A curated selection of budget-friendly, plant-based Indian dishes and restaurants in New York City where you can enjoy authentic flavors without breaking the bank. Perfect for students, travelers, and food lovers seeking high-quality vegan meals for under ten dollars.
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While known for chicken, their Indian section offers massive portions of spicy chickpea curry (chole) with fluffy fried bread (bhature). You can often get a single serving of chole with rice or bread for under $10, providing a hearty and satisfying vegan meal in Midtown Manhattan.
Momo Cafe serves delicious potato and pea-filled samosas that are strictly vegan and crisp on the outside. For a few dollars, these snacks offer a quick, flavorful bite of traditional Indian street food, perfect for a light lunch or snack in Chinatown.
Located in the East Village, Sarovar offers a robust chana masala that is rich in spices and completely vegan. A small plate or a portion served with rice often falls just under the $10 mark, making it one of the most affordable authentic vegan options in the neighborhood.
Biryani Blues in Hell's Kitchen serves a flavorful vegetable biryani that is vegan-friendly when ordered without ghee or yogurt. By ordering just the rice and veggie portion, you can secure a substantial, aromatic meal for under $10, avoiding the higher prices of their mixed meat combos.
Annapurna's iconic Aloo Gobi (potato and cauliflower curry) is a staple vegan dish that is consistently priced affordably. A small portion or a side dish is well under $10, offering a classic, comforting taste of Nepali and Indian home cooking in Times Square.
Bhatti in Chelsea offers a simplified vegan thali option that includes lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables. By selecting only the vegetarian components, you can keep the total cost under $10, getting a balanced meal that showcases diverse Indian spices and textures.
Chutney's slow-cooked dal is typically vegan or easily modified by removing butter. While their dinner menu is pricey, their lunch specials or smaller appetizer portions of dal can sometimes be found near the $10 threshold, offering a creamy, protein-rich experience.
Peshawri offers a vegan paneer tikka alternative made from soy or tofu, marinated in spicy yogurt substitutes. While usually higher priced, grabbing just a couple of skewers as a snack or appetizer can sometimes stay close to the $10 limit for a quick, flavorful bite.
Curry Leaf in Murray Hill serves crispy papadums with mint and tamarind chutneys that are entirely vegan. A small order of these appetizers is very affordable, providing a light, tangy, and crunchy start to a meal for just a few dollars.
Punjab Restaurant in Chelsea offers a spinach curry that can be made vegan by substituting paneer with soy chunks or tofu. A small serving or half-portion is often under $10, delivering a nutritious, iron-rich dish with bold Indian spices.
Biryani Blues offers a spinach-stuffed naan that is vegan-friendly when prepared without butter. Purchasing just the bread with a small side of vegetable curry can keep the meal under $10, offering a satisfying carb-heavy option for those on a tight budget.
Delhi Club in Midtown serves a spicy stir-fried vegetable jalfrezi that is naturally vegan. A small plate or a portion served as a side can often be secured for under $10, providing a zesty, tomato-based curry with peppers and onions.
Cafe Madras in Jackson Heights offers traditional South Indian idlis (rice cakes) with sambar (lentil stew) that are vegan. A small plate of these is very inexpensive, typically costing just a few dollars, offering a light and healthy breakfast or snack option.
Chai Pani is famous for its clean, affordable street food. Their chana chat (chickpea street salad) is vegan and costs significantly less than $10. It is a refreshing, tangy, and protein-packed option that embodies the best of Indian street cuisine.
Taj Mahal in Greenwich Village offers a creamy vegetable korma that can be made vegan upon request. A small portion or a side dish is often under $10, providing a mild, coconut-based curry that appeals to those seeking less spicy Indian flavors.
Haldiram's in Midtown sells packaged and fresh snacks, including aloo tikki (potato patties) that are vegan. For just a couple of dollars, you can buy a ready-to-eat snack that is fried to perfection and served with chutneys, offering a quick bite.
Puri in Chinatown serves soft, spongy rasgullas that are vegan (check specific batch for gelatin, but traditionally dairy-based, however, many vegan versions exist). A box of two or three is very cheap, offering a sweet, syrupy dessert to cap off a low-cost meal.
Sarovar offers a thin, flavorful spinach and lentil soup that is vegan and incredibly affordable. For a few dollars, you can get a warm, comforting bowl that is rich in iron and protein, making it an ideal budget-friendly starter or light lunch.
Momo Cafe's vegetable pakoras are onion fritters dipped in chickpea batter and fried until crispy. They are vegan and cost just a few dollars, making them an excellent, crunchy, and savory snack that pairs well with mint chutney for a low-cost treat.
Reiterating the value, a single order of chole (chickpea curry) without the fried bread or with just a small piece is often under $10. This dish is hearty, spicy, and vegan, making it one of the most reliable budget meals in Midtown Manhattan.