Overview: Best Vegetarian Indian Dishes to Try
- Top spot for vegetarian Indian food in Canggu & Pererenan: A guide to Red Gunpowder Bali’s impressive range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian dishes rooted in traditional spice techniques.
- What makes their vegetarian menu special: Nearly all claypot curries, rice dishes, and shared plates come with plant-based options, offering depth, comfort, and rich Indian flavors without compromise.
- Must-try vegetarian curries: Highlights include Korma, Palak Curry, and Jackfruit Curry—each crafted with aromatic spices and customizable with vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, okra, potatoes, and crispy tempeh.
- Vegetarian shared plates worth ordering: Dishes like Malai Kofta, Aloo Chaat, Cauliflower Tikka, and hearty daals make perfect starters or sides.
- Aromatic vegetarian rice dishes: Matar Pulao and Vegetable Biriyani provide fragrant, satisfying bases that elevate the entire meal.
- Perfect for plant-based travelers: Red Gunpowder is a must-visit for anyone seeking bold, modern Indian vegetarian cuisine in Bali.
Whenever I’m craving Indian cuisine that celebrates vegetarian flavors with bold spices and creative technique, Red Gunpowder Bali is always at the top of my list in Pererenan. This place isn’t just about rich curries and vibrant tandoor dishes, it’s also one of the most exciting spots in Bali for vegetarians who want depth of flavor, soulful warmth, and dishes that feel authentic yet modern.
What struck me most about Red Gunpowder from the first time I visited is how many vegetarian and vegan-friendly options there are, especially considering this is a predominantly Indian menu rooted in classic spice profiles you rarely find done this well outside India. Most of their curries, rice dishes, and shared plates come with a vegetarian or vegan variant, which is simply a boon if you love plant-based Indian food that doesn’t compromise on richness or heat.
Here’s exactly what I recommend ordering when you’re vegetarian and eager to explore Red Gunpowder’s delicious menu
ead also: Recommended Vegan Indian Curries in Canggu
Vegetarian Claypot Curries – The Heart of the Menu
One of my favorite ways to try Red Gunpowder’s vegetarian offerings is through their claypot curries. The base of each curry is crafted with aromatic Indian spices and then you can choose vegetarian proteins like cauliflower, green beans, sweetcorn, baby potatoes, okra, or crispy tempeh. All options are rich and deeply flavorful, making them perfect on their own or with rice.
Korma
Korma at Red Gunpowder is creamy but not heavy, featuring roasted cauliflower, green beans, sweetcorn, and cashew nuts in a gravy of turmeric, green cardamom, coriander, and fennel seed. It’s comforting, perfectly spiced, and one of my go-to dishes when I want something warm and aromatic.
Palak Curry
Palak Curry is a beautiful way to enjoy Indian greens. The spinach-based sauce is seasoned with garam masala, black mustard seeds, and cumin seeds, and works brilliantly with vegetable choices like baby potatoes and crispy tempeh. This curry feels nourishing and vibrant without feeling heavy.
Jackfruit Curry
If you’re up for something more unexpected, the Jackfruit Curry is an award-worthy vegan curry. Local jackfruit simmers in a sweeter coconut and cashew gravy with curry leaves and fennel, giving it a slightly fruity, delicately spiced profile that feels completely unique on the island.
Vegetarian Shared Plates That Steal the Show
While I often rave about curries, Red Gunpowder’s shared plates are equally worth ordering with a vegetarian mindset. These lighter options make great starters or sides to your curry feast.
Malai Kofta
A vegetarian classic done right. Spiced potato and paneer balls are served in a rich tomato and methi gravy that’s both comforting and elegantly balanced. It’s the kind of dish that reminds me how versatile Indian vegetarian food can be.
Aloo Chaat
This crispy potato terrine tossed with chaat masala, coriander, and tamarind sauce is a perfect spicy, citrusy nibble before your main curries arrive. It’s vibrant, slightly tangy, and a fun way to start a meal.
Cauliflower Tikka
Tender cauliflower roasted with tikka spices and finished in the tandoor is one of my favorite plant-based dishes here. It’s smoky, spicy, and pairs beautifully with the cooling coriander and mint raita.
Chana Daal & Daal Makhani
For lovers of lentils and pulses, the Chana Daal and Daal Makhani are must-tries. Both are seasoned with traditional Indian spices and deliver a silky texture that makes them perfect partners with rice or naan.
Vegetarian Rice Options That Complete the Meal
Red Gunpowder doesn’t stop at just tasty curries and plates. Their vegetarian rice dishes stand on their own as hearty, aromatic mains.
Matar Pulao
This is golden basmati rice cooked with green chilli, coriander, garlic, and methi leaves. It’s fragrant, light, and elevates every curry you pair it with.
Vegetable Biriyani
My top comfort-food pick at Red Gunpowder. This layered rice dish infused with slow-cooked onions, carrots, and ginger goes incredibly well with rich gravies or by itself if you want a complete vegetarian meal.
Read also: Where to Go for Indian Sweets After Dinner in Canggu
Final Thoughts for Veggie Lovers
If you’re vegetarian and love Indian food, Red Gunpowder Bali in Pererenan is one of the best places in Canggu to explore deep, layered vegetarian cuisine. Every curry, rice dish, and shared plate on the vegetarian side feels intentional and delicious. From creamy korma and vibrant palak to inventive jackfruit curries and fragrant vegetable biriyani, this restaurant proves that vegetarian Indian food can be just as bold, satisfying, and memorable as anything else on the menu.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch or an evening dinner with friends, make sure to build your meal around the vegetarian heart of this menu. Trust me, for anyone who loves Indian vegetarian food, Red Gunpowder is an essential destination on your Bali culinary journey.
