while still containing dairy. Asking about preparation is especially important when ordering naan, dal, biryani, creamy curries, and tandoori dishes.
This guide focuses on restaurants and dishes that are useful for vegan diners, while clearly distinguishing restaurants located in Brooklyn Heights from those that are nearby.
Why Brooklyn Heights Has Great Indian Restaurants
Brooklyn Heights may not have the largest concentration of Indian restaurants in Brooklyn, but its location makes it an excellent starting point for discovering Indian cuisine. The neighborhood sits close to Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and other areas with Indian restaurants, allowing diners to expand their choices without traveling far across the city. Current local listings show multiple Indian restaurants directly in and around the neighborhood.
For vegan diners, this geographic advantage is particularly useful because different areas offer different styles of Indian cooking. A restaurant in Brooklyn Heights may specialize in modern North Indian dishes, while a nearby South Indian restaurant can introduce dosa, idli, vada, and sambar to the meal.
Indian Cuisine Naturally Works Well for Vegan Dining
One of the biggest strengths of Indian cuisine is that plant-based cooking is not simply a modern trend. Lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, grains, coconut, spices, and fresh herbs have long been central to many regional Indian food traditions.
This means vegan diners can often build a satisfying meal from dishes such as:
- Chana masala
- Aloo gobi
- Bhindi masala
- Baingan bharta
- Vegetable curry
- Dal
- Vegetable biryani
- Dosa
- Idli
- Sambar
- Vegetable pakora
- Roti
The challenge is identifying which dishes are actually dairy-free.
Brooklyn Heights Offers Both Modern and Traditional Indian Cooking
The local restaurant scene includes different approaches to Indian cuisine.
Mint Heights describes itself as a destination for modern Indian cooking, combining traditional recipes with seasonal New York produce. Its menu includes tandoori specialties, coastal curries, biryanis, and vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices.
Curry Heights provides another style of Indian dining, with familiar curries, vegetarian entrées, rice, naan, and lunch combinations. Its location at 151 Remsen Street makes it a convenient option for diners who want to stay within Brooklyn Heights.
Together, these restaurants give vegan diners a useful starting point before expanding the search to surrounding neighborhoods.
Nearby Downtown Brooklyn Adds South Indian Options
The Indian food scene becomes more diverse once you move beyond Brooklyn Heights.
Downtown Brooklyn, for example, has restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi, both associated with South Indian cuisine.
This matters because South Indian cuisine can be particularly rewarding for vegan diners. Dosa, idli, sambar, and many vegetable-based dishes are naturally plant-forward, although ghee and other dairy ingredients should still be confirmed.
A vegan diner who has already explored North Indian curries can therefore experience a completely different side of Indian cuisine without going far from Brooklyn Heights.
Plant-Based Indian Food Offers Plenty of Flavor
Vegan Indian food is not dependent on cheese or cream to be satisfying.
Indian cooking builds flavor through techniques such as tempering spices in oil, roasting vegetables, caramelizing onions, simmering lentils, using fresh herbs, and combining spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, mustard seed, cardamom, cinnamon, and chili.
That is why a simple dish such as chana masala can be just as satisfying as a rich paneer curry.
Similarly, dishes such as baingan bharta use roasted eggplant for a smoky, savory character, while bhindi masala relies on okra and spices for its distinctive flavor.
Brooklyn Heights Is Convenient for Different Types of Vegan Diners
The neighborhood and its surrounding areas can accommodate different dining occasions.
A vegan diner looking for a quick meal can choose a vegetable curry with rice or roti. Someone meeting friends can order several dishes to share. A couple looking for a more polished dinner can choose a contemporary Indian restaurant and ask about its plant-based selections.
Mint Heights specifically describes its restaurant as suitable for date nights, family dinners, and group celebrations while offering vegan and gluten-free options.
Vegan Diners Should Look Beyond the Word “Vegetarian”
The most important rule when searching for vegan Indian food is simple: check the ingredients rather than relying only on the vegetarian label.
Common dairy ingredients to watch for include:
- Ghee
- Butter
- Cream
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Paneer
For example, saag paneer is vegetarian but not vegan because it contains paneer. Dal makhani is also generally vegetarian but can contain butter or cream. Naan may contain milk, yogurt, butter, or ghee depending on the recipe.
On the other hand, dishes such as chana masala, some vegetable curries, certain dals, and some South Indian dishes may be easier to order as vegan, provided the restaurant confirms the preparation.
That combination of naturally plant-forward Indian cuisine, modern local restaurants, and access to nearby South Indian dining makes Brooklyn Heights a strong starting point for exploring vegan Indian food in Brooklyn.
Top Vegan Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights
For diners searching for the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, the selection is somewhat more focused than the broader vegetarian Indian scene. The most relevant restaurants are Mint Heights and Curry Heights, both located directly in Brooklyn Heights and both offering vegan-friendly choices. Nearby Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods add more opportunities for plant-based Indian dining, particularly South Indian cuisine.
It is important to distinguish vegan-friendly from fully vegan. The restaurants below are Indian restaurants with vegan options rather than exclusively vegan restaurants. Because Indian cooking frequently uses ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, and paneer, strict vegans should confirm ingredients and preparation methods before ordering.
1. Mint Heights — Best Overall for Vegan-Friendly Indian Food
Located at 46 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights, Mint Heights is one of the strongest choices for diners seeking plant-based Indian food without leaving the neighborhood.
The restaurant’s menu combines modern Indian cooking with seasonal ingredients and includes a substantial selection of vegetarian dishes. Current restaurant information specifically lists vegan options, while the restaurant’s menu and ordering information highlight the ability to create a vegan and gluten-free meal.
Potential choices for vegan diners include dishes such as:
- Chana masala
- Chana saag
- Vegetable curries
- Aloo-based dishes
- Bhindi preparations
- Vegetable biryani
- Vegetable appetizers
- Selected dal preparations
- Vegan-friendly breads, depending on preparation
Mint Heights is particularly useful for groups because not everyone at the table needs to follow the same diet. Vegetarian diners can order paneer dishes, while vegan diners can choose appropriate plant-based curries and vegetable preparations.
For strict vegans, however, ask whether individual dishes contain ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients. The same applies to naan and other breads.
The restaurant also offers lunch, dinner, pickup, and delivery, making it practical for both dine-in meals and plant-based Indian food at home.
Best for: Vegan-friendly Indian dinner, modern Indian cuisine, plant-based curries, groups, date nights, and takeout.
2. Curry Heights — Best for Affordable Vegan Indian Food
At 151 Remsen Street, Curry Heights is another restaurant located directly in Brooklyn Heights and is particularly appealing to diners looking for an affordable vegan-friendly Indian meal.
The restaurant’s own website explicitly says it offers vegetarian and vegan options, mentioning dishes such as chana masala and baingan bharta among its plant-based choices.
Its current menu also includes a broad vegetarian selection, including:
- Chana masala
- Baingan bharta
- Bhindi masala
- Aloo matar gobi
- Cabbage bhaji
- Tarka dal
- Dal makhani
- Saag paneer
Not every vegetarian dish on this list is vegan. For example, saag paneer contains dairy, while dal makhani is commonly prepared with butter or cream. Vegan diners should therefore ask which dishes can be served completely dairy-free.
Curry Heights is particularly attractive for budget-conscious diners because its express lunch menu offers vegetarian combinations with rice and naan, while the restaurant also provides takeout and delivery.
Best for: Affordable vegan-friendly Indian food, chana masala, vegetable curries, lunch, casual dining, takeout, and delivery.
3. Brooklyn Curry Project — Best Nearby for South Indian Vegan Options
If you’re willing to travel beyond Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Curry Project at 383 Bridge Street is worth considering for its South Indian focus.
South Indian cuisine can be particularly attractive to vegan diners because many traditional dishes are based on rice, lentils, fermented batters, vegetables, coconut, and spices rather than dairy-heavy sauces.
Potential dishes to look for include:
- Plain dosa
- Masala dosa
- Idli
- Vada
- Sambar
- Vegetable uttapam
- Coconut chutney
However, vegan diners should still ask whether ghee or butter is used on the griddle or in individual preparations.
The restaurant’s current business listing identifies it specifically as a South Indian restaurant and currently shows limited Saturday daytime service, so checking the current schedule before visiting is sensible.
Best for: South Indian food, dosa, lentil-based dishes, vegan-friendly regional cuisine, and daytime dining.
4. Filter Kaapi — South Indian Plant-Based Dining Nearby
Also located at 383 Bridge Street, Filter Kaapi is another nearby option for diners interested in South Indian cuisine.
Its daytime operating schedule makes it particularly suitable for breakfast or lunch rather than a late dinner.
South Indian dishes can give vegan diners a welcome break from the creamy curries commonly associated with Indian restaurant menus. Dosa, idli, sambar, vegetable preparations, and coconut-based chutneys can provide plenty of variety.
As always, ask whether ghee, butter, yogurt, or other dairy products are used.
Best for: South Indian breakfast or lunch, dosa, idli, sambar, and plant-forward Indian food.
5. Govinda’s Kitchen — Nearby Vegetarian-Focused Indian Dining
Govinda’s Kitchen at 305 Schermerhorn Street is another nearby restaurant to consider when expanding the search beyond Brooklyn Heights.
For plant-based diners, a vegetarian-focused Indian restaurant can be useful because the meal can be built around vegetables, legumes, rice, and Indian spices rather than treating vegan food as a single alternative entrée.
It is located in the Downtown Brooklyn area, making it relatively convenient for diners who want to explore more Indian restaurants after trying the options directly in Brooklyn Heights.
Best for: Vegetarian-focused Indian dining, plant-based meals, and exploring Indian food beyond Brooklyn Heights.
6. Dastaan Indian Kitchen — Nearby Option for Plant-Based Indian Dining
Dastaan Indian Kitchen at 115 Smith Street is another nearby option when you’re willing to travel outside Brooklyn Heights.
The restaurant serves Indian curries, biryanis, tandoori specialties, and other Indian dishes. For vegan diners, the best approach is to ask the restaurant which current vegetable and lentil preparations can be prepared without dairy.
Because menu recipes can change, it is better to verify vegan suitability directly rather than assuming that a dish is vegan based solely on its name.
Best for: Contemporary Indian dining, groups, curries, vegetable dishes, and exploring nearby neighborhoods.
Quick Comparison of Vegan-Friendly Indian Restaurants
| Restaurant | Area | Vegan-Friendly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Heights | Brooklyn Heights | Yes | Best overall |
| Curry Heights | Brooklyn Heights | Yes | Budget-friendly |
| Brooklyn Curry Project | Downtown Brooklyn | Potential options | South Indian food |
| Filter Kaapi | Downtown Brooklyn | Potential options | Dosa & daytime dining |
| Govinda’s Kitchen | Downtown Brooklyn | Plant-forward | Vegetarian-focused meals |
| Dastaan Indian Kitchen | Smith Street | Ask restaurant | Contemporary Indian food |
Best Vegan Indian Restaurant in Brooklyn Heights
For someone who wants to stay inside Brooklyn Heights, Mint Heights is the strongest overall choice because vegan options are explicitly identified and the restaurant offers a broad modern Indian menu.
Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Curry Heights is the better choice for an affordable meal, with a substantial vegetable menu and explicit vegan-friendly positioning.
Best for South Indian Vegan Food
If you’re willing to leave Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi are worth exploring for South Indian dishes such as dosa, idli, sambar, and other naturally plant-forward foods.
Important Note for Strict Vegans
None of these restaurants should automatically be assumed to be 100% vegan restaurants. A dish that is vegetarian may still contain butter, ghee, cream, yogurt, or paneer.
Before ordering, ask:
“Is this completely dairy-free, including ghee and butter?”
Also ask about breads, rice, dal, chutneys, and cooking surfaces if you follow a particularly strict vegan diet.
For the strongest vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights, start with Mint Heights and Curry Heights, then expand toward Downtown Brooklyn for South Indian options. This gives plant-based diners a good combination of convenience, variety, affordability, and regional Indian flavors.
Best Neighborhoods or Areas for Vegan Indian Food Near Brooklyn Heights
When searching for the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, it helps to look beyond the neighborhood’s exact boundaries. Brooklyn Heights has a relatively compact Indian restaurant scene, but its location puts diners close to Downtown Brooklyn, Court Street, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights. These nearby areas add more Indian restaurants and, importantly for plant-based diners, more opportunities to find South Indian food, vegetable-focused dishes, and vegan-friendly meals.
For vegan diners, neighborhood choice can make a difference. Brooklyn Heights is convenient for modern Indian and traditional curry-based restaurants, while nearby areas provide greater regional variety.
1. Brooklyn Heights
Best for: Convenient vegan-friendly Indian dining, modern Indian food, and neighborhood restaurants
Brooklyn Heights should be the first stop for anyone who wants to remain within the neighborhood.
Two of the most relevant restaurants are Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street and Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street. Both are directly in Brooklyn Heights and provide vegetarian choices, with vegan-friendly options also identified by their current restaurant information.
Mint Heights is particularly relevant to this vegan-focused guide because its official website specifically says diners can build a vegan and gluten-free feast. Its menu combines contemporary Indian cooking with dishes such as coastal curries, tandoori specialties, vegetable preparations, and biryanis.
Curry Heights offers a more casual approach, with dishes such as chana masala and baingan bharta and a dedicated vegetarian lunch menu. Its current listing also identifies vegan dining among its available options.
Why visit: This is the easiest area for a vegan diner who wants to stay close to Brooklyn Heights attractions, residences, and the waterfront.
2. Downtown Brooklyn
Best for: South Indian food, dosa, idli, and naturally plant-forward dishes
Downtown Brooklyn is one of the most useful nearby areas for vegan Indian food because it expands the cuisine beyond the North Indian curry format.
Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi are both located at 383 Bridge Street and are associated with South Indian cuisine.
South Indian cuisine can be particularly appealing to vegan diners because many traditional dishes are based around rice, lentils, fermented batters, vegetables, coconut, and spices.
Depending on the restaurant and preparation, vegan diners can look for:
- Dosa
- Idli
- Vada
- Sambar
- Vegetable uttapam
- Coconut chutney
- Lentil-based dishes
- Vegetable rice dishes
The important caveat is that South Indian does not automatically mean vegan. Dosa, for example, may be cooked with ghee, while some chutneys or accompaniments can contain dairy. Always confirm preparation when following a strict vegan diet.
Why visit: One of the best nearby areas for exploring vegan-friendly Indian food beyond traditional curry restaurants.
3. Court Street and Cobble Hill
Best for: Regional Indian cuisine and relaxed dining
The Court Street area is another useful extension of a Brooklyn Heights vegan-food search.
Indian Table at 234 Court Street focuses on Indian-Goan cuisine, while Tera Mera at 272 Court Street provides another Indian dining option nearby.
For vegan diners, regional Indian cuisine can be especially interesting because dishes may use vegetables, rice, coconut, legumes, and regional spice combinations in ways that differ from familiar restaurant staples.
Indian Table is positioned at a higher price point, making this area better suited to a relaxed lunch or dinner than a quick budget meal.
Why visit: A convenient area for exploring regional Indian cooking and looking beyond standard tikka masala and paneer dishes.
4. Boerum Hill and Livingston Street
Best for: Contemporary Indian dining and special occasions
The Livingston Street corridor near Boerum Hill adds more upscale Indian dining within easy reach of Brooklyn Heights.
Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar at 286 Livingston Street is a modern North Indian restaurant with a higher-end positioning. Current business information places it in the $30–90 range.
For vegan diners planning a special dinner, this area can be worth considering, but it is important to review the current menu and speak with the restaurant about dairy-free preparations rather than assuming that vegetarian dishes are vegan.
Why visit: A good choice when atmosphere and a more polished Indian dining experience matter.
5. Fort Greene
Best for: South Indian food and dosa
Fort Greene is farther from Brooklyn Heights, but it is worth exploring when you want more variety in South Indian cuisine.
The neighborhood and surrounding areas offer Indian restaurants where dosa and other regional specialties become a larger part of the dining experience.
For vegan diners, South Indian menus can provide useful choices such as dosa, idli, sambar, vegetable uttapam, and coconut-based accompaniments.
As always, ask whether ghee, butter, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients are used.
Why visit: Particularly worthwhile for vegan diners who want to explore South Indian food rather than only North Indian curries.
6. Prospect Heights
Best for: A wider Brooklyn Indian-food search and diverse restaurant choices
Prospect Heights is another area worth exploring when you are willing to travel beyond Brooklyn Heights.
Mumbai Place at 655 Vanderbilt Avenue and OMAR’S INDIAN FINE CUISINE at 568 Vanderbilt Avenue are two Indian restaurants in the broader Prospect Heights area.
The Vanderbilt Avenue corridor is particularly useful because it connects several parts of central Brooklyn and offers an opportunity to combine Indian dining with other neighborhood activities.
Vegan diners should check current menus and ask about dairy-free preparations before ordering.
Why visit: Good for exploring a broader selection of Indian restaurants beyond the immediate Brooklyn Heights area.
7. Crown Heights
Best for: Casual Indian dining and exploring Brooklyn’s wider food scene
Crown Heights is farther from Brooklyn Heights, but it becomes relevant when the priority is finding more Indian restaurants rather than staying within walking distance.
Dhania at 787 Prospect Place is one Indian restaurant to consider in this broader area.
Crown Heights can be useful for diners who want to turn their Indian-food search into a larger Brooklyn food outing.
For vegan diners, look for dishes centered on chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, rice, and dairy-free preparations, and confirm ingredients with the restaurant.
Why visit: Best suited to a broader Indian-food exploration rather than a quick trip from Brooklyn Heights.
Best Area for South Indian Vegan Food
Explore Downtown Brooklyn for dosa, idli, sambar, and other South Indian specialties.
Best Area for Regional Cuisine
Try Court Street and Cobble Hill when you want to explore Indian cuisine beyond standard North Indian restaurant dishes.
Best Area for an Upscale Meal
Consider Boerum Hill and Livingston Street, particularly around Kashi, but confirm vegan preparation with the restaurant before ordering.
Best for a Broader Brooklyn Food Tour
Expand toward Prospect Heights and Crown Heights if you are willing to travel farther for additional Indian restaurants.
Ultimately, Brooklyn Heights is the best starting point for vegan Indian food, but it should not be treated as the only area worth exploring. The nearby neighborhoods provide more regional diversity, particularly for South Indian cuisine, while Brooklyn Heights itself offers the greatest convenience and several restaurants with clearly identified vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices.
Popular Indian Dishes People Should Try in Brooklyn Heights
One of the best ways to explore vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is to look beyond the label “vegan” and discover dishes that are naturally based on vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, rice, fermented grains, and aromatic spices. Indian cuisine offers an unusually broad selection of plant-based dishes, although diners should still confirm ingredients because ghee, butter, cream, and yogurt are frequently used in Indian cooking.
For vegan diners, these are some of the most popular Indian dishes to try in Brooklyn Heights and nearby areas.
1. Chana Masala
Chana masala is one of the best starting points for vegan Indian dining.
The dish features chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Indian spices. It is hearty enough to work as a main dish and pairs particularly well with rice or roti.
Because the basic preparation does not require dairy, chana masala is often naturally vegan. However, preparation varies between restaurants, so strict vegans should still confirm that ghee or butter has not been added.
Best with: Basmati rice or roti.
2. Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi combines potatoes and cauliflower with turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and other spices.
It is one of the most recognizable vegetable dishes in Indian cuisine and a good choice for diners who prefer a dish centered on vegetables rather than paneer or creamy sauces.
Aloo gobi is often vegan-friendly, but diners should ask whether butter or ghee is used during cooking.
Best with: Roti, rice, or a side of dal.
3. Bhindi Masala
For something different from the usual potato-based curry, try bhindi masala.
Bhindi means okra, and the vegetable is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The result can range from relatively dry and roasted to softer and more saucy depending on the restaurant.
It is an excellent dish to share alongside chana masala or dal.
Best with: Roti or basmati rice.
4. Baingan Bharta
Baingan bharta is a smoky eggplant dish made by roasting or charring eggplant before cooking it with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and spices.
The roasting process gives the dish a distinctive smoky flavor.
It is particularly useful for vegan diners because it provides a rich, satisfying vegetable dish without relying on paneer or cream.
Best with: Roti or rice.
5. Dal Tadka
Dal is fundamental to Indian vegetarian and plant-based cooking.
Dal tadka consists of cooked lentils finished with a tempering of spices, garlic, onions, chilies, or other aromatics. It is comforting, filling, and an excellent source of plant-based protein.
The important consideration for vegans is the tempering. Some restaurants finish dal with ghee or butter, making it vegetarian rather than vegan.
When ordering, simply ask whether the dal can be prepared without ghee or butter.
Best with: Rice or roti.
6. Chana Saag
Chana saag combines chickpeas with leafy greens and Indian spices.
It is an especially appealing choice for vegan diners because it combines legumes and vegetables in one substantial dish.
Mint Heights is one Brooklyn Heights restaurant where chana-based and vegetable-focused dishes are among the options worth exploring; current restaurant listings specifically describe the restaurant as offering vegetarian and vegan choices.
Best with: Roti or basmati rice.
7. Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable biryani is an aromatic rice dish prepared with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
A well-prepared vegetable biryani can be satisfying enough to serve as the centerpiece of a vegan meal, particularly when paired with a vegetable curry or lentil dish.
However, vegan diners should ask whether the rice is cooked with ghee or butter. Some versions also come with raita, which contains yogurt.
Best with: Vegetable curry and a dairy-free chutney.
8. Masala Dosa
If you are willing to explore beyond Brooklyn Heights, masala dosa should be near the top of your list.
Dosa is a thin, crisp South Indian crepe made primarily from fermented rice and lentil batter. Masala dosa is traditionally filled with spiced potatoes and served with sambar and chutneys.
Nearby South Indian restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi give diners opportunities to explore this style of Indian cuisine.
Dosa can be naturally vegan, but ask whether the restaurant cooks it with ghee.
Best with: Sambar and coconut chutney.
9. Idli
Idli are soft, steamed cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter.
They are light, satisfying, and traditionally served with sambar and chutney.
Because the basic idli batter is plant-based, idli can be a good vegan option. The accompanying dishes should still be checked individually.
Best for: A light breakfast, lunch, or South Indian meal.
10. Vada
Vada is a savory fried lentil-based snack with a crisp exterior and soft interior.
It is commonly served with sambar and chutneys and can make an excellent appetizer or part of a larger South Indian meal.
Vegan diners should ask about the frying oil if they have strict dietary requirements.
11. Sambar
Sambar is a South Indian lentil and vegetable stew flavored with spices and tamarind.
It is commonly served with dosa, idli, and vada.
For vegan diners, sambar can be a particularly useful dish because it combines lentils and vegetables while providing a completely different flavor profile from North Indian curries.
Best with: Dosa, idli, or rice.
12. Vegetable Pakora
Vegetable pakoras are vegetables coated in seasoned chickpea-flour batter and fried until crisp.
Common versions include onion, potato, spinach, cauliflower, and mixed vegetables.
They make excellent starters for a vegan Indian meal, although diners should confirm the batter and frying practices.
Best with: Mint or tamarind chutney.
13. Samosas
Vegetable samosas are another classic Indian appetizer.
They are typically filled with potatoes, peas, and spices before being enclosed in pastry and fried.
Samosas are easy to share and are a good introduction to Indian flavors for first-time diners.
For vegan diners, ask whether the pastry contains dairy and whether the samosas are fried separately if cross-contact is a concern.
14. Vegetable Curry
A simple vegetable curry can sometimes be the best way to experience a restaurant’s approach to Indian cooking.
Depending on the restaurant, the curry may feature cauliflower, potatoes, peas, spinach, carrots, beans, eggplant, or seasonal vegetables.
Ask your server which vegetable curry is prepared without dairy.
15. Roti
Roti is a whole-wheat Indian flatbread and can be one of the better bread choices for vegan diners.
Traditional roti is generally much simpler than naan, but recipes and preparation methods vary.
Always ask whether butter or ghee is brushed onto the bread after cooking.
Best with: Chana masala, dal, bhindi, or baingan bharta.
Popular Indian Dishes That Are Vegetarian but Usually Not Vegan
Vegan diners should also know which famous Indian dishes commonly contain dairy.
Saag Paneer
Saag paneer combines leafy greens with paneer, a fresh Indian cheese.
It is vegetarian but not vegan because paneer is made from milk.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka features marinated and grilled Indian cheese, often served with peppers and onions.
It is another excellent vegetarian dish but unsuitable for strict vegans unless the paneer is replaced with a plant-based alternative.
Dal Makhani
Dal makhani is traditionally prepared with black lentils and kidney beans and often finished with butter or cream.
Ask whether a dairy-free version is available.
Butter-Based Curries
Dishes with names such as butter curry or makhani generally require careful ingredient checking because butter and cream are commonly part of the sauce.
Best Vegan Indian Dishes for First-Time Diners
If you’re new to vegan Indian food, a simple meal could include:
Starter: Vegetable samosas or pakoras
Main 1: Chana masala
Main 2: Aloo gobi or bhindi masala
Rice: Vegetable biryani
Bread: Roti
Side: Dal prepared without ghee
Accompaniment: Coconut or vegetable-based chutney
This combination gives you a good mix of crispy, savory, spicy, aromatic, and hearty dishes without relying on meat or dairy.
For two diners, sharing several dishes is often better than ordering one large entrée each.
How to Tell if an Indian Dish Is Actually Vegan
The biggest challenge isn’t identifying vegetables. It is identifying hidden dairy.
Before ordering, ask:
- Is this cooked with ghee?
- Does it contain butter?
- Is there cream in the sauce?
- Does it contain yogurt?
- Is the bread made with milk?
- Is the rice cooked with ghee?
- Is the chutney dairy-free?
This is especially important because a restaurant can accurately describe a dish as vegetarian while it still contains several dairy ingredients.
For diners with strict vegan requirements, direct confirmation from the restaurant is the safest approach.
Exploring Beyond Brooklyn Heights for Vegan Indian Food
Brooklyn Heights is a useful starting point, but nearby neighborhoods can substantially expand the plant-based Indian options.
Downtown Brooklyn is particularly useful for South Indian food, with restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi.
Boerum Hill is another interesting area for vegan and vegetarian Indian dining. Govinda’s Kitchen at 305 Schermerhorn Street is specifically known for vegetarian Indian food and has been highlighted as a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly destination.
Within Brooklyn Heights itself, Mint Heights and Curry Heights remain important starting points for diners looking for vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian dishes.
The key is to focus on dishes rather than simply searching for restaurants labeled “vegan.” Indian cuisine provides many naturally plant-based choices, and with a few ingredient questions, diners can build a satisfying vegan Indian meal in and around Brooklyn Heights.
Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Food Options in Brooklyn Heights
One of the biggest reasons Indian cuisine works so well for plant-based diners is that vegetarian food is not treated as a secondary category. Lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, spices, breads, and paneer have long been central to Indian cooking, giving diners a much wider selection than simply replacing a meat entrée with a vegetable side.
For anyone searching for vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights, there is an important distinction to keep in mind. A restaurant can be highly vegetarian-friendly while still using ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, milk, or paneer in many dishes. Vegan diners should therefore confirm the preparation of individual dishes rather than assuming that every vegetarian item is dairy-free.
Vegetarian Indian Food in Brooklyn Heights
The two most relevant restaurants within Brooklyn Heights itself are Mint Heights and Curry Heights.
Mint Heights, at 46 Henry Street, is listed as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, and its menu includes a variety of vegetable and paneer-based dishes.
Curry Heights, at 151 Remsen Street, specifically promotes vegetarian and vegan options and currently lists dishes such as chana masala and baingan bharta among its plant-forward choices.
For vegetarian diners, some of the most useful dishes to look for include:
- Chana masala — chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices
- Aloo gobi — potatoes and cauliflower with aromatic spices
- Bhindi masala — okra cooked with onions and spices
- Baingan bharta — roasted eggplant cooked with tomatoes and aromatics
- Saag paneer — leafy greens with Indian cheese
- Dal — lentils prepared with spices and herbs
- Vegetable biryani — fragrant rice with vegetables and spices
- Paneer tikka — grilled Indian cheese with vegetables
- Vegetable samosas — crisp pastries filled with spiced vegetables
Curry Heights’ current menu provides a particularly broad vegetarian selection, including aloo matar gobi, saag paneer, chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, cabbage bhaji, tarka dal, and dal makhani.
Best Vegan-Friendly Choices
For strict vegans, the easiest dishes to investigate are usually those based primarily on vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, or rice.
Good possibilities include:
Chana Masala: A hearty chickpea curry that is often prepared without dairy.
Aloo Gobi: Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices. Ask whether ghee or butter is used.
Bhindi Masala: A flavorful okra preparation that can often be made without dairy.
Baingan Bharta: Smoky roasted eggplant with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices.
Vegetable Biryani: A substantial rice dish, although the kitchen should confirm whether ghee is used.
Dal: Potentially vegan, but some restaurants finish dal with butter or ghee.
Roti: Often a simpler vegan-friendly bread than naan, although preparation varies.
The safest approach is to ask the restaurant directly about dairy ingredients before ordering.
Mint Heights for Vegan-Friendly Dining
Mint Heights is particularly relevant to this guide because its current restaurant information identifies it as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options.
Its menu includes vegetable dishes, paneer preparations, dal, rice dishes, and other Indian specialties, giving plant-based diners enough variety to build a complete meal rather than settling for one side dish.
Current delivery listings also show vegetable biryani and several vegetarian entrée categories.
For a vegetarian meal, you could combine a paneer dish with vegetable biryani and roti. For a vegan meal, ask which vegetable curries, rice dishes, and breads are prepared without dairy.
Curry Heights for Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Curry Heights is another strong choice for plant-based diners because the restaurant explicitly advertises vegetarian and vegan options.
Its current menu has a dedicated vegetable section and clearly identifies vegetarian lunch combinations.
A vegetarian diner could build a meal around:
- Chana masala
- Bhindi masala
- Baingan bharta
- Aloo matar gobi
- Tarka dal
- Rice
- Naan or roti
For vegans, the restaurant should be asked which of these are prepared without ghee, butter, cream, or yogurt.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options Near Brooklyn Heights
If you are willing to travel beyond Brooklyn Heights, the choices become broader.
Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi, both at 383 Bridge Street, add South Indian options to the local dining landscape. South Indian cuisine can be particularly useful for vegetarian diners because dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, and sambar are traditionally centered around rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices.
Govinda’s Kitchen at 305 Schermerhorn Street is another nearby Indian option for diners interested in plant-forward Indian food.
These nearby restaurants are useful additions to a Brooklyn Heights search because they expand the range beyond the familiar North Indian combination of curry, paneer, naan, and rice.
Vegetarian Does Not Always Mean Vegan
This is one of the most important things to understand when ordering Indian food.
| Dish | Vegetarian | Potentially Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| Chana masala | Yes | Often |
| Aloo gobi | Yes | Often |
| Bhindi masala | Yes | Often |
| Baingan bharta | Yes | Often |
| Dal | Yes | Depends on preparation |
| Vegetable biryani | Yes | Depends on ghee |
| Saag paneer | Yes | No |
| Paneer tikka | Yes | No |
| Dal makhani | Yes | Usually no |
| Roti | Yes | Often |
| Naan | Yes | Often not |
The biggest ingredients to watch are ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, milk, and paneer.
Best Plant-Based Indian Meal to Try
For a vegetarian diner, a good introduction could be:
Vegetable samosas + chana masala + saag paneer + vegetable biryani + naan
For a vegan diner, consider:
Vegetable samosas + chana masala + baingan bharta + vegetable biryani + dairy-free roti
Always confirm the preparation with the restaurant if you follow a strict vegan diet.
Overall, Brooklyn Heights is a good starting point for vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian dining, with Mint Heights and Curry Heights offering the most convenient options within the neighborhood itself. Nearby Downtown Brooklyn adds South Indian choices, giving plant-based diners even more ways to explore Indian cuisine beyond traditional curry-based menus.
Budget-Friendly Vegan Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights
Finding budget-friendly vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is relatively easy because many Indian staples are built around affordable plant-based ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, rice, and seasonal vegetables. The main challenge for vegan diners is not finding vegetarian food—it is making sure dishes do not contain ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, or paneer.
For the best value, focus on lunch specials, vegetarian and vegan curries, rice dishes, and shared meals. Brooklyn Heights itself has a small Indian restaurant scene, so nearby Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods can also be useful when you want more plant-based choices.
1. Curry Heights — Best Budget-Friendly Choice in Brooklyn Heights
Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street is one of the strongest options for affordable Indian food directly in Brooklyn Heights.
Its current lunch menu offers particularly good value. A vegetarian entrée with rice and naan is listed at $10, while two vegetarian entrées with rice and naan are listed at $12. Current vegetarian choices include chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, cabbage bhaji, tarka dal, saag paneer, and dal makhani.
For vegan diners, the restaurant is listed as offering vegan options, but the individual dishes should be confirmed before ordering. Paneer, butter, cream, and ghee can turn an otherwise vegetable-based dish into a non-vegan meal.
A budget-friendly order could be:
- Chana masala
- Rice
- Vegan-confirmed roti or bread
- One additional vegetable dish to share
For two people, ordering two vegetable entrées and sharing rice and bread can provide considerably more variety without making the meal expensive.
Best for: Affordable lunch, chana masala, vegetable curries, dal, casual dining, and takeout.
2. Mint Heights — Good Value for Vegan-Friendly Indian Food
Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is another good option when you want to stay within Brooklyn Heights while enjoying a somewhat more contemporary Indian dining experience.
Mint Heights describes its menu as modern Indian cooking and specifically says guests can build a hearty vegan and gluten-free feast. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner, along with pickup and delivery.
Current menu listings show vegetarian dishes such as saag paneer, chana masala, matar mushroom, and other vegetable preparations. Restaurant listings also identify Mint Heights as offering vegetarian and vegan options.
For budget-conscious vegan diners, the best strategy is to look for plant-based dishes rather than ordering several premium specialty items.
Good possibilities to ask about include:
- Chana masala
- Vegetable curry
- Chana saag
- Vegetable dishes
- Dal
- Rice
- Roti
One important detail is that some breads are not vegan. Current menu information for Mint Heights indicates that its naan varieties are brushed with butter after baking, so vegan diners should specifically ask for a dairy-free bread alternative.
Best for: Vegan-friendly dining, modern Indian food, lunch, shared meals, and takeout.
How to Eat Vegan Indian Food on a Budget
The simplest way to keep the bill under control is to choose plant-based staples rather than expensive specialty dishes.
Excellent budget choices include:
- Chana masala
- Dal
- Aloo gobi
- Bhindi masala
- Baingan bharta
- Vegetable curry
- Vegetable rice
- Roti, if dairy-free
- Samosas, after checking ingredients
Lentil and chickpea dishes are especially useful because they are filling and can form the main part of a complete meal.
Instead of ordering multiple individual entrées, consider one curry, one lentil dish, rice, and a bread that has been confirmed vegan.
Share Dishes to Get More Variety
Indian food is naturally suited to sharing, which makes it easier to eat well on a budget.
For two vegan diners, a practical order could be:
1 chickpea curry + 1 vegetable curry + rice + dairy-free bread
Another option is:
1 dal + 1 vegetable dish + rice + chutneys
This gives both diners several flavors without requiring four separate entrées.
Sharing also allows you to try dishes that you might not normally order.
Choose Lunch Over Dinner
Lunch is often the best time to look for value.
Curry Heights’ current express lunch is a particularly good example: one vegetarian entrée with rice and naan is listed at $10, while two vegetarian entrées with rice and naan are listed at $12.
For vegan diners, simply ask which of the available vegetable entrées and breads can be prepared without dairy.
Mint Heights also offers lunch service and vegan-friendly choices, making it another option for an affordable daytime meal.
Be Careful With “Vegetarian” Menu Labels
This is one of the most important things vegan diners should remember.
A dish labeled vegetarian can still contain:
- Ghee
- Butter
- Cream
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Paneer
For example, saag paneer is vegetarian but not vegan. Dal makhani can also contain butter or cream. Naan frequently contains dairy as well.
Before ordering, ask:
“Is this completely dairy-free and vegan?”
And if ordering bread:
“Does this contain butter, milk, ghee, or yogurt?”
This is especially important for strict vegans.
Budget-Friendly Vegan Takeout
Takeout can be one of the easiest ways to make vegan Indian food stretch across more than one meal.
A good strategy is to order:
- One large vegetable curry
- One dal
- Rice
- Dairy-free bread
Rather than buying separate meals, you can combine the dishes at home and potentially have leftovers.
Both Mint Heights and Curry Heights offer takeout and delivery options.
If delivery fees and service charges are high, pickup can provide better value when you are close enough to walk or drive to the restaurant.
What About Vegan Indian Food Near Brooklyn Heights?
If the two Brooklyn Heights restaurants do not provide enough variety, expanding the search to Downtown Brooklyn and nearby neighborhoods can give vegan diners more choices.
South Indian restaurants are particularly worth exploring because dishes based on rice, lentils, fermented batters, vegetables, and coconut are often naturally vegetarian and can sometimes be prepared without dairy.
Dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and vegetable uttapam can all be excellent options to investigate. However, diners should still ask whether ghee or butter is used during preparation.
Best Budget Choices at a Glance
| Restaurant | Area | Budget Strategy | Vegan Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curry Heights | Brooklyn Heights | $10–$12 vegetarian lunch combinations | Confirm dairy-free preparation |
| Mint Heights | Brooklyn Heights | Share vegetable dishes and choose lunch | Vegan options explicitly promoted |
| Nearby South Indian restaurants | Downtown Brooklyn & surrounding areas | Dosa, idli, vada, and rice-based meals | Ask about ghee and butter |
Best Overall for Budget
Curry Heights is the strongest choice if price is your main priority, particularly for lunch. Its current vegetarian combinations offer a complete meal at a relatively low price.
Best for Vegan-Friendly Dining
Mint Heights is particularly interesting because its own website explicitly promotes vegan and gluten-free dining options.
Best Strategy for Two People
Order one lentil or chickpea dish, one vegetable curry, rice, and a confirmed dairy-free bread, then share everything.
For anyone searching for cheap vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights, the key is to focus on naturally plant-based Indian staples and verify dairy ingredients rather than simply choosing anything labeled vegetarian. With the right ordering strategy, you can enjoy a filling, varied Indian meal without paying fine-dining prices.
Fine Dining Vegan Indian Restaurants Near Brooklyn Heights
Finding fine dining vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights requires a little more flexibility than simply searching for a formal vegan restaurant. Brooklyn Heights itself has a relatively compact Indian dining scene, while nearby Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Court Street, and surrounding neighborhoods provide more upscale Indian choices.
For plant-based diners, the goal is not only to find a restaurant with vegetarian dishes but to identify restaurants where a vegan meal can be built thoughtfully by avoiding ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, paneer, and other dairy ingredients. Some restaurants advertise vegan options, while others require diners to confirm individual dishes with the kitchen.
1. Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar — Best Upscale Indian Choice Near Brooklyn Heights
Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar is one of the strongest choices for a more upscale Indian dinner near Brooklyn Heights. Located at 286 Livingston Street, it sits in the Downtown Brooklyn/Boerum Hill area rather than inside Brooklyn Heights.
Kashi focuses on contemporary North Indian cuisine, with a menu built around slow-cooked biryanis, char-grilled dishes, and modern interpretations of traditional Indian flavors. Its chef’s culinary background is rooted in Delhi, while the restaurant also offers a cocktail program designed around Indian-inspired flavors.
The restaurant currently offers a weekday lunch special with a vegetarian option at $19.99, while its overall pricing and atmosphere place it above casual Indian restaurants.
For vegan diners, Kashi is best approached as a restaurant where you confirm dairy-free preparations directly rather than assuming every vegetarian dish is vegan.
Ask about:
- Seasonal vegetable preparations
- Vegetable-based curries
- Rice dishes
- Vegetable starters
- Dairy-free modifications
- Roti or other vegan-friendly breads
Best for: Special occasions, date nights, upscale Indian dining, modern North Indian cuisine, and groups with mixed dietary preferences.
2. Indian Table — Best for Regional Indian Dining
Indian Table at 234 Court Street is another higher-end Indian restaurant close to Brooklyn Heights.
It should technically be described as a nearby Court Street option, rather than a Brooklyn Heights restaurant. Its appeal comes from its focus on Indian-Goan cuisine, which gives the menu a regional identity beyond the standard North Indian restaurant format.
For vegan diners, regional Indian cuisine can be especially interesting because Goan cooking makes extensive use of vegetables, rice, coconut, spices, and aromatic ingredients. However, diners should still confirm the exact preparation because some dishes can contain dairy.
Indian Table is currently positioned in a higher price range than casual Brooklyn Heights Indian restaurants, making it more appropriate for a leisurely dinner, celebration, or special meal.
Best for: Regional Indian cuisine, Indian-Goan flavors, special occasions, and diners looking for something beyond standard curry-house dishes.
3. Mint Heights — Best Polished Vegan-Friendly Option in Brooklyn Heights
Mint Heights is the most convenient option for diners who specifically want to remain inside Brooklyn Heights.
Located at 46 Henry Street, Mint Heights describes its food as modern Indian cooking using traditional recipes alongside seasonal New York ingredients. Its menu includes tandoori specialties, paneer, coastal curries, aromatic biryanis, and other contemporary Indian preparations.
Most importantly for this vegan-focused guide, Mint Heights specifically promotes options for creating a vegan and gluten-free feast, making it one of the more relevant restaurants for plant-based diners in the immediate neighborhood.
Potential vegan choices may include vegetable curries, vegetable preparations, rice dishes, and other dishes that can be prepared without dairy. Because recipes can change, strict vegans should still confirm ingredients with the restaurant.
Mint Heights is better characterized as a polished contemporary Indian restaurant than as formal fine dining. However, its atmosphere makes it suitable for a date night, celebration, or more sophisticated Indian dinner.
Best for: Vegan-friendly Indian dining inside Brooklyn Heights, date nights, modern Indian food, and special occasions.
4. Dastaan Indian Kitchen — Contemporary Indian Dining on Smith Street
Dastaan Indian Kitchen at 115 Smith Street is another nearby option for diners willing to travel outside Brooklyn Heights.
Dastaan offers Indian curries, biryanis, tandoori specialties, and regional-inspired dishes in a contemporary restaurant setting. Its location on Smith Street makes it a convenient addition to a broader Brooklyn Heights Indian-food itinerary.
For vegan diners, Dastaan can be considered when looking for a more substantial dinner rather than a quick casual meal. However, vegan diners should confirm which dishes are completely dairy-free because many traditional Indian sauces use ghee, butter, cream, or yogurt.
Dastaan is more accurately described as upscale-casual or contemporary Indian dining than formal fine dining.
Best for: Contemporary Indian food, dinner dates, groups, curries, biryani, and a relaxed upscale atmosphere.
5. LORE — Modern Indian Dining for a Special Occasion
LORE, located farther away at 441 7th Avenue in Park Slope, is another option for diners who are willing to travel beyond the Brooklyn Heights area for a more contemporary Indian experience.
The restaurant is positioned around modern Indian cuisine and a higher-end dining experience. Because it is farther from Brooklyn Heights, it makes more sense for a dedicated dinner outing than a convenient neighborhood meal.
For vegan diners, the best approach is to ask about current plant-based dishes when making a reservation. Menus at contemporary restaurants can change seasonally, and a dish that is vegetarian may still contain dairy.
Best for: Modern Indian cuisine, special occasions, contemporary presentation, and diners willing to travel for a more elevated experience.
Best Fine Dining Options for Vegan Diners
| Restaurant | Area | Dining Style | Vegan Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashi | Downtown Brooklyn | Upscale modern North Indian | Confirm dairy-free dishes |
| Indian Table | Court Street | Regional Indian-Goan | Confirm vegan preparation |
| Mint Heights | Brooklyn Heights | Modern Indian | Strong vegan-friendly positioning |
| Dastaan | Smith Street | Contemporary Indian | Confirm individual dishes |
| LORE | Park Slope | Modern Indian | Ask about current vegan options |
Best for Staying in Brooklyn Heights
Mint Heights is the most practical choice because it is actually located in Brooklyn Heights and specifically promotes vegan-friendly dining.
Best for a Clearly Upscale Experience
Kashi is the strongest nearby choice when atmosphere, cocktails, contemporary presentation, and a special-occasion setting are priorities. Its official site describes modern North Indian cooking and a dedicated bar program.
Best for Regional Indian Cuisine
Indian Table stands out for its Indian-Goan focus, making it a good option for diners who want regional character rather than a standard North Indian menu.
What Should Vegans Order at an Upscale Indian Restaurant?
Fine dining does not necessarily mean ordering a special “vegan entrée.” Indian cuisine gives you the opportunity to create a complete plant-based meal from several components.
A good vegan dinner might include:
- Vegetable appetizer
- Chana masala
- Vegetable curry
- Dal prepared without ghee
- Vegetable biryani
- Roti
- Dairy-free chutneys
- Fresh vegetable preparation
When speaking with the server, clearly explain that you are strictly vegan rather than simply vegetarian.
Ask:
“Can this be prepared completely dairy-free, including no ghee or butter?”
Also ask about:
- Cream
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Paneer
- Butter
- Ghee
- Dairy-based marinades
This is particularly important with naan, dal makhani, creamy curries, paneer dishes, and biryani.
Fine Dining Does Not Always Mean More Vegan Choices
An important point for this guide is that price and vegan variety are not necessarily connected.
A $30–50 Indian restaurant may have fewer naturally vegan dishes than a casual South Indian restaurant specializing in dosa, idli, and sambar.
For that reason, vegan diners should choose a restaurant based on:
- The restaurant’s current menu
- Ability to accommodate dietary requests
- Clearly identified vegan dishes
- Kitchen communication
- The overall dining experience
If your priority is the largest number of naturally plant-based Indian dishes, nearby South Indian restaurants may sometimes offer more choices than a formal North Indian restaurant.
If your priority is ambience, service, cocktails, and a special-occasion experience, an upscale restaurant such as Kashi may be the better fit.
Best Choice for a Vegan Special Occasion Near Brooklyn Heights
For a plant-based diner celebrating a birthday, anniversary, date night, or other special occasion, Mint Heights is the most convenient starting point if staying in Brooklyn Heights is important. Its modern Indian approach and stated vegan-friendly options make it particularly relevant to this guide.
For a more distinctly upscale experience, Kashi is a strong nearby alternative, while Indian Table offers a more regional Indian-Goan direction.
The key is to verify the current vegan preparation before ordering. Indian restaurants frequently use dairy in otherwise vegetable-focused dishes, so a quick conversation with the restaurant can turn a vegetarian menu into a genuinely satisfying plant-based meal.
Takeout and Delivery Tips for Vegan Indian Food in Brooklyn Heights
One of the easiest ways to enjoy vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is through takeout or delivery. Indian cuisine travels particularly well because many curries, lentil dishes, rice preparations, and vegetable dishes retain their flavor and texture during transportation. For plant-based diners, however, ordering online requires a little more attention than simply selecting dishes marked “vegetarian.”
The most important step is to confirm that a dish is actually vegan, rather than assuming that vegetarian automatically means dairy-free. Ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, and paneer are commonly used in Indian cooking and can appear in dishes that otherwise contain only vegetables or legumes.
Choose Restaurants With Clear Vegan Options
When ordering vegan Indian food online, start with restaurants that clearly identify vegan-friendly choices.
Mint Heights is one of the strongest options in Brooklyn Heights because its official website specifically says diners can build a vegan and gluten-free feast. The restaurant offers online ordering for both pickup and delivery.
Its delivery menu currently separates dishes into categories such as vegetarian entrées, rice, bread, dal, chutneys, and appetizers, making it easier to browse for plant-based choices.
Curry Heights, at 151 Remsen Street, also lists vegan dining among its available options and offers both takeout and direct ordering.
These restaurants are particularly useful for diners who want to stay within Brooklyn Heights rather than traveling farther into Brooklyn.
Read the Menu Carefully Before Ordering
Online menus can make Indian food look simpler than it actually is.
A dish may be labeled:
- Vegetarian
- Vegetable
- Plant-based
- Vegan-friendly
But those terms do not necessarily mean the same thing.
For strict vegans, look for dishes that are specifically identified as vegan. If the menu does not provide enough information, contact the restaurant before placing the order.
At Mint Heights, for example, current delivery listings include vegetarian entrées such as chana saag and saag paneer. Chana saag may be suitable for vegan diners depending on its preparation, while saag paneer is clearly not vegan because paneer is dairy.
Ask About Ghee, Butter, Cream, and Yogurt
The most important question for vegan Indian takeout is:
“Is this prepared without dairy, butter, cream, yogurt, or ghee?”
Ghee deserves particular attention. It is clarified butter and is frequently used to finish Indian curries, rice dishes, breads, and vegetable preparations.
Even if a dish contains no obvious dairy ingredients, ghee may be added during cooking.
Before ordering, ask about:
- Ghee
- Butter
- Cream
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Paneer
- Dairy-based sauces
This is especially important for dishes such as dal makhani, naan, creamy curries, paneer dishes, and some biryanis.
Choose Naturally Plant-Based Dishes
Some Indian dishes are easier starting points for vegan takeout than others.
Good dishes to investigate include:
Chana masala
Chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices.
Aloo gobi
Potatoes and cauliflower seasoned with aromatic spices.
Bhindi masala
Okra prepared with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Baingan bharta
Roasted eggplant cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices.
Chana saag
Chickpeas combined with seasoned greens.
Vegetable curry
A mixed vegetable preparation whose ingredients should be confirmed.
Vegetable biryani
Fragrant rice with vegetables and spices, but check whether ghee is used.
Dal
A lentil-based dish that can be vegan depending on the finishing ingredients.
The preparation matters more than the name of the dish.
Be Careful With Indian Breads
Bread is one of the easiest places for an apparently vegetarian order to become non-vegan.
Naan may contain:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Ghee
Garlic naan and butter naan are especially unlikely to be vegan unless specifically prepared that way.
Ask whether the restaurant offers a dairy-free roti or vegan bread.
If ordering from Mint Heights or another restaurant through a delivery platform, don’t rely solely on the word “vegetarian” next to a bread item. Check the ingredients or contact the restaurant directly.
Vegetable Biryani Can Be a Great Delivery Choice
Vegetable biryani is one of the better Indian dishes for delivery because the rice, vegetables, and spices generally hold up well during transportation.
It also makes a convenient centerpiece for a vegan meal.
Pair it with:
- Chana masala
- A confirmed vegan dal
- Vegetable curry
- Baingan bharta
- Chutney
Before ordering, ask whether the biryani is cooked with ghee or butter.
Keep Chutneys and Sauces Separate
When ordering takeout, ask for chutneys and sauces separately when possible.
This is useful for two reasons.
First, it keeps crispy foods such as samosas and vegetable pakoras from becoming soggy.
Second, it allows you to verify what you are eating. Some sauces and accompaniments can contain yogurt or other dairy ingredients.
Mint chutney and tamarind chutney are common accompaniments, but recipes vary, so strict vegans should still check when dietary compliance is important.
Order Directly When Practical
For delivery, ordering directly from the restaurant can sometimes provide a better experience than relying exclusively on a third-party app.
Mint Heights’ official website provides direct online ordering and specifically advertises pickup and delivery.
Curry Heights also offers direct ordering for delivery and takeout.
Direct ordering can also make it easier to communicate special preparation requests, although availability and ordering procedures can change.
Recent NYC dining guidance also recommends ordering directly from restaurants when practical to better support local businesses.
Pickup Can Be Better for Crispy Indian Food
If you live nearby, pickup can be preferable to delivery for certain dishes.
This is particularly true for:
- Samosas
- Pakoras
- Dosas
- Tandoori vegetables
- Crispy appetizers
The longer food sits inside a closed delivery container, the more steam can soften crispy items.
Curries, dal, rice, and vegetable dishes generally travel better and are less sensitive to a few extra minutes in transit.
Mint Heights currently offers both pickup and delivery, giving diners the flexibility to choose based on the type of food being ordered.
Order a Balanced Vegan Meal
Instead of ordering several similar vegetable curries, build your meal around different textures.
For one or two people, a good vegan takeout order could include:
1 vegetable appetizer
Samosa or vegetable pakora, if confirmed vegan
1 legume-based dish
Chana masala or vegan dal
1 vegetable dish
Aloo gobi, bhindi masala, or baingan bharta
1 rice dish
Vegetable biryani, if prepared without ghee
1 bread
Vegan roti, if available
This gives you something crispy, something creamy or hearty, something vegetable-focused, and something filling.
Don’t Assume Delivery-App Labels Are Perfect
Delivery apps are useful, but menu information can sometimes be incomplete or outdated.
For example, Mint Heights’ current online menu clearly separates vegetarian entrées and other categories, but the safest approach for strict vegan diners is still to confirm the preparation with the restaurant.
This is especially important if you have a milk allergy rather than simply following a vegan diet. Vegan and allergy-safe are not always identical because cross-contact can occur in a shared kitchen.
Check the Order Before You Eat
When your food arrives, take a moment to check the order.
Make sure:
- The requested vegan substitutions were made.
- No butter has been added on top.
- The bread is the correct type.
- Paneer has not been included accidentally.
- Yogurt-based sauces are separated or excluded.
- Your special instructions were followed.
If something is unclear, contact the restaurant before eating it rather than trying to guess from appearance.
Best Takeout Choices for Vegan Diners
| Dish | Delivery-Friendly | Vegan Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Chana Masala | Excellent | Usually |
| Aloo Gobi | Excellent | Usually |
| Bhindi Masala | Excellent | Usually |
| Baingan Bharta | Excellent | Often |
| Chana Saag | Excellent | Often |
| Dal | Excellent | Depends on preparation |
| Vegetable Biryani | Excellent | Check for ghee |
| Samosas | Good | Check ingredients |
| Pakoras | Good | Check ingredients |
| Naan | Good | Often contains dairy |
| Paneer Dishes | Excellent | Not vegan |
| Dal Makhani | Excellent | Usually contains dairy |
Best Strategy for Vegan Indian Delivery in Brooklyn Heights
For the simplest ordering experience, start with Mint Heights or Curry Heights, both of which are located directly in Brooklyn Heights and offer vegetarian/vegan-friendly choices.
For a vegan order, prioritize chana masala, vegetable curries, confirmed dairy-free dal, vegetable biryani, and vegan roti, then verify the use of ghee, butter, cream, and yogurt before completing the order.
If you’re ordering crispy food, choose pickup when practical. If you’re ordering curries, rice, and dal, delivery is generally a convenient option.
The key to successful vegan Indian takeout in Brooklyn Heights is simple: read the menu, ask about hidden dairy, choose dishes that travel well, and clearly communicate that you need the food prepared without dairy or ghee.
How to Find Authentic Indian Food in Brooklyn Heights
Finding authentic Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is about more than choosing a restaurant with a long Indian menu. Indian cuisine represents many different regions, cooking traditions, spice combinations, and dining styles, so authenticity can look different depending on whether you are eating North Indian, South Indian, Goan, Bengali, Punjabi, or another regional style.
For vegan diners, there is another layer to consider: a restaurant can serve authentic Indian food while still requiring careful ingredient checks for ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, and paneer. The best approach is to evaluate both the cuisine and the preparation.
Look for Regional Indian Cooking
One of the easiest ways to identify a restaurant taking Indian cuisine seriously is to look beyond a generic menu of tikka masala, naan, and samosas.
A restaurant offering recognizable regional dishes can provide a more meaningful introduction to India’s culinary diversity.
For example, Curry Heights describes its menu as reflecting India’s diverse regional flavors and offers traditional dishes alongside vegetarian and vegan choices.
Nearby South Indian restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi offer another perspective, with dishes associated with South Indian cuisine rather than relying exclusively on the familiar North Indian restaurant format.
When evaluating a restaurant, look for dishes such as:
- Dosa
- Idli
- Vada
- Sambar
- Chana masala
- Baingan bharta
- Bhindi masala
- Regional biryanis
- Paneer preparations
- Regional vegetable curries
- Different types of dal
A menu with regional variety often gives you a better opportunity to understand Indian cuisine beyond the most familiar Americanized favorites.
Pay Attention to the Ingredients
Authenticity is also about ingredients and preparation.
Traditional Indian cooking often builds flavor through combinations of:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Fresh chilies
- Curry leaves
- Cilantro
That does not mean an authentic dish has to be extremely spicy. Indian cuisine uses spices primarily to create layers of aroma and flavor, and heat levels can vary considerably by region and recipe.
For vegan diners, ingredient awareness is especially important. A vegetable curry can be completely authentic yet contain ghee or butter. A dal can be plant-based in its main ingredients but finished with butter. Naan may contain dairy even when the curry is vegan.
Don’t Assume Vegetarian Means Vegan
This is one of the most important rules when searching for vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights.
Vegetarian Indian dishes frequently contain dairy products such as:
- Ghee
- Butter
- Cream
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Paneer
Mint Heights is currently listed as offering both vegetarian and vegan options, while Curry Heights’ official information also specifically highlights vegetarian and vegan choices.
However, vegan diners should still ask about individual dishes rather than assuming every vegetable preparation is dairy-free.
Useful questions include:
“Is this cooked with ghee?”
“Does this contain butter or cream?”
“Is yogurt used in this curry?”
“Can this dish be prepared without dairy?”
This is particularly important for strict vegan diners or anyone with a dairy allergy.
Look for Freshly Prepared Food
Fresh preparation is another useful indicator when evaluating an Indian restaurant.
Many Indian dishes depend on freshly cooked aromatics, toasted spices, freshly prepared sauces, breads, and carefully cooked rice.
At Curry Heights, the restaurant says it emphasizes fresh ingredients and prepares its dishes to order as part of its approach to Indian cuisine.
When dining in person, signs of fresh preparation can include:
- Freshly baked naan or roti
- Fragrant rice
- Crisp samosas and pakoras
- Vibrant chutneys
- Properly cooked vegetables
- Distinct spice aromas
- Curries with clearly developed flavors
Freshness does not automatically prove authenticity, but it can make a substantial difference in the quality of Indian food.
Try More Than One Dish
A single dish is not always enough to judge an Indian restaurant.
Instead, order several dishes that use different ingredients and cooking techniques.
For example, a vegan diner might try:
- Chana masala
- Baingan bharta
- Dal
- Vegetable biryani
- Roti
- A vegetable appetizer
This allows you to experience different spice profiles, textures, and cooking methods.
A vegetarian diner could add paneer tikka or saag paneer to the same meal.
Indian food is particularly well suited to this approach because curries, rice, breads, appetizers, and vegetable dishes complement one another.
Explore Beyond Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala
Butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are popular for good reason, but they represent only a small part of Indian cuisine.
For a more authentic culinary experience, try exploring dishes you may not immediately recognize.
Vegetarian and vegan diners have particularly good opportunities here:
- Chana masala
- Rajma
- Dal tadka
- Dal makhani
- Baingan bharta
- Bhindi masala
- Aloo gobi
- Vegetable biryani
- Masala dosa
- Idli
- Sambar
- Vegetable uttapam
These dishes can reveal different regional approaches to Indian cooking while also making it easier to enjoy a plant-based meal.
Explore South Indian Cuisine
If your experience with Indian food has mainly involved naan and North Indian curries, try a South Indian restaurant.
South Indian cuisine offers an entirely different collection of vegetarian-friendly foods, particularly dishes based on rice, lentils, fermented batters, coconut, vegetables, and spices.
Nearby Brooklyn Curry Project is categorized as a South Indian restaurant, while Filter Kaapi is another nearby Indian option with a South Indian focus.
Dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and chutneys can provide a completely different Indian dining experience.
For vegan diners, these dishes can also offer promising options, although ghee and dairy should still be confirmed.
Look at How the Restaurant Describes Its Cuisine
A restaurant’s own description can provide useful clues.
Curry Heights, for example, explicitly describes its food as authentic Indian cuisine and says its menu draws from India’s diverse regional traditions.
Mint Heights presents itself as a modern Indian restaurant, emphasizing traditional recipes alongside seasonal New York ingredients. Its current listings also identify vegetarian and vegan options.
Neither approach is necessarily more authentic. Traditional and contemporary Indian cooking can both be legitimate expressions of Indian cuisine.
The important thing is to understand what style the restaurant is actually trying to serve.
Don’t Judge Authenticity by Spice Level Alone
A common misconception is that authentic Indian food must be extremely spicy.
That is not true.
Indian cuisine uses many spices that provide aroma, warmth, sweetness, earthiness, acidity, and complexity without necessarily making a dish very hot.
A good Indian restaurant should be able to adjust certain dishes to suit customers while retaining the character of the cuisine.
Instead of asking only for “the spiciest dish,” ask the server:
“What is a traditional vegetarian dish you recommend?”
or
“Which regional dish best represents your kitchen?”
Those questions can lead to a much more interesting meal.
Pay Attention to the Bread
Indian breads can also tell you something about the style of the restaurant.
Depending on the menu, you may encounter:
- Naan
- Garlic naan
- Roti
- Paratha
- Aloo paratha
- Kulcha
For vegan diners, bread deserves particular attention because naan and paratha can contain butter, ghee, milk, or yogurt.
If you are strictly vegan, ask whether the bread is prepared without dairy and whether it is brushed with butter or ghee after cooking.
Ask About the Dal
Dal is one of the best ways to explore Indian cooking because different restaurants can produce dramatically different versions.
A lighter dal tadka may emphasize lentils, cumin, garlic, and chili, while dal makhani is richer and creamier.
For vegan diners, ask whether the dal contains:
- Butter
- Ghee
- Cream
- Yogurt
A restaurant may be able to prepare a dairy-free version, but never assume that a dish is vegan simply because its primary ingredient is lentils.
Check Current Menus Rather Than Old Reviews
Restaurant menus and dietary policies can change.
A review from several years ago may describe dishes or ingredients that are no longer available. Online delivery platforms can also contain outdated or incomplete dietary labels.
For the most reliable information, compare:
- The restaurant’s current website
- Its current menu
- Recent restaurant listings
- Recent customer feedback
- Direct confirmation from the restaurant when dietary requirements are strict
This is particularly important for vegan diners because preparation methods can change even when the dish name stays the same.
Authentic Indian Food Can Also Be Modern
Authenticity does not require a restaurant to look old-fashioned or serve only traditional recipes.
A modern Indian restaurant can use local ingredients, contemporary presentation, and creative techniques while still drawing from authentic Indian culinary traditions.
Mint Heights is a good example of this distinction. The restaurant describes its cooking as modern Indian while retaining traditional recipes and Indian culinary influences.
For diners, the more useful question is:
Does the restaurant understand and respect the flavors, ingredients, techniques, and traditions behind the food?
That is a better measure than whether the dining room looks traditional.
How to Find the Most Authentic Vegan Indian Meal
If you are specifically looking for an authentic vegan Indian meal in Brooklyn Heights, a simple strategy works well:
Start with a naturally plant-based dish such as chana masala, baingan bharta, or certain vegetable curries.
Ask about ghee and butter.
Confirm whether the dal contains dairy.
Choose roti if the restaurant confirms it is dairy-free.
Try a regional dish instead of ordering only familiar favorites.
Add a South Indian restaurant to your search if you want dosa, idli, or sambar.
Most importantly, speak with the restaurant directly when your vegan requirement is strict.
Authentic Indian food is ultimately about discovering the diversity of the cuisine rather than finding one definition of what “real” Indian food should taste like. In Brooklyn Heights, that means starting with restaurants such as Mint Heights and Curry Heights, then expanding into nearby Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods for South Indian and regional specialties.
Final Guide to the Best Vegan Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights
Finding the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights is less about finding restaurants that serve only plant-based food and more about identifying Indian restaurants with substantial vegan-friendly choices. Indian cuisine is naturally well suited to vegan dining because lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, spices, and plant-based ingredients are central to many traditional dishes.
Within Brooklyn Heights itself, Mint Heights and Curry Heights are the two restaurants to consider first. Mint Heights is particularly relevant because it is listed as offering vegan options, while its menu includes a variety of vegetable and plant-forward dishes. Curry Heights also specifically promotes vegetarian and vegan options and offers a broad selection of vegetable-based Indian dishes.
Best Vegan-Friendly Choice in Brooklyn Heights
Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is one of the strongest starting points for vegan Indian dining in the neighborhood. Its menu combines modern Indian cooking with traditional flavors and includes vegetable curries, chana-based dishes, biryani, and other vegetarian options. Current restaurant listings specifically identify vegan options.
For a vegan meal, diners should ask which dishes are prepared without ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients.
Best Budget Vegan Option
Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street is particularly useful for diners who want an affordable vegan-friendly Indian meal. Its current menu includes chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, cabbage bhaji, and tarka dal among its vegetable choices, and the restaurant is listed as offering vegan dining.
Its lunch combinations can also make plant-based Indian food relatively affordable, although vegan diners should confirm that the selected entrée and naan are dairy-free.
Expand Beyond Brooklyn Heights for More Variety
If you are willing to travel a short distance outside the neighborhood, the choices become broader. Downtown Brooklyn offers South Indian options such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi, where dishes based on rice, lentils, vegetables, dosa, idli, and sambar can provide a different style of plant-based Indian dining.
Govinda’s Kitchen in nearby Boerum Hill/Downtown Brooklyn is another restaurant worth considering when expanding the search beyond Brooklyn Heights.
The important point is to distinguish vegan-friendly from fully vegan. The restaurants above should not automatically be described as entirely vegan establishments simply because they offer vegan dishes.
What Vegan Diners Should Order
Some of the best dishes to look for include:
- Chana masala
- Aloo gobi
- Bhindi masala
- Baingan bharta
- Vegetable curry
- Chana saag
- Vegetable biryani
- Dal prepared without ghee
- Dosa
- Idli
- Sambar
- Vegetable pakoras
- Roti, when confirmed dairy-free
These dishes allow you to experience Indian cuisine through vegetables, legumes, grains, spices, and traditional cooking techniques rather than relying on meat substitutes.
Always Check for Hidden Dairy
The most important tip for strict vegans is to ask about ghee and dairy.
A dish can look completely plant-based but still contain:
- Ghee
- Butter
- Cream
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Paneer
Naan is another item that deserves attention because recipes can contain milk, yogurt, butter, or ghee. Roti may be a simpler alternative, but preparation should still be confirmed.
The Bottom Line
For someone specifically searching for vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights, start with Mint Heights and Curry Heights, then expand into Downtown Brooklyn and nearby neighborhoods if you want more regional variety.
Mint Heights is a strong choice for a modern neighborhood Indian meal with vegan options, while Curry Heights stands out for affordable Indian food with a broad selection of vegetable dishes. Nearby South Indian restaurants provide another dimension, particularly for diners interested in dosa, idli, sambar, and other naturally plant-forward foods.
The best approach is to focus on verified vegan-friendly dishes rather than assuming an entire restaurant or menu is vegan. Ask about ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, and dairy-based breads, and you can enjoy a much wider range of authentic Indian flavors while staying fully plant-based.
For the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, the neighborhood itself provides a convenient starting point, while the surrounding Brooklyn food scene makes it possible to turn a simple vegan meal into a much broader exploration of Indian regional cuisine.