Vegan-friendly South Indian
Looking for vegan Indian food in Philadelphia? You're in the right place.
Bengaluru Cafe is a 100% vegetarian South Indian restaurant with an extensive selection of naturally vegan dishes.
From fermented rice-and-lentil classics to vibrant Indian street food, many of our recipes begin with plant-based ingredients that have been part of South Indian cooking for generations.
Naturally Vegan, Traditionally South Indian
Great food doesn't need a substitute.
Rice, lentils, vegetables, coconut, tamarind and spices have always played a central role in South Indian cooking.
That's why so many of our dishes are naturally plant-based.
At Bengaluru Cafe, we prepare traditional recipes inspired by Bengaluru and Karnataka, with a menu that welcomes vegan diners alongside everyone else.
How we label the menu
VeganThe standard dish and its included accompaniments contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Our kitchen is entirely vegetarian. Some recipes contain dairy, honey, wheat, nuts or other allergens, and we use shared preparation areas and equipment.
Our Vegan Dishes
Every dish marked vegan.
52 dishes on our menu are labeled Vegan by our kitchen: the dish and its included accompaniments contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Bengaluru Mornings
- Idli (3 pcs)Soft steamed rice cakes with sambar and house chutneys.
- Medu Vada (3 pcs)Crisp lentil doughnuts with sambar and house chutneys.
- Khara BathSavory semolina cooked with vegetables and spices.
- Lalbagh RasamA warming tomato broth with black pepper, garlic and fresh coriander.
- Bengaluru SambarA vibrant Bengaluru lentil soup simmered with garden vegetables, roasted spices, tamarind and a touch of sweet jaggery.
- Lemon Coriander Clear SoupA light vegetable broth lifted with lemon, coriander and gentle spice.
- Bengaluru Street CucumberCool, crisp cucumber tossed with mint, lemon and a touch of spice.
- Bengaluru Special Tomato SliceSliced tomatoes with vegetables, herbs, house spice and a savory crunch.
- Lentil & Sprout Masala SaladMoong lentils and sprouts with fresh vegetables, herbs and house masala.
Dosa
- Plain DosaA classic crisp, fermented rice-and-lentil crêpe.
- Khali Dosa (2 pcs)Two soft, spongy rice-and-lentil crêpes served with coconut-vegetable stew and chutneys.
- Set Dosa (3 pcs)Three soft, thick rice-and-lentil crêpes served with coconut-vegetable stew and chutneys.
- Rava DosaGolden, lacy semolina crêpe spiced with cumin, served with sambar and chutneys.
- Classic Masala DosaA crisp rice-and-lentil crêpe filled with warm, spiced potato masala.
- Mysore Masala DosaA crisp rice-and-lentil crêpe spread with spicy red chilli paste and filled with potato masala.
- Onion Chilli Masala DosaA crisp rice-and-lentil crêpe filled with fresh onions, green chillies and spiced potato masala.
- Sagu Masala DosaA crisp rice-and-lentil crêpe filled with potato and sagu masala.
- Bengaluru Special DosaA crisp rice-and-lentil crêpe filled with tangy lemon rice and spiced potato masala.
Regional Dosa & Tawa
- Onion UthappamA thick fermented rice-and-lentil savory pancake topped with finely chopped onions.
- Vegetable UthappamA thick fermented rice-and-lentil pancake loaded with fresh seasonal vegetables.
- Capsicum Corn UthappamA thick fermented rice-and-lentil pancake topped with crisp bell peppers and sweet corn.
- Bengaluru Onion Capsicum UthappamA thick rice-and-lentil pancake topped with onions, bell peppers and our signature house spice blend.
Small Plates & Chaat
- SamosasGolden flaky pastry stuffed with spiced potatoes and green peas.
- Samosa MasalaCrushed samosa topped with warm pea curry, sweet-tangy chutneys and savories.
- Vada PavSpiced potato fritter slider served on a soft bun with garlic chutney.
- Bengaluru Mirchi BajjiCrisp batter-fried green peppers served with sweet and tangy chutneys.
- Spicy Mashed Tomato BondaGolden fritters stuffed with a fiery spiced tomato filling.
- Gobi Bombat BitesCrispy cauliflower florets tossed in a sweet-and-spicy bombat sauce.
- Vade – Bonda – BajjiA sampling trio of lentil, potato and plantain fritters served with two chutneys.
- Pani Puri – Two WatersHollow crisp wheat shells filled with potatoes and peas, served with sweet-tangy and spicy-mint waters.
- Sev PuriFlat crispy wafers layered with potatoes, chutneys and fine crunchy crisps.
- Bhel PuriPuffed rice, diced vegetables and sweet-tangy chutneys with crunchy crisps.
- Bengaluru Classic Masala PuriCrushed crispy wafers layered with hot pea gravy, sweet chutneys, fresh herbs and crunchy crisps.
- Bengaluru Samosa ChaatCrisp samosa layered with warm pea gravy, chutneys and fresh cilantro.
- Crunchy Corn MasalaToasted sweet corn tossed with diced vegetables, lime juice and crunchy street-style bites.
- Spicy Peanut MasalaRoasted peanuts tossed with fresh onions, tomatoes, green chillies and lime juice.
- Kurkure MasalaCrispy seasoned rice-corn snacks, street-style, with onions, tomatoes and chutneys.
- Moong Dal MasalaCrispy fried split lentils with diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Rotti, Rice & Platters
- Akki RottiTwo hand-pressed rice-flour flatbreads studded with herbs, served with coconut-vegetable sagu and chutneys.
- Ragi RottiTwo hand-pressed finger-millet flatbreads studded with herbs, served with coconut-vegetable sagu and chutneys.
- Karnataka Rotti DuoOne akki rotti and one ragi rotti served with coconut-vegetable sagu and chutneys.
- Iyengar Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice)Tangy tamarind-spiced rice tossed with roasted peanuts, curry leaves and mustard seeds.
- Chitranna (Lemon Rice)Fragrant rice tossed with fresh lemon juice, crunchy lentils, peanuts and curry leaves.
- Bengaluru Bisi Bele BathA rich, comforting slow-cooked rice, lentil and vegetable mash spiced with house masala.
- Bengaluru Veg BiryaniAromatic basmati rice layered with spiced garden vegetables and warm whole spices.
Sweet Endings & Kaapi
- Black CoffeeOur bold South Indian filter coffee decoction, served hot without milk.
Coolers, Lassi & Iced
- PanakamA traditional cooling drink of raw jaggery, fresh lime juice, dry ginger and cardamom.
- Nannari Lime CoolerA refreshing herbal drink of wild sarsaparilla root syrup and fresh lime juice (sparkling on request).
- Jaljeera CoolerA zesty, savory-tangy cooler infused with toasted cumin, fresh mint, lime and chaat masala.
- Spiced TamarindA sweet-and-tangy cooler made with tamarind, jaggery and warm house spices.
- Wildberry FizzA sparkling iced drink made with mixed berries and fresh citrus.
- Masala SodaPick a soda of your choice, shaken with fresh lime juice, mint and a tangy Indian spice blend.
What About Dairy?
Some dishes include it. We tell you which.
Some traditional South Indian and Indian street food preparations include butter, ghee, paneer, yogurt or cheese.
We identify these dishes on our menu so you can make an informed choice.
Certain modifications may be available. Please ask our team before ordering.
Vegan-Friendly Dining in Northern Liberties
Come hungry. Bring friends.
Visit Bengaluru Cafe at 809 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Join us for lunch, dinner, a quick bite or a meal with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vegan dining, answered.
Is Bengaluru Cafe completely vegan?
No. Bengaluru Cafe is entirely vegetarian, with an extensive vegan selection. Some dishes contain dairy or other animal-derived ingredients.
Are all dosas vegan?
Not all dosas are vegan. Some varieties contain butter, ghee, cheese or paneer. Check the menu's dietary labels or ask our team.
Do you offer vegan catering?
We offer vegetarian catering with vegan options. Contact our team to discuss a menu that meets your event's requirements.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Please share your requirements before ordering. Our team can explain ingredients and confirm which options are suitable.
Find your next favorite.
Explore the menu and discover the flavors of South India.