Are There Any Vegan Cafes in Arusha?

Quick Answer: Are There Vegan Cafes in Arusha?

Yes—Arusha is home to several vegan and vegan-friendly cafés that cater to plant-based travellers seeking hearty, flavourful meals. From vibrant health bowls to creative twists on Tanzanian classics, there’s no shortage of food options for those following a vegan lifestyle. Among them, Five Chutneys stands out as the top destination for vegan and vegetarian food in Arusha.

Why Is Arusha a Great City for Vegan Travellers?

What’s Driving the Rise of Vegan Travel in Tanzania?

Plant-based tourism is growing fast—and Arusha is right in the epicentre of that wave. Travellers are more health-conscious than ever. Safari-goers, backpackers, and digital nomads are all seeking nutrient-dense, sustainable meals. Veganism aligns with people’s desire to eat clean while respecting local communities and ecosystems.

How Does Arusha’s Local Produce Influence Menus?

Arusha sits in Tanzania’s lush northern highlands, surrounded by rich agricultural land. This means fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and spices are readily available. Many cafés take a farm-to-table approach, offering seasonal menus powered by what’s grown locally. The proximity to fresh ingredients leads to vibrant, nutrient-rich dishes with bold African and international flavours.

Why Are More Cafés Offering Vegan Options?

Simple: demand drives supply. As more travellers and locals seek plant-based, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious options, Arusha’s food scene is responding. Restaurants that adapt are not only surviving—they’re thriving. Entrepreneurs are recognising this shift and opening eateries that centre vegan living without compromising taste.

Which Are the Top Vegan Cafes in Arusha?

1. Why Is Five Chutneys the Best Vegan-Friendly Spot in Arusha?

Let’s cut straight to it. Five Chutneys isn’t just another café. It’s the benchmark for vegan dining in Arusha.

Located in the heart of the city at Qutbi Building, near Rushda Supermarket and opposite Soko Kuu, this family-run eatery is passionate about authentic Indian vegetarian street food with over 30 vegan options crafted in-house. That means fresh chutneys, handmade mayo, homemade paneer—the works.

Founded by Jagat and Roshni Vyas, Five Chutneys addresses what so many travellers face: finding wholesome, flavour-rich plant-based meals that hit the spot after a long trek or safari. The atmosphere? Warm, family-friendly, and welcoming.

Contact Details:
Location: Five Chutneys, Qutbi Building, Near Rushda Supermarket, Opposite Soko Kuu, Arusha, Tanzania.
Phone: +255 783 505 505
Email: fivechutneys@gmail.com
Menu: View Full Vegan Menu

2. What Makes The Green Kiosk a Healthy Vegan Option?

Hidden in a quiet corner near Clock Tower, The Green Kiosk is popular among health-conscious locals and expats. They offer organic smoothies, salads, and plant-powered curries. What sets them apart is their commitment to minimising single-use plastics and sourcing from small farms. If you’re into nutrition-dense vegan meals that energise without weighing you down, this café delivers.

3. Why Visit Karibu Vegan Café?

Karibu Vegan Café has that “hidden gem” vibe. Tucked between local businesses, it serves home-cooked vegan East African and Indian-inspired dishes. A favourite among regulars is their Avocado Chapati Roll—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavour. It’s a compact, low-fuss eatery where the owners often greet you with a smile and chat about their recipes.

4. Is Arusha Plant Power Truly Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. This casual café goes beyond just smoothies and salads. Their colourful health bowls, vegan pancakes, and nut-based desserts appeal to adults and kids alike. Indoor and outdoor seating options provide space for families or anyone needing a quiet chill-out zone post-safari. Bonus: they also focus on superfoods and offer rotating specials based on seasonal produce.

5. What’s Unique About Veggie Spice Lounge?

This spot isn’t fully vegan but earns its place with a solid selection of vegan versions of Tanzanian favourites. Located in a modern co-working space, it’s ideal for travellers with laptops in tow. Think crispy cassava chips, jackfruit pilau, and plantain bowls. There’s fast Wi-Fi and fresh juices to keep you fuelled while you work or scroll.

Which Vegan Dishes Should You Try in Arusha?

What Are Some Vegan-Friendly Tanzanian-Inspired Dishes?

Arusha’s café scene is loaded with plant-based adaptations of traditional dishes. Here are a few to seek out:

Pilau Rice with Veggie Stew: Fragrant, spiced rice cooked in broth and served with a rich tomato-based stew packed with root vegetables and legumes.

Nyama Choma-Style Jackfruit: This is a bold reinterpretation of Tanzania’s famous BBQ meat. Ripe jackfruit gets marinated, grilled, and plated with chutneys—best tried at places like Five Chutneys.

What Are the Must-Try Vegan Comfort Foods?

Vegan Burgers made from lentils or black beans are increasingly available, often with homemade buns and spreads. Vegan wraps filled with tofu, veggies, and zesty sauces are growing popular.

Don’t skip the plant-based sweets. From coconut ladoos (Indian-style bliss balls) to gluten-free banana bread, Arusha offers treats you won’t feel guilty about enjoying.

How to Find More Vegan Restaurants in Arusha?

What Are the Best Tools to Discover Vegan Spots?

Use apps like HappyCow or Abillion to get real-time reviews, coordinates, and menus. These tools are crowd-sourced and accurate for Arusha’s growing vegan map. If you’re social media-savvy, Instagram hashtags like #VeganInArusha or #TanzaniaVegan bring up recent gems.

Can Your Guesthouse or Tour Company Help?

Almost definitely. Many tour operators work with vegan-friendly locations. If you’re staying in a local guesthouse or ecolodge, mention your dietary preference early. Many have relationships with spots like Five Chutneys and will happily recommend or arrange meals in advance.

Is There a Local Vegan Community You Can Connect With?

Are There Vegan Events or Markets in Arusha?

Yes. Arusha occasionally hosts monthly vegan markets at cultural centres or eco-resorts on the outskirts of town. These pop-ups feature everything from vegan skincare to kombucha brewers and bake stalls. It’s worth asking around or checking local Facebook groups for events during your stay.

Can You Join Vegan Cooking Classes?

Absolutely. Several cafés including Five Chutneys have organised cooking demos and workshops in the past. Learn how to whip up plant-based samosas, dosa, or chutneys that pack a punch. It’s a hands-on way to savour the culture through food.

Where to Find Vegan Meetups?

Check platforms like Couchsurfing, Meetup, or even WhatsApp groups for plant-based meetups in Arusha. Travellers often post plans to explore cafés or host group dinners—perfect for connecting with like-minded foodies.

What Should Vegan Travellers in Arusha Know?

How to Say “Is This Vegan?” in Swahili?

Here’s your go-to phrase: Hii ni ya vegan? (Is this vegan?)
Or more clearly: Hakina maziwa, mayai, wala nyama? (Does it have dairy, eggs, or meat?)

Can Traditional Dishes Be Made Vegan?

Yes. Many Tanzanian dishes are naturally plant-based or easily customised. Ask for beans (“maharage”), vegetables (“mboga”), and rice (“wali”) without ghee or chicken broth. Most cafés are happy to adapt if you explain your needs clearly.

What Ingredients Should Vegans Look Out For?

Watch for ghee (clarified butter) in curries, fish stock in soups, and honey in baked goods. Always double-check sauces and stews, even when ordering from well-meaning places. Stick to trusted cafés like Five Chutneys when in doubt—where vegan standards are built into the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is vegan food expensive in Arusha?

Not necessarily. While some tourist spots charge premium prices, most cafés including Five Chutneys keep their meals reasonably priced. The local ingredients keep costs manageable, and many meals offer great value for the portion sizes.

Can I find gluten-free and raw vegan options?

Yes. Places like Five Chutneys offer over 17 gluten-free dishes. Raw vegan choices—like fresh salads, smoothie bowls, and cold-pressed juices—are easy to find at health-focused cafés.

Are there vegan grocery stores in Arusha?

While there aren’t fully vegan stores, you can buy plant milk, legumes, nuts, tofu, and fresh produce from supermarkets like Sable Square or Nakumatt. Organic shops also carry specialty items like nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.

Do these cafés offer delivery or take-away?

Many do. Five Chutneys, for example, has take-away and limited delivery options depending on location and demand—you can call ahead or check their menu online to plan ahead.

Conclusion: Where to Eat Vegan in Arusha

If you’re wondering whether there are any vegan cafés in Arusha—the answer is a resounding yes. From spicy lentil curries to vibrant smoothie bowls, the city caters beautifully to plant-based foodies.

Five Chutneys leads the pack with its unmatched variety, authenticity, and dedication to homemade vegan meals. Backed by family values and rooted in a passion for real food, it’s the must-visit spot for any vegan traveller.

So go on—explore Arusha’s evolving vegan community, try something new, and share your experience. Your next great meal might just be waiting at the corner of flavour and hospitality.