Yes. A vegetarian Kerala restaurant can be an excellent choice for meat-eaters, because Kerala cooking builds flavour from coconut, spices, lentils, rice and fresh vegetables rather than relying on meat. At Herb in Leicester and Leamington Spa, dosas, thalis and curries are filling, and the same menu works for vegans and gluten-free guests.
The worry: “will I leave hungry?”
Many people who eat meat assume a vegetarian menu means salad or a single option. In South Indian cooking that is not the case. Vegetarian food is the everyday norm for much of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, so the menu has depth: batter-based dishes such as dosa and idli, lentil stews such as sambar, coconut-based vegetable curries, rice dishes and breads. A thali brings several of these together, which is why it is the easiest order for a first visit: see what is a Kerala thali.
Dishes that satisfy a meat-eater
- Paneer dishes: firm Indian cottage cheese, for example paneer in a mildly spiced coconut-milk sauce (Paneer Mappas) or Paneer Pepper Fry, a substantial texture for those who like chunky dishes.
- Dosa: a large, crisp crepe with a spiced filling. See the dosa guide.
- Thali: a plate of small dishes, rice and bread, good for a hearty lunch (the weekday lunch thali is £6.95).
- Fried starters and vada: crisp, savoury and easy to share. See idli, dosa, uttapam and vada explained.
Prices and descriptions are on the Leicester menu and Leamington Spa menu; the two menus differ slightly.
What the NHS says about vegetarian eating
The NHS notes that a vegetarian diet can be healthy when it is planned, and highlights pulses, nuts, seeds and dairy as protein sources, with iron and vitamin B12 as nutrients to watch (NHS: the vegetarian diet). A restaurant meal is one meal, not a diet, but Kerala cooking is built on lentils, pulses and vegetables. See is Indian food healthy?.
Why it works for mixed groups
If you are eating with vegetarians, vegans or guests who avoid certain meats for religious or personal reasons, a vegetarian restaurant means nobody has to compromise. One menu, everyone eats everything. For groups, see group dinners with mixed dietary needs and how to choose a restaurant for a special dinner.
Tips for a first visit
- Start with a dosa to share, so you taste the batter-based cooking.
- Order a thali or two curries with rice or bread.
- Tell the team your preferred spice level; the kitchen can adjust.
- Try a dessert and a cup of tea or coffee to finish.
Book a table
Leicester: book online or call 0116 233 2715. Leamington Spa: book online or call 01926 771460.
Related
What a vegetarian Indian restaurant means at Herb · Choosing an Indian restaurant in Leicester · Kerala cuisine: a complete guide.
FAQ
Is a vegetarian restaurant good if I eat meat?
Yes. Kerala cooking is built on coconut, spices, lentils, rice and vegetables, and dishes such as dosa, thali and paneer curries are filling. The same menu also works for vegans and gluten-free guests.
What should a meat-eater order first at Herb?
A dosa to share and a thali, or two curries with rice or bread. Tell the team your spice preference.
Is vegetarian food healthy?
The NHS says a vegetarian diet can be healthy when planned, with pulses, nuts, seeds and dairy as protein sources and attention to iron and vitamin B12.
Visit Herb Restaurant
Authentic vegetarian and vegan South Indian & Kerala food in Leicester and Leamington Spa.
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