What Curries Are Vegetarian? A Guide to Meatless Indian and Thai Dishes

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 study, the global vegetarian food market is expected to grow significantly, highlighting a rising interest in plant-based meals. For those transitioning to a meatless diet or simply exploring new flavors, understanding what curries are vegetarian is a great place to start, as many traditional recipes are naturally plant-based or easily adapted. This guide delves into the rich and diverse world of vegetarian curries from popular global cuisines.

Quick Summary

This article explores a wide variety of delicious, meat-free curries from Indian and Thai traditions. It covers classic dishes like chana masala and aloo gobi, provides guidance on identifying vegan options, and discusses how to make satisfying plant-based curry at home.

Key Points

Indian vs. Thai Curries: Indian vegetarian curries often focus on legumes like chickpeas (chana masala) and lentils (dal), while Thai curries frequently use a coconut milk base with tofu and vegetables.
Vegan Options: Many curries are naturally vegan or can be made so by substituting dairy ingredients (like paneer or cream) with plant-based alternatives and ensuring no fish or shrimp paste is used.
Flavor Customization: Homemade vegetarian curries are easily customizable, allowing you to control spice levels, creaminess, and ingredients to suit personal preference.
Paneer Curries: Dishes like Palak Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala are popular Indian vegetarian curries featuring Indian cottage cheese but are not vegan.
Key Thai Ingredients: To ensure a Thai curry is vegetarian, watch for non-vegan curry pastes or the inclusion of fish sauce, and verify substitutions are used.

Exploring Indian Vegetarian Curries

Indian cuisine offers a wide array of vegetarian options, often based on legumes, vegetables, or paneer. Many are traditional dishes that are naturally flavorful and nutritious.

Lentil and Legume-Based Curries

Lentils and chickpeas provide a hearty and protein-rich base for many Indian curries, like the popular and naturally vegan Chana Masala (chickpeas in a spiced tomato gravy). Dal encompasses various lentil and bean curries such as Dal Makhani and Dal Tadka, which can be made vegan by avoiding butter or cream. Rajma Masala is another substantial, protein-packed curry made with red kidney beans.

Vegetable-Centric Curries

Many Indian curries highlight fresh vegetables, from simple preparations to richer gravies. Examples include the comforting Aloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower with spices), Mixed Vegetable Curry featuring seasonal produce, and the creamy Vegetable Korma, which often uses dairy but can be adapted with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version.

Paneer and Dairy-Based Curries

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) curries are a vegetarian favorite, though they contain dairy. Popular dishes include Palak Paneer (paneer in spinach purée), Paneer Butter Masala (paneer in a rich, buttery tomato gravy), and Matar Paneer (paneer and peas in a tomato-onion base).

Identifying and Enjoying Thai Vegetarian Curries

Thai curries often use a coconut milk base, making them easily adaptable for vegetarian and vegan diets, provided ingredients like fish sauce are excluded.

Common Thai Vegetarian Curries

Green Curry with Tofu and Vegetables: This dish uses a coconut milk base with vegetables and tofu. Ensure a vegan green curry paste is used, as traditional versions may contain shrimp paste.
Massaman Sweet Potato Curry: A mild and slightly sweet curry often containing sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and peanuts. Verify the use of vegan Massaman paste and the omission of fish sauce.
Tofu Curry: A simple and adaptable curry featuring tofu in a yellow or red Thai curry paste and coconut milk base.

Comparison of Indian vs. Thai Vegetarian Curries


Feature	Indian Vegetarian Curries	Thai Vegetarian Curries
Flavor Profile	Often rich, warm, and deeply spiced with cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Can range from creamy and mild to intensely spicy.	Typically aromatic, with a balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet notes. Uses fresh herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and cilantro.
Common Ingredients	Legumes (chickpeas, lentils), paneer, potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and a variety of powdered spices.	Coconut milk, fresh vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, sweet potatoes), tofu, and fragrant pastes made from herbs and chilis.
Protein Source	Primarily legumes and paneer.	Primarily tofu, or additional plant-based sources like chickpeas.
Vegan Adaptability	Many legume-based curries are already vegan. Dairy-based curries can be adapted by using plant-based cream alternatives like cashew or coconut milk.	Many are easily made vegan by substituting vegan curry paste and omitting fish sauce. Always double-check ingredients.
Gravy/Sauce Base	Frequently based on a sautéed mixture of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, with yogurt, cream, or cashews added for creaminess.	Typically relies on a coconut milk base, infused with a variety of curry pastes and fresh ingredients.

Making Your Own Satisfying Vegetarian Curry

Cooking vegetarian curries at home allows for customization and ensures dietary requirements are met. Using quality ingredients is key.

Tips for a Flavorful Homemade Curry

Aromatics: Building a flavor base with sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger is essential.
Spices: Using fresh, high-quality spices enhances flavor.
Base: Choose coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy vegan base, or tomato/broth for a lighter option.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or basil can significantly brighten the dish.
Texture: Combining different vegetables adds interesting texture.
Spice Level: Adjust chilies and spices to your preference for a balanced warmth.

Conclusion

The world of vegetarian curries, from Indian chana masala to Thai green curry, is diverse and flavorful. Understanding what curries are vegetarian opens up numerous options for plant-based meals. This guide provides the knowledge to confidently explore these culinary traditions at home or in restaurants.

For more in-depth vegan Indian cooking techniques, check out this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many Indian curries are vegetarian by default, including Chana Masala (chickpea curry), Dal (lentil curry), Aloo Gobi (potato and cauliflower), and various paneer dishes like Palak Paneer or Matar Paneer.

Yes, many Thai curries can be vegetarian. The main consideration is ensuring a vegetarian or vegan curry paste is used (as some traditional versions contain shrimp paste) and asking for fish sauce to be omitted and replaced with a vegetarian alternative.

Yes, paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese made from cow's milk and is a very common ingredient in vegetarian Indian cuisine. It is not, however, vegan.

To make a dairy-free creamy curry, use a full-fat coconut milk base, blend raw cashews soaked in hot water into a cream, or use a plant-based yogurt or cream alternative to achieve a similar rich texture.

No, not all store-bought curry pastes are vegetarian. It is crucial to check the ingredient list, as some traditional Thai curry pastes contain shrimp or fish paste. Look for brands specifically labeled 'vegetarian' or 'vegan'.

Dal Makhani is a rich, creamy curry made with whole black lentils and kidney beans, often finished with butter or cream. Dal Tadka is a yellow lentil curry characterized by a tempering of spices fried in oil (or ghee) and added at the end.

When ordering a curry, always explicitly ask if it contains any meat, fish sauce, or dairy products. Specify your dietary needs and inquire about the base ingredients. For Thai curries, specifically ask if the paste is vegetarian and if fish sauce can be left out.