India, July 18 -- Not too long ago, going vegan in India often meant settling for limited menus, bland substitutes and a lot of explaining yourself at restaurants. While vegetarian food has always been widely available, plant-based alternatives were harder to find. Today, the story looks very different.

According to Grand View Research's 2026 data, India's vegan food market is now worth over $1.1 billion (around Rs.9,300 crore). Growing awareness around lactose intolerance, sustainability and healthier eating habits is driving more people towards plant-based options. But perhaps the biggest change is this: vegan food is no longer being marketed as a compromise.

From gourmet cafes to premium bakeries, a new generation of chefs and entrep...