When travellers from India arrive in the UK, one of the first questions that arises, after “How cold will it be and will it rain every day?” is “What will I eat?”
The good news is that the United Kingdom today is one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in the world. According to a 2025 survey by Finder, more than 11 percent of UK adults plan to follow a vegetarian diet, and over 6 percent are embracing veganism. With plant-based restaurants, Indian grocery stores, and clear “V” and “VG” labels across menus, vegetarian travel in the UK has never been easier.
Why the UK Is Now a Vegetarian-Friendly Destination
Britain’s food culture has changed dramatically over the past decade. Once known mainly for steak pies and fish and chips, it now celebrates vegetables, grains, and global cuisines with creativity. You will find “V” and “VG” symbols proudly displayed on menus in airports, cafés, restaurants, and pubs.
The shift is driven by changing lifestyles and environmental awareness. British chefs today use fresh produce, herbs, and international flavours to create exciting vegetarian dishes. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian influences are everywhere. For Indian visitors, this means you can enjoy both traditional British vegetarian food and authentic Indian vegetarian meals almost anywhere.
Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh have become hubs for plant-based dining. Vegan fine-dining restaurants such as Plates in London have even received Michelin recognition, proving that vegetarian food in the UK can be elegant, imaginative, and satisfying.
Vegetarian Food in London for Indian Travellers
London is a paradise for vegetarian food lovers. Start your journey at Borough Market, one of the city’s oldest and most famous food markets. The aroma of fresh focaccia, lentil soups, and sizzling halloumi fills the air. You can grab a falafel wrap loaded with crunchy vegetables and creamy tahini or enjoy a truffle-flavoured mushroom risotto.
For a sit-down meal, try Mildreds, an iconic vegetarian restaurant chain that has been feeding Londoners since the 1980s. Named London’s favourite vegan restaurant in 2023, it serves dishes like Sri Lankan curry and plant-based burgers that even meat-eaters enjoy.
If you crave something Indian, head to Wembley, Southall, or Brick Lane, where you’ll find dozens of Indian vegetarian restaurants offering dosas, thalis, chaats, and curries just like home. These areas are perfect for Indian travellers looking for comfort food after long sightseeing days.
Best Cities in the UK for Vegetarian Travellers
The vegetarian experience in Britain goes far beyond London. Each region has its own specialities and surprises for travellers from India.
Manchester: Home to Bundobust, a vegetarian Indian street-food restaurant that’s a local favourite. The city also has a lively street-food scene with vegan burgers, lentil soups, and Indian-inspired wraps.
Birmingham: Known for its large Indian community, you’ll find plenty of pure vegetarian restaurants serving paneer tikka, masala dosa, and vegetarian biryani.
Leeds and Liverpool: Packed with vegan cafés and innovative vegetarian kitchens. Try roasted vegetable pies or lentil-based stews.
Scotland: Don’t miss vegetarian haggis, a creative version of the country’s iconic dish made from oats, lentils, and spices. It’s hearty, filling, and full of flavour.
These cities are welcoming, diverse, and ideal for vegetarian travellers from India who want both local and familiar options.
Vegetarian Delights in the Lake District
For Indian travellers who love nature and quiet surroundings, the Lake District is a wonderful destination. Between the still waters of Windermere and the rolling green hills, you’ll discover farm shops and cafés that serve fresh, locally sourced food. Many use vegetables, cheeses, and bread from nearby farms, making every meal simple and wholesome.
Breakfast at a family-run B&B may include mushrooms picked that morning, homemade jam, and warm toast made from local bread. In Ambleside and Keswick, you can enjoy hearty soups, vegetable tarts, and lentil pies after a day of hiking.
Try Fellini’s in Bowness, a modern vegetarian restaurant combined with a boutique cinema. Or visit Kat’s Kitchen in Keswick for colourful salads, comforting curries, and dairy-free desserts. Even traditional pubs now serve “veggie roasts” made with nut loaf, roast potatoes, and rich vegetarian gravy.
For Indian visitors, the Lake District’s scenic beauty and thoughtful food make it an unforgettable stop on your UK journey.
How to Find Indian Groceries and Ingredients in the UK
If you prefer home-style cooking or want to carry on your daily routine, you’ll be pleased to know that Indian grocery stores in the UK are easy to find.
In London, Southall and Wembley are famous for their Indian supermarkets, selling everything from basmati rice and lentils to ghee, paneer, and atta. In Manchester, check out Curry Mile, where shops like Worldwide Foods and Lidl Asian aisles stock Indian products. Birmingham’s Soho Road is another hotspot for Indian groceries and spices.
You can also shop online at Lakshmi Stores, DesiCart, and Taj Stores, which deliver Indian groceries across the country. Major supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda have vegetarian and vegan sections offering tofu, chickpea flour, plant-based yoghurt, and ready-to-eat Indian meals.
For Vegetarians Who Don’t Eat Eggs
If you are a pure vegetarian who avoids eggs, you will still find plenty of delicious options in the UK. Just check the labels carefully. In the UK, “vegetarian” can include eggs and dairy, while “vegan” excludes all animal products. So, when in doubt, choose dishes marked “VG” or “vegan.”
Breakfast is where eggs often appear, but there are now excellent egg-free alternatives. Try oat-milk porridge with berries, avocado toast, or beans on toast. Supermarkets also sell eggless muffins, croissants, and vegan omelettes made from chickpea flour or tofu.
When eating out, mention “no eggs, please.” Restaurant staff are used to such requests. Indian restaurants across the UK easily understand this preference, and Mediterranean or Middle Eastern eateries are also great choices. Enjoy hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and stuffed vine leaves — all naturally egg-free and vegetarian.
How to Ask for Vegetarian Food in the UK
Ordering vegetarian food in the UK is simple once you know what to say. A few phrases can make your dining experience stress-free:
- “Is this suitable for vegetarians?”
- “Does it contain any meat, fish or chicken stock?”
- “I don’t eat meat, fish or eggs.”
Menus in most restaurants include clear symbols for vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you are ever unsure, politely ask the staff.
Use mobile apps such as HappyCow and Google Maps (with the vegetarian filter) to find vegetarian restaurants near you. These are especially helpful for Indian travellers exploring new cities.
Vegetarian Food in UK Supermarkets, Cafés and Pubs
Supermarkets across Britain offer an impressive variety of vegetarian and vegan products. You’ll find meat-free burgers, tofu, dairy-free cheese, vegan desserts, and even ready-made Indian vegetarian curries. The vegetarian food in UK supermarkets is expanding every year, making life easier for visitors from India.
Cafés and pubs have also joined the trend. Many now serve vegetarian “Sunday roasts” with nut loaf and roast potatoes, or plant-based burgers made with beans and lentils. Even airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester have vegetarian options at nearly every terminal.
Still, it’s a good idea to carry some Indian snacks like roasted makhana, khakhra, or masala peanuts for long journeys or late nights.
Common Mistakes Indian Vegetarians Should Avoid
- Assuming “vegetarian” means egg-free.
- Forgetting to ask about meat stock or gelatine in soups and desserts.
- Expecting small-town cafés to have big vegetarian menus, always check before.
- Skipping local dishes, trying British vegetarian classics makes your trip richer.
- Travelling without knowing where to find Indian groceries, always note nearby stores.
A Country That Celebrates Vegetarian Food
From vibrant markets in London to quiet cafés in the Lake District, Britain has become one of the best places for vegetarian and vegan travel. Even the traditional “Full English Breakfast” can be made vegetarian with baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, and toast. Pair it with a cup of English breakfast tea or an oat-milk latte, and you’ll feel right at home.
So, when you plan your trip, leave behind your food worries. The vegetarian travel experience in the UK is colourful, diverse, and welcoming, just like India itself.