Cheap Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights: Best Budget Indian Eats

Finding the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights is a rewarding way to explore one of the world’s most naturally plant-friendly cuisines. Indian cooking has a long tradition of using lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, grains, herbs, coconut, and aromatic spices to create complete and satisfying meals without meat. For vegan diners, this means there can be far more to choose from than a single vegetable curry or salad.

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, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene, and other surrounding neighborhoods. This gives plant-based diners access to everything from North Indian curries and vegetable biryani to South Indian dosa, idli, sambar, and other naturally vegetarian dishes.

Two restaurants directly in Brooklyn Heights are particularly relevant to this guide. Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is listed as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, while Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street also offers vegetarian and vegan options.

For strict vegans, however, there is an important distinction between vegetarian and vegan Indian food. Paneer, yogurt, butter, cream, and ghee are common ingredients in Indian cuisine, so a dish containing no meat is not automatically dairy-free. The best approach is to confirm the preparation of individual dishes, particularly curries, dal, biryani, naan, and other breads.

Why Brooklyn Heights Has Great Indian Restaurants

Brooklyn Heights may be better known for its historic architecture, brownstone-lined streets, waterfront views, and proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge than for Indian food, but its location makes it a convenient base for exploring Indian cuisine in this part of Brooklyn.

The neighborhood’s Indian restaurant selection is relatively small compared with larger Brooklyn food districts, yet the restaurants that are here provide useful choices for diners interested in traditional Indian flavors, modern interpretations, vegetarian cooking, and plant-based meals.

Indian Cuisine Is Naturally Well Suited to Vegan Dining

One of the biggest advantages of Indian cuisine for vegan diners is that plant-based cooking is deeply integrated into many regional Indian food traditions.

Instead of relying on meat substitutes, Indian chefs can build dishes around:

• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Eggplant
• Okra
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Rice
• Wheat
• Coconut
• Fresh herbs
• Aromatic spices

This means a vegan Indian meal can be substantial and varied without needing imitation meat.

Popular dishes such as chana masala, aloo gobi, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, vegetable curry, and many types of dal can form the foundation of a completely plant-based meal, provided the restaurant prepares them without ghee, butter, cream, or yogurt.

Brooklyn Heights Offers Both Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Choices

Curry Heights specifically states that it offers vegetarian and vegan options and highlights dishes including chana masala and baingan bharta. Its current menu also includes a dedicated vegetarian lunch selection featuring dishes such as aloo matar gobi, chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, and tarka dal.

Mint Heights is similarly listed as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options. Its location at 46 Henry Street puts it directly in Brooklyn Heights, making it one of the most convenient starting points for a plant-based Indian meal in the neighborhood.

The combination of these restaurants means vegan diners can begin their search within Brooklyn Heights rather than immediately traveling to another part of Brooklyn.

Indian Spices Make Plant-Based Food Anything but Boring

A common misconception about vegan dining is that removing dairy and meat leaves food lacking in richness or flavor. Indian cuisine demonstrates why that is not necessarily the case.

Indian cooking builds flavor through combinations of spices and aromatics such as:

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Mustard seeds
• Chili
• Fenugreek
• Garam masala

These ingredients can transform simple vegetables, legumes, and rice into deeply flavored dishes.

For vegan diners, this is one of the biggest attractions of Indian food. A plate of chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, or cauliflower can be the centerpiece of a satisfying meal rather than merely a side dish.

Nearby Neighborhoods Expand the Vegan Indian Food Selection

Another major advantage of Brooklyn Heights is its location.

If you want more variety than the immediate neighborhood provides, Downtown Brooklyn is close by, while Court Street, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights offer additional Indian restaurants.

Downtown Brooklyn is particularly interesting for vegan and vegetarian diners because it adds South Indian cuisine to the mix. Restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi are categorized around South Indian food, providing opportunities to explore dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, and sambar.

South Indian cuisine can be particularly valuable for plant-based diners because rice, lentils, fermented batters, vegetables, coconut, and spices play such important roles.

There Is More to Vegan Indian Food Than Curry

A good vegan Indian meal does not have to consist entirely of curry.

Depending on the restaurant, diners can explore a complete progression such as:

Starter: Vegetable samosa or pakora
Main: Chana masala or vegetable curry
Second dish: Aloo gobi or bhindi masala
Rice: Vegetable biryani
Bread: Roti
Side: Chutney or sambar

For a South Indian meal, the combination might instead be:

Masala dosa + sambar + coconut chutney

or:

Idli + vada + sambar + chutneys

This variety makes Indian food especially appealing for vegan groups because everyone can share several dishes.

Vegetarian Does Not Always Mean Vegan

This is the most important point for anyone searching specifically for vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights.

Indian menus often use dairy in dishes that appear vegetable-based.

Watch for:

• Paneer — Indian cheese
• Ghee — clarified butter
• Butter
• Cream
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Raita

For example, saag paneer is vegetarian but not vegan. Dal makhani is vegetarian but may contain butter or cream. Naan may also contain dairy depending on the recipe.

Even dishes that are traditionally plant-based can vary from one restaurant to another. Curry Heights itself advises customers to contact the restaurant regarding ingredients, noting that some menu items contain nuts or dairy.

For strict vegans, asking a few questions before ordering is therefore essential.

Brooklyn Heights Works Well for Different Types of Vegan Diners

The neighborhood can accommodate different dining styles.

A casual diner might choose a vegetable curry and rice from Curry Heights. Someone looking for a more contemporary atmosphere can consider Mint Heights. A group interested in South Indian cuisine can travel toward Downtown Brooklyn, while diners looking for a wider range of regional Indian food can continue toward nearby neighborhoods.

This makes Brooklyn Heights a useful starting point rather than a strict boundary for exploring vegan Indian cuisine.

A Plant-Based Indian Meal Can Be Affordable

Vegan Indian food can also be relatively budget-friendly because many dishes are based on inexpensive but filling ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, potatoes, vegetables, and rice.

Curry Heights, for example, currently offers vegetarian lunch combinations starting at $10, although vegan diners should confirm that their selected entrée and bread are prepared without dairy.

This makes Indian cuisine particularly practical for students, families, office workers, and anyone looking for a satisfying plant-based meal without paying a premium simply because it is vegan.

Brooklyn Heights Is a Strong Starting Point for Plant-Based Indian Dining

Ultimately, the appeal of vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights comes from the combination of local convenience and access to a much larger surrounding food scene.

Within Brooklyn Heights, Mint Heights and Curry Heights provide the most obvious starting points for vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian dining. Beyond the neighborhood, nearby areas add South Indian cuisine, regional specialties, contemporary restaurants, and additional plant-based choices.

For vegan diners, the key is to focus not only on the restaurant’s vegetarian selection but also on how individual dishes are prepared. Once you know what contains ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, and paneer, Indian cuisine opens up an enormous range of flavorful plant-based possibilities.

Top Vegan Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights

For diners searching for the top vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, it is important to make one geographic distinction first: the neighborhood itself has a relatively small Indian restaurant selection, so the strongest vegan-focused choices include restaurants in Brooklyn Heights as well as nearby Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods.

Within Brooklyn Heights, Mint Heights and Curry Heights are the two most relevant restaurants for plant-based diners. Both offer vegetarian and vegan options, while nearby South Indian restaurants provide additional naturally plant-forward choices.

1. Mint Heights — Best Overall for Vegan-Friendly Indian Food

Mint Heights is located at 46 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights, making it one of the most convenient choices for diners who want vegan-friendly Indian food without leaving the neighborhood.

Mint Heights describes its menu as modern Indian cooking with seasonal ingredients and offers dishes spanning tandoori specialties, paneer, coastal curries, biryanis, and vegetable preparations. Current restaurant listings specifically identify the restaurant as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options.

For plant-based diners, the most interesting choices can include dishes such as:

• Chana saag
• Vegetable curries
• Aloo gobi
• Bhindi masala
• Vegetable biryani
• Vegetable appetizers
• Chana masala
• Dairy-free vegetable preparations, when available

Mint Heights is particularly useful for vegan diners because the restaurant has explicitly promoted options suitable for creating a vegan and gluten-free meal.

However, diners following a strict vegan diet should still confirm individual preparations. Indian dishes can contain ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients even when the main ingredients are vegetables.

Best for: Vegan-friendly Indian dining, modern Indian cuisine, date nights, groups, and staying within Brooklyn Heights.

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2. Curry Heights — Best for Affordable Vegan-Friendly Indian Food

Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street is another strong option directly in Brooklyn Heights.

The restaurant’s own website says it offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, highlighting dishes such as chana masala and baingan bharta. Its current OpenTable listing also identifies vegan options and takeout and delivery.

Its menu is especially useful for diners looking for affordable plant-based Indian food. Vegetarian choices currently include:

• Chana masala
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Cabbage bhaji
• Tarka dal
• Aloo matar gobi

Some dishes, such as saag paneer and dal makhani, are vegetarian but may not be vegan because of dairy ingredients.

Curry Heights is particularly attractive at lunchtime because its express menu offers vegetarian entrée combinations with rice and naan. Vegan diners should ask whether the selected bread and entrée are completely dairy-free before ordering.

Best for: Affordable vegan-friendly meals, casual dining, Indian curries, lunch, takeout, and delivery.

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3. Brooklyn Curry Project — Best Nearby South Indian Option

Brooklyn Curry Project at 383 Bridge Street in Downtown Brooklyn is worth considering when you want to explore Indian food beyond the traditional North Indian curry menu.

The restaurant is categorized as South Indian, making it particularly relevant for diners interested in dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and other rice- and lentil-based specialties.

South Indian cuisine can be particularly attractive to vegan diners because many classic dishes are based on:

• Rice
• Lentils
• Vegetables
• Coconut
• Tamarind
• Fresh herbs
• Spices

However, preparation varies between restaurants. Dosa, for example, may be cooked with oil or ghee, so vegan diners should confirm the cooking fat.

One practical consideration is that current business information shows Brooklyn Curry Project with limited Saturday daytime hours, so check the current schedule before making a trip.

Best for: South Indian food, dosa, lentil-based dishes, vegan-friendly regional cuisine, and daytime dining.

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4. Filter Kaapi — South Indian Plant-Based Choices Nearby

Filter Kaapi is also located at 383 Bridge Street and provides another nearby South Indian option.

Its daytime schedule makes it particularly relevant for breakfast or lunch rather than a late dinner. Current business information lists it as an Indian restaurant with daytime service.

For vegan diners, South Indian staples such as dosa, idli, sambar, and vegetable preparations can provide alternatives to the creamier North Indian curries found at many Indian restaurants.

As always, ask whether ghee, butter, yogurt, or other dairy products are used in the preparation.

Best for: South Indian breakfast and lunch, dosa, vegetarian dishes, and exploring regional Indian cuisine.

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5. Govinda’s Kitchen — Nearby Plant-Forward Indian Dining

Govinda’s Kitchen at 305 Schermerhorn Street is another nearby option for diners willing to travel beyond Brooklyn Heights.

Its Downtown Brooklyn location makes it convenient to include when expanding a search for plant-forward Indian food around the neighborhood.

For vegan diners, the appeal of a restaurant like this is the opportunity to build a meal around vegetables, legumes, rice, and Indian spices rather than relying on meat alternatives.

Best for: Plant-forward Indian meals, vegetarian dining, and casual nearby dining.

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6. Indian Table — Regional Indian Food Near Brooklyn Heights

Indian Table at 234 Court Street is technically outside Brooklyn Heights, so it is best described as a nearby option.

The restaurant is particularly interesting because of its Indian-Goan focus, giving diners an opportunity to explore regional Indian flavors rather than another standard North Indian curry menu.

Vegetarian diners can look for vegetable-based preparations, rice dishes, and regional specialties. Vegan diners should ask about dairy and ghee in individual dishes.

Best for: Regional Indian cuisine, Indian-Goan flavors, and a more leisurely dining experience.

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7. Dastaan Indian Kitchen — Nearby Contemporary Indian Dining

Dastaan Indian Kitchen at 115 Smith Street is another nearby restaurant to consider when expanding beyond the immediate Brooklyn Heights boundaries.

Dastaan offers Indian curries, biryanis, tandoori specialties, and other traditional and contemporary preparations. Its location on Smith Street makes it a convenient option for diners exploring the wider area around Brooklyn Heights.

For vegan diners, it is best to ask staff which current dishes can be prepared completely without dairy.

Best for: Contemporary Indian dining, groups, curries, biryani, and exploring nearby Smith Street.

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Quick Comparison of Vegan-Friendly Indian Restaurants

Best Choice for Most Vegan Diners

If you want to stay in Brooklyn Heights, start with Mint Heights or Curry Heights. Mint Heights is the stronger choice for a more contemporary dining experience and specifically advertises vegan-friendly options, while Curry Heights is particularly attractive for casual and budget-conscious meals.

If you are interested in naturally plant-forward Indian cuisine, expand the search to Downtown Brooklyn and explore South Indian restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi.

Most importantly, remember that vegan-friendly does not necessarily mean every vegetarian dish is vegan. Always confirm whether ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, milk, or paneer is used, particularly in curries, breads, rice dishes, and sauces.

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, while nearby Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights provide additional Indian restaurants and a wider range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes.

For vegan diners, this wider search area is particularly useful because different parts of Brooklyn offer different Indian cuisines. You can find North Indian curries and dals in Brooklyn Heights, South Indian dosa and idli in Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, and additional regional Indian restaurants farther into central Brooklyn.

1. Brooklyn Heights

Best for: Convenient vegan-friendly Indian dining close to home

Brooklyn Heights is the natural starting point for anyone who wants to stay within the neighborhood.

The two most relevant Indian restaurants are Mint Heights on Henry Street and Curry Heights on Remsen Street. Both are directly in Brooklyn Heights and provide vegetarian choices, with vegan-friendly possibilities that should be confirmed dish by dish.

Mint Heights is particularly relevant for this vegan-focused guide because current restaurant information identifies it as an Indian restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options. Its menu includes vegetable preparations, dal, paneer, and other Indian specialties.

For vegan diners, good starting points can include:

• Chana masala
• Vegetable curries
• Aloo gobi
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Some dal preparations
• Vegetable biryani
• Roti

The important point is to confirm that ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients are not used.

Why visit: It is the easiest option when you want vegan-friendly Indian food without leaving Brooklyn Heights.

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2. Downtown Brooklyn

Best for: South Indian vegan food, dosa, idli, and lighter meals

Downtown Brooklyn is one of the most useful nearby areas for vegan Indian food because it introduces more South Indian cuisine into the search.

Two restaurants at 383 Bridge Street are particularly relevant: Brooklyn Curry Project, which is categorized as a South Indian restaurant, and Filter Kaapi, another Indian restaurant at the same address.

South Indian cuisine is especially valuable for vegan diners because many traditional dishes are based on:

• Rice
• Lentils
• Vegetables
• Coconut
• Fermented batters
• Tamarind
• Fresh herbs
• Spices

Dosa, idli, vada, and sambar can all be potential vegan choices, although preparation should always be checked for ghee or butter.

Why visit: One of the best nearby areas for exploring plant-based South Indian cuisine rather than only North Indian curries.

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3. Court Street and Cobble Hill

Best for: Regional Indian cuisine and relaxed dining

The Court Street/Cobble Hill area is another useful extension of a Brooklyn Heights vegan-food search.

Indian Table at 234 Court Street offers Indian-Goan cuisine, while Tera Mera at 272 Court Street provides another nearby Indian restaurant option.

For vegan diners, regional Indian cooking can be particularly interesting because not every dish follows the familiar cream-heavy North Indian restaurant format.

Goan and other regional preparations can incorporate vegetables, coconut, rice, lentils, herbs, and spices in different combinations.

When ordering, ask specifically which dishes are prepared without:

• Ghee
• Butter
• Cream
• Yogurt
• Paneer

Why visit: A good choice for diners who want regional Indian flavors rather than only familiar restaurant classics.

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4. Boerum Hill and Livingston Street

Best for: Contemporary Indian dining and special occasions

The area around Livingston Street and Boerum Hill is another convenient place to explore Indian food near Brooklyn Heights.

Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar, at 286 Livingston Street, offers a more contemporary North Indian dining experience and is currently positioned at a higher price point than the casual restaurants directly in Brooklyn Heights.

For vegan diners, the attraction is less about finding an entirely vegan restaurant and more about enjoying a polished Indian meal where vegetable dishes can be part of a larger dining experience.

If you are dining at an upscale Indian restaurant, communicate your vegan requirements clearly and ask the server which dishes can be prepared without dairy.

Why visit: Best suited to vegan diners looking for a nicer dinner, date night, or special occasion.

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5. Fort Greene

Best for: South Indian food and plant-based dishes

Fort Greene is worth considering when your priority is South Indian vegetarian and vegan food rather than simply finding the closest Indian restaurant.

DOSA ROYALE on Lafayette Avenue is one of the better-known South Indian options in this broader area. The restaurant’s cuisine makes it especially relevant to diners interested in dosa and other naturally plant-forward dishes.

Diners can explore dishes such as:

• Plain dosa
• Masala dosa
• Vegetable dosa
• Idli
• Vada
• Sambar
• Coconut chutney
• Vegetable curries

As always, ask whether ghee is used in the dosa, tempering, or other preparations.

Why visit: A strong choice when dosa and South Indian vegan-friendly food are more important than staying close to Brooklyn Heights.

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6. Prospect Heights and Vanderbilt Avenue

Best for: Exploring a larger Brooklyn Indian-food scene

Prospect Heights gives vegan diners an opportunity to explore farther beyond the immediate Brooklyn Heights area.

The Vanderbilt Avenue corridor has several Indian restaurants, including Mumbai Place at 655 Vanderbilt Avenue and OMAR’S INDIAN FINE CUISINE at 568 Vanderbilt Avenue.

This area can be useful when you want to turn a simple restaurant search into a broader Brooklyn food outing.

Vegan diners should look for vegetable curries, chickpea dishes, lentils, rice preparations, and breads that can be confirmed as dairy-free.

Why visit: Good for exploring more Indian restaurants and comparing different styles of Indian cooking.

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7. Crown Heights

Best for: Casual Indian dining and more restaurant variety

Crown Heights is farther from Brooklyn Heights, but it expands the number of Indian restaurants available to diners who are willing to travel.

Dhania, located at 787 Prospect Place, is one current Indian restaurant option in the area, while additional restaurants along nearby corridors provide more opportunities to explore Indian cuisine.

For vegan diners, the advantage of traveling farther is simply greater choice. You can compare different preparations of:

• Chana masala
• Dal
• Vegetable curry
• Aloo gobi
• Biryani
• Rice dishes
• Indian breads

The same dairy-checking rule applies regardless of the neighborhood.

Why visit: Best for a broader Brooklyn Indian-food exploration rather than a quick meal immediately near Brooklyn Heights.

Best Area for South Indian Vegan Food

Explore Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene. These areas are especially useful for dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and other plant-forward South Indian dishes.

Best Area for Regional Indian Food

Try Court Street and Cobble Hill if you want to explore Indian cuisine beyond the standard North Indian curry format.

Best Area for an Upscale Meal

The Boerum Hill/Livingston Street area is a better choice when you want a more polished restaurant setting.

Best Area for a Broader Food Tour

Continue toward Prospect Heights and Crown Heights if you want to compare several Indian restaurants and regional styles.

Ultimately, Brooklyn Heights is a good starting point for vegan Indian food, but it should not be treated as the only search area. The nearby neighborhoods significantly expand the choices, especially for South Indian cuisine. For strict vegans, the most important consideration is not simply whether a restaurant offers “vegan options,” but whether individual dishes are prepared without ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, and other dairy ingredients.

Popular Vegan Indian Dishes People Should Try in Brooklyn Heights

One of the best things about exploring vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is that plant-based diners do not have to settle for a limited selection. Indian cuisine has a long tradition of cooking with vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, rice, grains, herbs, coconut, and spices, creating naturally vegan dishes as well as vegetarian dishes that can sometimes be adapted.

The important distinction is that vegetarian does not automatically mean vegan. Ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, and paneer are common in Indian cooking. Vegan diners should therefore confirm the preparation of individual dishes, particularly when ordering curries, biryani, naan, and dal.

Restaurants such as Mint Heights and Curry Heights provide useful starting points in Brooklyn Heights. Mint Heights is currently listed as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, while Curry Heights specifically highlights plant-based choices including chana masala and baingan bharta.

1. Chana Masala

Chana masala is one of the best dishes for anyone discovering vegan Indian cuisine.

It consists primarily of chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Indian spices. The chickpeas make the dish hearty and filling, while the tomato-based sauce provides acidity and depth.

It is commonly served with rice or Indian flatbread and works equally well as a main dish or as part of a shared meal.

For strict vegans, ask whether the restaurant uses ghee or butter in the preparation.

Best with: Basmati rice, roti, or a confirmed vegan bread.

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2. Baingan Bharta

Baingan bharta is a smoky eggplant dish that is particularly good for diners who want something beyond the usual chickpea or potato curry.

Eggplant is roasted or charred before being mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and spices. The roasting process gives the dish a distinctive smoky flavor.

Curry Heights specifically lists baingan bharta among its vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

Because recipes vary, vegan diners should still verify that the particular preparation does not contain ghee or butter.

Best with: Roti or rice.

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3. Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi combines potatoes and cauliflower with aromatic spices.

It is one of the simplest ways to enjoy Indian vegetables without relying on cream or paneer. Depending on the restaurant, it may be relatively dry or prepared with a little more sauce.

Aloo gobi is especially good for sharing because its familiar ingredients make it approachable for people who are new to Indian cuisine.

Best with: Roti, rice, or dal.

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4. Bhindi Masala

Bhindi masala features okra cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

The texture of okra makes this dish quite different from potato, chickpea, and lentil-based curries. When cooked well, the okra develops a tender texture while absorbing the flavors of the masala.

It is a good choice when ordering several dishes for the table because it adds another vegetable and texture to the meal.

Best with: Roti and dal.

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5. Dal Tadka

Dal tadka is a classic lentil dish finished with a flavorful tempering of spices, herbs, garlic, onions, or chilies.

Dal is naturally one of the most useful plant-based foods in Indian cuisine because lentils provide substance and protein while absorbing the flavors of the spices.

However, this is an important dish for vegan diners to verify. Some restaurants finish dal with ghee or butter.

When ordering, simply ask:

“Is the dal cooked or finished with ghee or butter?”

If the answer is yes, ask whether a dairy-free version is available.

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6. Chana Saag

Chana saag combines chickpeas with leafy greens, giving you two plant-based ingredients in one dish.

The earthy chickpeas work particularly well with spinach or other greens and aromatic spices.

This can be an excellent alternative to saag paneer for vegan diners because paneer is replaced with chickpeas.

Mint Heights has been listed with vegan-friendly options, and current menu information has included dishes in this general plant-based category.

Best with: Rice or roti.

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7. Vegetable Curry

A good vegetable curry can be one of the most satisfying vegan orders because the exact combination of vegetables and spices varies from restaurant to restaurant.

You may find combinations featuring:

• Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Peas
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Eggplant

Ask the restaurant which vegetable curry is currently prepared without dairy.

Best with: Rice or roti.

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8. Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani brings together fragrant basmati rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

It can be a complete meal on its own or shared alongside vegetable curries.

For vegan diners, however, biryani deserves an ingredient check. Traditional recipes can use ghee, and some restaurants may serve it with yogurt-based raita.

Ask whether the rice itself contains ghee or butter and skip the raita unless a dairy-free alternative is available.

Best with: Vegan curry or dairy-free chutney.

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9. Vegetable Samosas

Vegetable samosas are one of the easiest Indian appetizers to share.

The classic filling includes potatoes, peas, and spices inside a crisp pastry shell.

They are usually served with chutneys, making them an excellent way to begin a vegan Indian meal.

Strict vegans should verify the pastry ingredients and frying practices, particularly if the restaurant uses shared cooking equipment.

Best with: Tamarind and mint chutneys.

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10. Vegetable Pakoras

Pakoras are vegetables coated in seasoned chickpea-flour batter and fried until crisp.

Common versions include:

• Onion pakoras
• Potato pakoras
• Spinach pakoras
• Cauliflower pakoras
• Mixed vegetable pakoras

Because chickpea flour is naturally plant-based, pakoras can be a good vegan appetizer when prepared without dairy.

Ask whether the batter contains yogurt and whether the frying oil is suitable for your dietary requirements.

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Vegan Indian Dishes That Need Extra Caution

Some popular Indian dishes look vegan but frequently contain dairy.

Dal Makhani

Despite being made primarily from lentils and beans, dal makhani traditionally uses butter and cream. Ask before ordering.

Naan

Naan frequently contains yogurt, milk, butter, or ghee. Ask for dairy-free bread or choose roti if the restaurant confirms it is vegan.

Saag Paneer

The spinach may be plant-based, but paneer is dairy, making the dish vegetarian rather than vegan.

Malai Kofta

The name itself signals a creamy preparation, and traditional versions frequently contain dairy.

Vegetable Biryani

The vegetables and rice may be vegan, but ghee is commonly used in biryani preparation.

Raita

Raita is made with yogurt and is therefore not vegan.

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How to Order a Vegan Indian Meal in Brooklyn Heights

When ordering, don’t simply ask whether the restaurant has “vegan options.” Ask about the specific dishes you want.

Useful questions include:

• “Is this cooked with ghee?”
• “Does this contain butter?”
• “Does the sauce contain cream?”
• “Is there yogurt in this dish?”
• “Is the naan dairy-free?”
• “Can you prepare this without dairy?”
• “Is the rice cooked with ghee?”

This is particularly important because restaurant menus can change and the same dish may be prepared differently from one kitchen to another.

Curry Heights explicitly identifies vegan dining among its offerings, while Mint Heights is currently listed as having vegan options.

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The Best Way to Explore Vegan Indian Food

Rather than ordering one large entrée, vegan diners can get a better experience by sharing several dishes.

For two people, consider:

1 appetizer + 2 vegetable dishes + 1 rice dish + 1 bread

For example:

Vegetable samosas + chana masala + baingan bharta + vegetable biryani + dairy-free roti

This combination provides several textures and flavors and makes it easier to experience the variety of Indian plant-based cooking.

Ultimately, the best vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is not limited to dishes explicitly labeled “vegan.” The broader Indian culinary tradition provides numerous naturally plant-based choices, from chickpea curries and lentils to vegetable dishes, dosa, idli, sambar, and rice specialties. The key is understanding where dairy ingredients may appear and confirming preparation before ordering.

Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Food Options in Brooklyn Heights

One of the biggest advantages of Indian cuisine for plant-based diners is that vegetarian food is not treated as a niche category. Lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, grains, herbs, spices, and regional cooking traditions provide the foundation for hundreds of Indian dishes. That makes it possible to enjoy a substantial meal without relying on meat substitutes.

For people searching for vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights, however, there is an important distinction. A dish can be vegetarian while still containing ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, milk, or paneer. Vegan diners should therefore look beyond the word “vegetarian” and confirm how individual dishes are prepared.

Vegetarian Indian Food in Brooklyn Heights

The two most useful starting points within Brooklyn Heights are Mint Heights and Curry Heights.

Mint Heights’ official site specifically says diners can build a vegan and gluten-free feast, alongside its broader selection of modern Indian dishes. Its menu includes vegetarian entrées such as saag paneer, chana saag, chana masala, bhartha, saag aloo, matar mushroom, vegetable curry, vegetable jalfrazie, and aloo gobi.

Curry Heights also promotes vegetarian and vegan choices and currently lists dishes including chana masala, baingan bharta, palak paneer, and other vegetable-based preparations.

Some of the best vegetarian dishes to look for include:

• Chana masala — chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices
• Chana saag — chickpeas combined with seasoned spinach
• Aloo gobi — potatoes and cauliflower with aromatic spices
• Bhindi masala — okra cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices
• Baingan bharta — roasted eggplant cooked with aromatics
• Saag paneer — paneer with seasoned leafy greens
• Dal — lentils cooked with spices and aromatics
• Vegetable biryani — fragrant rice layered with vegetables and spices
• Vegetable curry — mixed vegetables in a seasoned Indian sauce

These dishes demonstrate why Indian food can be so satisfying for vegetarian diners: a meal can contain several completely different textures and flavors without requiring meat.

Vegan Indian Food in Brooklyn Heights

For strict vegans, the most important thing to understand is that vegetarian does not automatically mean vegan.

Common dairy ingredients in Indian cooking include:

• Ghee
• Butter
• Cream
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Paneer

For example, saag paneer is vegetarian but not vegan because paneer is made from milk. Dal makhani may also contain butter or cream, while naan can contain dairy depending on the recipe.

Instead, vegan diners can ask about dishes such as:

• Chana masala
• Chana saag
• Aloo gobi
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Vegetable jalfrazie
• Some dal preparations
• Vegetable curry
• Vegetable biryani
• Roti

Mint Heights is particularly relevant because its own website explicitly promotes vegan-friendly dining.

Vegan Options at Mint Heights

Mint Heights offers one of the broadest plant-based selections directly within Brooklyn Heights.

Its current vegetarian menu includes chana saag, chana masala, bhartha, saag aloo, matar mushroom, vegetable jalfrazie, vegetable curry, daal saag, aloo gobi, and bhindi masala, among other dishes.

Several of these are naturally centered on vegetables, chickpeas, spinach, or lentils, making them good dishes to ask about when looking for a dairy-free meal.

Mint Heights also offers pickup and delivery, which makes it convenient for vegan diners who prefer to eat at home.

Vegan Options at Curry Heights

Curry Heights is another useful option for plant-based diners in Brooklyn Heights.

Its official information highlights vegetarian and vegan options, while current menu information identifies dishes such as chana masala and baingan bharta among its vegetable offerings.

The restaurant’s menu is particularly useful for diners who want several vegetable dishes to share. A combination of chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, and dal can create a varied meal without ordering meat.

For strict vegans, confirm whether the selected dishes and accompanying bread are prepared without dairy.

South Indian Vegetarian Food Near Brooklyn Heights

If you are willing to travel outside Brooklyn Heights, the vegetarian possibilities become even broader.

Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi in Downtown Brooklyn are useful examples because they bring South Indian cuisine into the wider search area.

South Indian cooking offers a completely different collection of vegetarian dishes, including:

• Masala dosa
• Plain dosa
• Idli
• Vada
• Uttapam
• Sambar
• Coconut chutney
• Vegetable rice dishes

These foods rely heavily on rice, lentils, fermented batters, vegetables, coconut, and spices, making South Indian cuisine particularly attractive to vegetarians.

For vegan diners, preparation still needs to be confirmed because ghee may be used in cooking.

Vegetarian Indian Food for Families and Groups

Indian food is particularly convenient when a group contains vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters.

A shared table could include:

Vegetarian dishes

• Saag paneer
• Chana masala
• Aloo gobi

Vegan dishes

• Chana saag
• Baingan bharta
• Vegetable curry

Shared sides

• Basmati rice
• Roti
• Samosas
• Chutneys

This approach allows everyone to sample multiple dishes instead of requiring each person to order a separate entrée.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan Indian Dishes

The safest approach for a strict vegan is to confirm the entire preparation, rather than relying on a menu’s vegetarian label.

Questions Vegan Diners Should Ask

When ordering at an Indian restaurant, a few simple questions can make the meal much easier:

• “Is this cooked with ghee?”
• “Does this contain butter?”
• “Is there cream in the curry?”
• “Does this contain yogurt?”
• “Is the naan dairy-free?”
• “Can this be prepared without dairy?”
• “Is the rice cooked with ghee?”

This is particularly important for dishes that appear vegetable-based but may use dairy during cooking or as a finishing ingredient.

Best Plant-Based Indian Foods to Try

If you are new to vegan Indian food, start with dishes that naturally emphasize vegetables, legumes, and grains.

Chana masala is a particularly good introduction because chickpeas provide a hearty texture and the tomato-spice base is flavorful without needing cream.

Baingan bharta is another excellent choice, especially if you enjoy smoky flavors from roasted eggplant.

Bhindi masala offers something different, with okra providing its distinctive texture.

Aloo gobi is familiar, comforting, and generally easy to pair with rice or roti.

For something completely different, explore dosa, idli, and sambar at a South Indian restaurant nearby.

Building a Complete Vegan Indian Meal

A balanced vegan Indian meal does not need to be complicated.

Try:

Starter: Vegetable samosa or vegetable pakora
Main: Chana masala + baingan bharta
Side: Basmati rice
Bread: Dairy-free roti
Accompaniment: Confirmed vegan chutneys

For two people, add another vegetable dish and share everything family-style.

Ultimately, Brooklyn Heights is a strong starting point for vegetarian and vegan Indian dining, particularly at Mint Heights and Curry Heights, while nearby Downtown Brooklyn expands the possibilities with South Indian cuisine. The key for vegan diners is to distinguish genuinely dairy-free dishes from vegetarian dishes that contain ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, or paneer.

Budget-Friendly Vegan Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights

Finding budget-friendly vegan Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is relatively easy because many of the most affordable Indian dishes are naturally based on vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, potatoes, rice, and spices. The main challenge for vegan diners is not finding vegetarian food—it is making sure that dishes do not contain hidden dairy such as ghee, butter, cream, milk, or yogurt.

Within Brooklyn Heights itself, Curry Heights and Mint Heights are the two restaurants to consider first. Nearby Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods provide additional choices if you want to expand the search.

1. Curry Heights — Best Budget-Friendly Choice

Curry Heights is one of the most practical choices for an affordable Indian meal in Brooklyn Heights.

The restaurant is located at 151 Remsen Street and specifically advertises vegetarian and vegan options. Its current lunch menu includes inexpensive vegetarian combinations, including one vegetarian entrée with rice and naan for $10 and two vegetarian entrées with rice and naan for $12.

Potential dishes include:

• Chana masala
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Cabbage bhaji
• Tarka dal
• Aloo matar gobi

For vegan diners, the most important step is to confirm which of these are prepared without ghee, butter, cream, or other dairy. Curry Heights itself notes that some menu items contain dairy and asks diners to contact the restaurant regarding ingredients.

Best for: Affordable lunch, chana masala, vegetable curries, dal, casual dining, takeout, and groups with different dietary preferences.

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2. Mint Heights — Best for Vegan-Friendly Lunch

Mint Heights is another strong choice directly in Brooklyn Heights.

The restaurant describes its menu as modern Indian cooking and specifically says diners can “build a hearty vegan and gluten-free feast.” It also offers pickup, delivery, and catering.

Current restaurant listings identify Mint Heights as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options.

For budget-conscious diners, lunch is generally a better opportunity than a full dinner. Rather than ordering multiple individual dishes, look for vegetarian lunch combinations or share a couple of vegetable dishes with rice and bread.

Good possibilities to investigate include:

• Chana saag
• Vegetable curries
• Aloo gobi
• Vegetable biryani
• Dal
• Vegetable appetizers
• Roti

Always confirm dairy ingredients if you follow a strict vegan diet.

Best for: Vegan-friendly lunch, modern Indian food, shared meals, takeout, and casual dining.

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How to Eat Vegan Indian Food on a Budget

The easiest way to keep the bill low is to focus on lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, and roti rather than ordering several premium entrées.

A simple vegan-friendly meal could be:

Chana masala + rice + roti

For two people, consider:

2 vegetable dishes + 1 rice dish + 2 rotis

This provides plenty of food while allowing everyone to try different flavors.

Another good strategy is to order one substantial vegetable curry and one dal rather than several rich dishes.

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Best Affordable Vegan Indian Dishes

Chana Masala

Chickpeas make chana masala naturally filling and relatively inexpensive. It pairs beautifully with rice or roti.

Ask whether the kitchen uses ghee or butter.

Aloo Gobi

Potatoes and cauliflower make this a satisfying, budget-friendly vegetable dish.

Bhindi Masala

Okra cooked with onions and spices is another good choice when you want something different from the usual chickpea or potato curry.

Baingan Bharta

Roasted eggplant provides a smoky, flavorful alternative to cream-based curries.

Dal

Dal can be one of the best-value dishes on an Indian menu, but vegan diners should specifically ask whether the finished dish contains butter or ghee.

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani can work as an affordable main dish because rice and vegetables make it filling. Ask whether ghee was used during preparation.

Roti

Roti can sometimes be a better vegan choice than naan. Traditional roti is generally much simpler, while naan frequently contains dairy.

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Vegetarian Does Not Always Mean Vegan

This is particularly important when trying to save money.

A vegetarian lunch might include:

Saag paneer + naan + rice

But this is not vegan because paneer is dairy and naan may also contain dairy.

A vegan-friendly alternative might be:

Chana masala + vegetable curry + rice + roti

The second combination can provide the same variety while avoiding obvious dairy ingredients—although the restaurant should still confirm the preparation.

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Best Budget Strategy for Vegan Diners

When ordering at a Brooklyn Heights Indian restaurant, ask these four questions:

1. Is this cooked with ghee?
2. Does this contain butter or cream?
3. Is there yogurt in the sauce?
4. Can I have roti instead of naan?

These questions are especially useful when ordering dal, biryani, vegetable curries, and breads.

If the restaurant confirms a dish is dairy-free, you can then combine it with rice, roti, or another vegetable dish to create a complete meal.

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Budget-Friendly Vegan Dining Beyond Brooklyn Heights

If you are willing to travel outside the neighborhood, Downtown Brooklyn and nearby areas can give you access to more Indian restaurants and South Indian cuisine.

South Indian dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, and sambar can provide additional plant-based choices, although ghee is still commonly used in some preparations.

This is one reason a broader search for vegan Indian food near Brooklyn Heights can be worthwhile rather than limiting yourself strictly to the neighborhood boundary.

For the most affordable option inside Brooklyn Heights, Curry Heights is the standout because of its dedicated vegetarian lunch combinations. Mint Heights is the better choice if your priority is a more contemporary restaurant with explicitly advertised vegan-friendly dining.

For strict vegans, however, price should not be the only consideration. Always confirm the preparation of the individual dish, particularly when ordering dal, biryani, naan, or creamy curries.

Fine Dining Indian Restaurants Near Brooklyn Heights

For diners searching for fine dining Indian restaurants near Brooklyn Heights, the best choices are generally found just outside the neighborhood rather than directly within it. Brooklyn Heights has polished neighborhood restaurants such as Mint Heights, while nearby Boerum Hill, Court Street, and Park Slope offer more upscale and contemporary Indian dining experiences.

For this vegan Indian restaurant guide, it is also important to look beyond the atmosphere. A restaurant can be considered fine dining without having a large vegan menu, so plant-based diners should confirm which dishes are prepared completely without dairy, ghee, butter, cream, or yogurt.

1. Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar — Best Upscale Indian Dining Near Brooklyn Heights

Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar at 286 Livingston Street in Boerum Hill is one of the strongest upscale Indian choices within easy reach of Brooklyn Heights.

Kashi describes its cuisine as a modern interpretation of North Indian cooking, with dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of North India. Its menu highlights slow-cooked biryanis, char-grilled kebabs, and contemporary presentations, while its bar focuses on Indian-inspired cocktails.

OpenTable currently classifies Kashi as fine dining, with a price range of approximately $31–$50, and lists it as suitable for special occasions and business meals.

For vegan diners, Kashi can be considered for a more sophisticated plant-based meal, but it is important to ask the restaurant which current dishes are completely dairy-free. A vegetarian dish may contain ghee, butter, cream, or yogurt.

Kashi also offers a weekday lunch special, currently listing a vegetarian option at $19.99, which can provide a more accessible way to experience the restaurant than dinner.

Best for: Special occasions, date nights, business dinners, contemporary North Indian cuisine, and upscale dining.

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2. Indian Table — Best for Regional Indian-Goan Dining

Indian Table at 234 Court Street is another strong choice near Brooklyn Heights, although it should be described as a nearby Court Street restaurant rather than one located directly in Brooklyn Heights.

What makes Indian Table particularly interesting is its focus on Indian-Goan cuisine. The restaurant describes itself as a cozy Indian restaurant serving Indian and Portuguese flavors from Goa and identifies chef Eric McCarthy as a seven-time Michelin-starred chef.

This regional focus makes it a worthwhile destination for diners who want to move beyond the standard North Indian restaurant experience.

For vegan diners, Goan cuisine can offer interesting possibilities involving vegetables, rice, coconut, spices, and regional preparations. However, individual dishes should be checked with the restaurant because traditional Goan cooking can also include dairy or other non-vegan ingredients.

Indian Table operates lunch and dinner service, with current hours listed from 12:00–2:45 PM and 5:00–9:45 PM daily.

Best for: Regional Indian cuisine, Goan flavors, special dinners, and diners looking for something different.

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3. Mint Heights — Best Polished Indian Restaurant Inside Brooklyn Heights

Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is the most convenient choice for diners who want an elevated Indian meal without leaving Brooklyn Heights.

Mint Heights focuses on modern Indian cooking and combines traditional recipes with seasonal New York ingredients. Its menu includes tandoori specialties, paneer, coastal curries, biryanis, and other contemporary Indian dishes.

Although Mint Heights is better described as a polished modern Indian neighborhood restaurant rather than formal fine dining, its atmosphere makes it a natural choice for a date night, celebration, or more leisurely dinner.

It is also particularly relevant to this vegan-focused guide because the restaurant specifically promotes options suitable for a vegan and gluten-free feast.

For strict vegans, however, it is still wise to confirm individual dishes and cooking methods before ordering.

Best for: Vegan-friendly dining in Brooklyn Heights, modern Indian food, date nights, and celebrations.

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4. LORE — Modern Indian Dining for a Special Occasion

LORE at 441 7th Avenue in Park Slope is farther from Brooklyn Heights, but it is worth mentioning for diners willing to travel for a more contemporary Indian experience.

The restaurant is currently categorized as a Modern Indian restaurant and occupies a higher-end position within Brooklyn’s Indian dining scene. Its current business listing shows a strong local rating and dinner service during the week, with weekend lunch and dinner availability.

For vegan diners, the attraction is the opportunity to experience modern Indian cooking rather than a standard neighborhood curry menu.

Because vegan menus and preparations can change, contact the restaurant in advance if you require a completely plant-based meal.

Best for: Modern Indian cuisine, contemporary dining, celebrations, and special-occasion dinners.

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5. Pangat — Upscale Indian Dining in Park Slope

Pangat at 369 5th Avenue in Park Slope is another higher-end Indian restaurant worth considering when expanding the search beyond Brooklyn Heights.

The restaurant is currently positioned around the $30–50 range and has strong local review activity.

For someone planning a special Indian dinner, Pangat provides another option beyond the restaurants immediately surrounding Brooklyn Heights.

Vegan diners should ask about current plant-based dishes and whether preparations use ghee, butter, cream, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients.

Best for: Upscale Indian dining, special occasions, and exploring Indian restaurants beyond Brooklyn Heights.

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Best Fine Dining Indian Restaurants for Vegan Diners

Best Overall Upscale Choice

Kashi is the clearest choice when you specifically want a restaurant positioned as fine dining. Its North Indian menu, cocktail program, special-occasion positioning, and contemporary atmosphere make it particularly suitable for date nights and celebrations.

Best for Vegan-Friendly Dining in Brooklyn Heights

Mint Heights is the most convenient option because it is actually located in Brooklyn Heights and specifically promotes vegan-friendly dining. It provides a more polished setting without requiring a trip to another neighborhood.

Best for Regional Indian Cuisine

Indian Table is the standout for diners interested in Goan and Indian-Portuguese influences, rather than a conventional North Indian menu.

Best for Modern Indian Dining

LORE is a good option for diners who are willing to travel farther and want a contemporary Indian restaurant experience.

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What Vegan Diners Should Ask at a Fine Dining Indian Restaurant

A sophisticated Indian restaurant does not automatically mean that every vegetable dish is vegan. Indian cuisine frequently uses dairy even in dishes that appear plant-based.

Before ordering, ask:

• Is this dish cooked with ghee?
• Does it contain butter?
• Is there cream in the sauce?
• Does it contain yogurt?
• Is the bread made with milk or butter?
• Can the chef prepare this without dairy?
• Is the rice cooked with ghee?

For a completely plant-based meal, a useful combination might include a vegetable appetizer, a confirmed dairy-free curry, dal prepared without ghee, vegetable rice, and a dairy-free bread or rice accompaniment.

The key is to communicate that you need the dish to be vegan, rather than simply saying that you prefer vegetarian food.

For this guide, Kashi, Indian Table, Mint Heights, LORE, and Pangat provide the strongest upscale options to explore near Brooklyn Heights, while Mint Heights remains the most practical choice for diners who want a polished vegan-friendly Indian meal without leaving the neighborhood.