Vegan in Arusha: Five plant-based restaurants you need to try

Arusha might be known for its carnivore culture, but Ziada Abeid uncovers some dining options that are mouthwatering and meat-free.

Where do you even find vegan food in Arusha?” a friend once asked me. The question got my investigative gears turning. Arusha is firmly rooted in meat culture. Stroll down any street or peek into most local eateries, and you’ll be greeted by the smoky aroma of nyama choma (grilled meat). Vegan options can feel rare. But with a bit of curiosity and a lot of appetite, I searched and found standout pockets of plant-powered restaurants waiting to be discovered. Here are my five favourites.

Five Chutneys

Just a stone’s throw from Soko Kuu market, Five Chutneys is a sensory escape into India’s vegan street food culture. As soon as you enter, the aroma of sizzling spices welcomes you while walls adorned with traditional Indian brass tiffins whisper stories of India.

The menu is rich with flavourful vegan dishes, the most popular being the Masala Dosa, a crisp rice pancake stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with coconut chutney and lentil stew. With over 37 vegan options and 23 gluten-free choices, this is Arusha’s top-ranked vegan eatery on TripAdvisor.

What sets it apart even more? Seniors aged 75 and above can dine for free, a thoughtful touch rooted in Indian hospitality. A second location can be found in Karatu, near the Ngorongoro gate, making it a perfect pit stop en route to the crater.

Location: Near Soko Kuu Market, Arusha

Contact: +255 783 505 505

Amber’s Restaurant

Tucked away beside the busy Impala Roundabout, Amber’s Restaurant fuses Indian, IndoChinese, and international cuisine, and it does so with finesse. This isn’t just a curry house; it’s a multicultural kitchen and one of the few spots where diversity on the menu meets a thoughtful approach to vegan diets.

The open kitchen layout offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse as chefs prepare crowd favourites like mixed vegetable curry and

chilli mushrooms using fresh, local ingredients. Its Bhindi Masala and Vegetable Manchurian are equally popular with vegan diners.

The staff are accommodating and happy to tailor meals to meet dietary requirements, meaning almost any dish can be veganised upon request.

Amber’s is loved for its laid-back vibe and versatile menu, perfect for anyone who craves spice and substance in vegan choices.

Location: Impala Roundabout, Arusha

Contact: +255 764 849 576

Spices and Herbs, Ethiopian Restaurant

For something a little different, Spices and Herbs along Simeon Road brings you the warmth and comfort of Ethiopian cuisine. The country’s food scene is heavily influenced by religious fasting periods where animal products are not consumed so it is very vegan friendly. The restaurant’s menu is predominantly plant-based with injera, the signature sour flatbread, the base for a colourful array of vegan stews, from spiced lentils to garlicky greens.

The Beyaynetu platter, a traditional selection of vegan dishes served atop injera, is a must. Add in Shiro Wot (chickpea stew), and you’ve got a meal that’s soulful, healthy, and satisfying. Each meal is filling, nutritious, and full of layered flavours that showcase the richness of Ethiopian spices.

Ethiopian food lovers will appreciate the authenticity, while newcomers will find it an eye-opening culinary journey.

Location: Simeon Road, Arusha

Contact: +255 782 313 161

Chinese Whispers

Upstairs in the lively Njiro Complex, Chinese Whispers offers a welcoming escape into savoury, authentic Chinese cuisine with a surprisingly extensive range of vegan options.

Topping the vegan favourites list is home-style tofu, stir-fried to perfection in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Another hit is the Szechuan-style eggplant, which combines sweet, sour, and spicy elements beautifully.

With a cosy and modern ambience, warm wooden décor, and large windows that allow natural light to flood in during the day, Chinese Whispers is highly rated as the best veganfriendly restaurant in Arusha on TripAdvisor. It's a go-to spot for those craving Chinese comfort food with a plant-based twist after a day exploring the city.

Location: Second Floor, Njiro Complex, Arusha

Contact: +255 688 969 666

Lebanese on the Go

Just downstairs from Chinese Whispers in Njiro Complex is Lebanese on the Go, a newcomer that’s already making waves with its vibrant Middle Eastern dishes. Everything here is bold, fresh, fast, and full of flavour.

Although the menu is not vegan per se, it has ample vegan choices. The star of the show is the falafel dish, crispy, golden, and served with pita, hummus, and a refreshing lemon vinaigrette salad. Other must-tries include Babaghanouj and Batata Harra (spicy potatoes), and Mujaddara, a comforting blend of lentils and rice topped with caramelised onions.

The minimalist décor, fast service, and delicious bites make it ideal for a nourishing grab-and-go lunch between meetings or excursions.

Lebanese on the Go is one of those places where the food speaks loudly and the language is flavour.

Location: Ground Floor, Njiro Complex, Arusha

Contact: +255 740 311 616

Whether you’re passing through on a safari, climbing Kilimanjaro, or on a business layover, these five vegan-friendly spots are more than just a surprise, they’re a delight. So next time you're in town, follow your fork and explore Arusha one veggie plate at a time.