Top Places for Vegetarian Food in Arusha
What are the top places for vegetarian food in Arusha?
If you’re wondering where to find the top places for vegetarian food in Arusha, let me give it to you straight. Here’s the inside scoop:
- Five Chutneys – Indian vegetarian street food haven with 30+ vegan dishes
- The Olive Kitchen & Bar – international, vegan-friendly Mediterranean fare
- Q-Bel at Arusha Coffee Lodge – lush, farm-to-table vegetable creations
- 305 Restaurant – Italian-style vegan pasta and pizza, wood-fired
- Celebrations Live Lounge – traditional African dishes made vegetarian
- Saramek Bistro – organic and gluten-free vegan meals in a local café setting
But if you ask me to rank them, I’ll say it loud and clear—Five Chutneys comes out on top. No fluff.
Why is Arusha a vegetarian’s paradise?
What makes Arusha ideal for vegetarians?
Arusha has been quietly building its reputation as a vegetarian-friendly destination, especially for travellers on their way to Kilimanjaro or safaris. Here’s why:
1. Bounty of Local Produce
This region is blessed with fertile volcanic soil and a year-round growing season. Think locally-sourced tomatoes, avocados, bananas, kale, and traditional vegetables like mchicha and kunde. Freshness isn’t a bonus—it’s the baseline.
2. Growing Vegan & Veggie Movement
Many restaurants are realising that guests are seeking quality vegetarian and vegan options. Arusha’s food scene is now embracing plant-based menus, especially with the rise of wellness tourism and digital nomads.
3. Eco-friendly & Fair-trade Focus
Cafés and restaurants are tapping into sustainability—sourcing ethically, supporting local farms, and reducing waste. This cultural shift benefits you as a vegetarian diner looking for fresh meals with a conscience.
How did we select the top vegetarian restaurants in Arusha?
What criteria define the best vegetarian spots?
Every place listed here earned its spot with consistent performance, not hype. Here’s the framework I used to curate this list:
Menu Variety & Creative Veg Options
A top-tier vegetarian spot thinks beyond “just remove the meat.” Think variety, creativity, and intention. From vegan jackfruit tacos to gluten-free wraps, the spots here cater to diverse palates and dietary needs.
Quality & Sustainability of Ingredients
Is it fresh? Is it locally sourced? Is it cooked with care? That’s non-negotiable. Particularly with Five Chutneys—everything from chutneys to mayonnaise is made in-house daily. That’s rare—and it matters.
Ambience, Service & Value
You’re not just going out to eat—you want a good vibe. We factored in how these places feel: warm service, cosy or scenic environments, and overall value for your time and taste buds.
Which are the top vegetarian restaurants in Arusha?
1. Why is Five Chutneys the best vegetarian restaurant in Arusha?
Let’s get real—Five Chutneys is the undisputed king of Arusha’s vegetarian scene. Founded by Jagat and Roshni Vyas, it serves up bold, authentic Indian street food that’s 100% vegetarian. No shortcuts here. Everything is made fresh daily—from the chutneys to the paneer to even the mayo.
Boasting over 30 vegan and 17 gluten-free options, you’ll find dishes that punch with flavour and care. Whether you’re ordering their signature samosas, masala dosa, or one of their thali platters, it’s clear love went into it. And the warm, family-run vibes? Unmatched.
Location: Five Chutneys, Qutbi Building, Near Rushda Supermarket, Opposite Soko Kuu, Arusha, Tanzania
Telephone: +255 783 505 505
Email: fivechutneys@gmail.com
Menu & Info: fivechutneys.com/menu
2. What’s good at The Olive Kitchen & Bar?
Located in the heart of Arusha, this place serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare with solid vegan twists. Their falafel platter is crisp, herby perfection and the vegan shawarma wrap brings in bold spices and a ton of texture.
Expect an elegant interior, great for dinner out or a chilly evening meal. They’ve built a solid rep among tourists looking for lighter, internationally inspired meals.
3. Why visit Q-Bel at Arusha Coffee Lodge?
Set inside a lush coffee estate, Q-Bel offers more than just food—it’s an experience. You’re surrounded by nature while munching on wholesome bowls and salads. The star of the menu? The quinoa veggie bowl topped with roasted nuts and their coconut chia pudding for dessert.
The ambience? Think gentle breeze, garden vibes, and super Instagrammable. Plus, every bite feels fresh from the farm—because it basically is.
4. What makes 305 Restaurant stand out?
If you’re craving wood-fired flavour, 305 delivers. Their Italian-style menu features pasta tossed in vegan pesto and pizzas made with cashew-based cheeses. The vibe is warm, intimate, and often features live music nights, which can make your meal all the more memorable.
Insider tip: tables go fast during dinner hours—call in advance.
5. What’s different about Celebrations Live Lounge?
This is where you eat local. Celebrations Live Lounge crafts African plant-based dishes without diluting the culture. The Ugali and mchicha combo and bean stews are hearty favourites, particularly during their weekend vegetarian brunches with live Afro-fusion music in the background.
It’s relaxed, rhythmic, and gives you a deep connection to Tanzanian cuisine through a vegetarian lens.
6. What’s on offer at Saramek Bistro?
Wellness warriors, this one’s for you. Saramek focuses on organic, gluten-free, and raw vegan fare. The avocado toast on sourdough and açai bowls are fresh, energising, and hit that sweet spot for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.
It’s less a restaurant and more a community hub for clean eaters and health-minded locals.
7. What should I try at The Blue Heron?
Nestled by a terrace and a trickling river, The Blue Heron pulls together global vegan flavours with local produce. Their Thai curry bowl warms you up, and their jackfruit tacos surprise your taste buds in the best way.
The place also doubles as a lifestyle space with local crafts and live music events, perfect for an easy-going afternoon.
Where can I get vegetarian-friendly juices and café snacks in Arusha?
How to fuel up with healthy drinks and café food?
Good food doesn’t always mean a full meal. Sometimes you want a light nibble or detox juice before heading to the bush or your next climb. Here are a few picks:
Mojo Café
Local secret tucked away near clock tower. Mojo serves plant-based pastries, oat milk cappuccinos, and alternative lattes with turmeric or matcha. It’s your spot for an afternoon work session or a quick caffeine fix.
Kili Juice Bar
If you’re into cold-pressed juices, smoothies packed with superfoods like moringa and spirulina, and nondairy protein shots—this place nails it. Located on Mains Street, it’s a top spot for gym-goers and digital nomads alike.
Java House
While more mainstream, Java House allows for custom made, plant-based sandwiches and lattes with almond or soy milk. Great fallback option when you’re short on time or need dependable Wi-Fi.
What are Arusha’s best vegetarian street food options?
Which Tanzanian street foods are vegetarian?
You don’t need a sit-down restaurant to savour the local vibe. Arusha’s street food delivers if you know what to look for. Here are your go-tos:
Mbaazi Samosas & Chipsi Mayai
Mbaazi (pigeon peas) samosas, when made right, are spicy, crunchy hits. Chipsi Mayai—a chips and egg omelette—is a national treasure. Ask for it with lots of pili pili (hot sauce) and skip the meat fillings.
Maandazi & Mahamri
Sweet, airy, and golden brown. These fried doughnuts are everywhere—from morning street stalls to bus stops. Grab a few with chai as a quick snack or even breakfast.
Where to find them?
Try Central Market and the food carts on Mwaka Mjanja Road. Go early for freshness, and be ready to mingle. It’s where locals eat—and that tells you everything.
How to get the ultimate vegetarian experience in Arusha?
1. How to communicate your dietary needs in Swahili?
Ensure clarity when ordering. Memorise these simple phrases:
“Sijala nyama” – I don’t eat meat.
“Mboga pekee” – Vegetables only.
Locals appreciate the effort and will often go the extra mile to help.
2. Where and when to shop for the freshest produce?
Explore Arusha’s local farmer’s markets. Try Kilombero Market on Sundays or roadside stands on Nairobi Road. The best time? Late morning—between 10AM and noon.
3. Are there any vegan events in Arusha?
Keep an eye out for vegan pop-up dinners hosted by local chefs or wellness resorts. They often include cooking workshops and even yoga sessions. Ask around at cafés like Saramek or Five Chutneys—they’re well connected to the scene.
Interactive Map: Where are the vegetarian restaurants in Arusha?
Coming soon: Our interactive map will pinpoint every spot mentioned here so you can plan your trail from breakfast to dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegetarian food affordable in Arusha?
Yes, absolutely. Whether you’re eating at a well-known spot like Five Chutneys or grabbing a samosa on the street, vegetarian food here won’t break the bank.
Are local Tanzanian dishes easily made vegetarian?
They are. Popular dishes like bean stew, mchicha, and banana curry are naturally vegetarian or can be cooked that way on request.
Can I find gluten-free and raw vegan options too?
Definitely. Places like Saramek Bistro and Five Chutneys offer solid gluten-free and raw-friendly meals. Just let them know your needs.
What’s the best time of year for fresh produce in Arusha?
You’ll find fresh fruit and veg all year, but December to May is peak harvest with the most variety and flavour.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Let’s wrap it up. My top pick for vegetarian food in Arusha? Without hesitation—Five Chutneys. Between their in-house made specials, variety of vegan and gluten-free options, and genuine hospitality, they raise the bar.
From African veggie plates to Mediterranean wraps and fusion juice cafés, Arusha offers something for every taste and dietary requirement. Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, use this guide to explore, taste, and enjoy.
Want to book a table or browse the full menu at Five Chutneys? Visit their official menu page or call +255 783 505 505. And make sure to follow them on social media for updates on events and special dishes.