PETA India has named Kolkata as the most vegan-friendly city of 2025, a surprising choice given its reputation for fish and meat-heavy cuisine. The recognition highlights the city’s growing vegan culture, with restaurants, startups, and communities embracing plant-based diets and reshaping its traditional food landscape.
PETA India’s announcement has sparked widespread discussion after Kolkata, long celebrated for its fish curries and meat delicacies, was declared the most vegan-friendly city of 2025. The recognition underscores a remarkable shift in the city’s food culture, where plant-based dining options have expanded rapidly, catering to both health-conscious consumers and sustainability advocates.
The award reflects Kolkata’s growing vegan ecosystem, with restaurants, cafés, and delivery platforms offering innovative plant-based menus. Vegan startups and community groups have also played a role in popularizing alternatives to dairy, meat, and seafood, while traditional Bengali recipes are being reimagined with plant-based ingredients.
Key highlights from the announcement include
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Kolkata was named India’s most vegan-friendly city of 2025 by PETA India.
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The choice is considered surprising given the city’s strong non-vegetarian culinary traditions.
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Restaurants and cafés across Kolkata are increasingly offering plant-based menus.
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Vegan startups and delivery platforms are expanding access to plant-based alternatives.
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Traditional Bengali dishes are being reinterpreted with vegan ingredients.
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Community groups and health advocates are driving awareness about plant-based diets.
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The recognition highlights the city’s role in promoting sustainability and ethical food choices.
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PETA India emphasized the importance of veganism in reducing animal suffering and environmental impact.
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The announcement has sparked debates among food lovers about cultural shifts in Kolkata’s cuisine.
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Kolkata’s rise as a vegan hub reflects broader national trends toward plant-based living.
The recognition of Kolkata as India’s most vegan-friendly city illustrates how food cultures can evolve while retaining their identity. By embracing plant-based innovation alongside traditional flavors, the city is setting an example of how culinary heritage and sustainability can coexist. The announcement also signals a growing national appetite for veganism, reshaping India’s food future.
Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, The Telegraph India, PETA India
