Newz Desk, Durgapur: Kolkata has been declared India’s most vegan-friendly city of 2025 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a recognition that celebrates the city’s expanding plant-based culture across food, fashion, and lifestyle. Mayor and urban development minister Firhad Hakim received the award on behalf of the city.
The title may appear surprising to many who associate Kolkata’s culinary identity with fish, meat, and dairy. But vegan advocates say the city’s traditional food culture has always offered a wealth of plant-based dishes—long before veganism became a global trend.
“Bengali cuisine is naturally rich in vegan offerings,” said Kiran Ahuja, senior manager of vegan and corporate projects at PETA India. “From ghugni and jhalmuri to aloo-posto, biulir dal with begun bhaja, patla musur dal with aloo seddho and postor bora—these are hearty, flavourful dishes that fit perfectly into a modern vegan diet.”
Abhishek Das, a Kolkata-based digital marketing professional who adopted veganism in 2019, said the shift has been easier in Bengal than in many other parts of the country. “The region already provides a huge range of vegan street foods—fuchka, vegetable chop, alu kabli, fuluri. You don’t feel like you’re missing anything,” he said.
The city’s restaurant scene has also evolved, embracing mock meat, plant-based biryani, dairy-free desserts, tofu specials, vegan ice creams and salads. From “macher jhol” reimagined with vegan seafood substitutes to bakeries turning out eggless, dairy-free cakes, the city has witnessed an unmistakable rise in cruelty-free dining.
Kolkata is also home to Eastern India’s first vegan food distribution venture, Vegan World. “There’s tremendous interest across age groups,” said founder Madhuja Dey. “People want cleaner, more ethical food choices. Our mock meats recreate classic Bengali flavours—only healthier and completely cruelty-free.”
Beyond food, Kolkata’s vegan fashion ecosystem is growing rapidly, with designers and home-grown brands offering plant-based leather alternatives and sustainable accessories. Labels like Eori have emerged as part of this wave. “Consumers are looking for fashion that aligns with their values,” said Eori founder Manish Prateek.
The city’s vegan identity has also been strengthened by animal-welfare events, including a Durga Puja earlier this year themed around compassion for animals, and by the growing online community “Kolkata Vegans.”
“Kolkata is a wonderfully welcoming place for lifelong vegans and the vegan-curious alike,” said PETA India advocacy associate Chumki Dutta.
With its mix of heritage cuisine, new-age food innovation, sustainable fashion, and progressive community initiatives, Kolkata has earned its place as India’s unexpected vegan hotspot for 2025.
Image courtesy@internet
