Kolkata, a city celebrated for its vibrant food culture, has earned global attention once again. Marking World Vegan Month this November, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has officially named Kolkata India’s Most Vegan-Friendly City of 2025. The recognition was presented to Mayor Firhad Hakim, who also heads the West Bengal Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.
According to PETA India, the title reflects the city’s abundance of naturally vegan Bengali dishes, its expanding network of vegan-friendly cafés and restaurants, and a rising public interest in sustainable, cruelty-free living.
Bengali Cuisine’s Rich Vegan Legacy
Although Bengali cuisine is widely associated with fish, its plant-forward culinary heritage is equally iconic. Everyday favourites such as aloo posto, aloo chop, cholar dal, tomato-khejur chutney and puchka are naturally vegan when prepared without ghee. These time-honoured dishes form the backbone of many Bengali meals, proving that vegan options have always been woven into the region’s food identity.
The recognition was presented to Mayor Firhad Hakim, who also heads the West Bengal Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. (Theorist photo)
Kolkata’s contemporary food scene reflects growing enthusiasm for plant-based lifestyles. Popular eateries such as Burma Burma and The Flaming Bowl have embraced tofu-based and Asian-inspired vegan preparations. Cafés including Aldo Cafe, Out and Beyond, Glenburn Cafe, and Sienna Store & Cafe offer plant-based milk options, while The Daily has gained attention for its vegan cakes and dairy-free ice creams.
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For fully plant-based indulgence, Oven to Plate, a vegan cloud bakery, has built a loyal following. Meanwhile, online marketplace Vegan Daily offers essentials ranging from dairy alternatives to plant-based seafood, even enabling compassionate versions of classic dishes like maacher jhol.
Vegan-Friendly Events Boosting Public Awareness
Kolkata’s cultural spaces have also adopted a stronger vegan message. This year, an animal-awareness-themed Durga Puja installation by PETA India showcased vegan snacks and advocated replacing horse-drawn carriages with heritage-style motorised vehicles. The initiative sparked important conversations on compassion, sustainability, and modernising tradition without compromising cultural identity.
Why Kolkata Stands Out, According to PETA India
“From flavourful Bengali plant-powered dishes to sustainable vegan fashion and festive animal-friendly events, Kolkata is an unexpectedly delightful destination for vegans and the vegan-curious,” says Dr Kiran Ahuja, Senior Manager, Vegan and Corporate Projects at PETA India. “PETA India is celebrating Kolkata’s ever-expanding vegan offerings for setting a shining example and helping to make the world a kinder place for all.”
