Vegan Indian Catering: What to Order When Part of the Room Eats Plant-Based

The Short Answer

Indian food is one of the easiest cuisines to cater for a vegan crowd, because many core dishes are vegan as cooked, with no swaps. At Curry Up Now the vegan dishes are labeled on every order: chana masala, aloo gobi, turmeric rice, the Hella Vegan Bowl and Burrito, mini samosas, Punjabi samosas, bhel puri, pani puri, chole bhature, Sexy Fries, the Deconstructed Samosa with aloo gobi, and the Kathi Roll with aloo gobi made vegan; ask for it that way. Vegan fried items are cooked in a dedicated vegan fryer.

Vegan vs Vegetarian: Where People Get Caught

Paneer is cheese, so saag paneer, paneer tikka masala and butter paneer are vegetarian, not vegan. Naan contains dairy and egg. Raita is yogurt. The butter dishes also contain cashews. Pav bhaji can be made vegan when the pav is toasted in oil instead of butter. The vada pav has a vegan option too.

A Spread That Covers Everyone

For a mixed group of 30, a common build is one vegan entrée such as chana masala or aloo gobi, one vegetarian paneer dish, two halal chicken or lamb entrées, turmeric rice, naan, mini samosas and chutneys. Vegan guests get a full plate from the rice, the chana, the aloo gobi and the samosas, not a side salad.

Boxes for Offices

For a working lunch, the Hella Vegan Bowl is the default vegan box: samosa, chana masala, aloo gobi and chutneys. Each box is labeled, so it does not get taken by someone who did not order it.

The Three Ways to Order

• Individual boxes. One labeled meal per guest, chosen ahead. From $15 per person for 15 to 50 guests, $200 minimum.
• Party packages and the Biryani Buffet. Shared entrées, rice, naan, starters and chutneys in covered trays. $300 minimum.
• A la carte trays. Add two or three dishes to what you already have. No minimum.

Which Kitchen Handles Your Order

Bay Area and San Diego orders go through the corporate catering line, 650-239-6625: San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose and La Jolla at UC San Diego. The franchise kitchens take calls directly: Atlanta 678-732-0953, Durham 984-250-7860, Flower Mound 214-222-5596, Smyrna 615-768-9390 and Birmingham 205-202-5511. Every location answers catering@curryupnow.com, and quotes come back within two hours during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the turmeric rice vegan?

Yes. It is basmati rice with turmeric and fenugreek, vegan and gluten-free.

Is naan vegan?

No. Naan contains dairy and egg.

Are the samosas vegan?

Yes. The mini samosas and Punjabi samosas are vegan. They contain wheat.

Is the Kathi Roll vegan?

It can be. Order it with aloo gobi and ask for it vegan.

Are vegan items fried separately?

Yes. Vegan fried items are cooked in a dedicated vegan fryer.

Is the kitchen vegan only?

No. It is a shared kitchen that also cooks halal meat and dairy. See the allergen guide.