Top Vegetarian Indian Dishes You Must Try at Eastern Spice in Geelong

5 Oct

If you're searching for the best vegetarian Indian dishes in Geelong, you're in for a treat. Indian cuisine is naturally rich in plant-based options, with centuries-old recipes built around lentils, vegetables, dairy, herbs and aromatic spices. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan or simply looking for a meat-free meal packed with flavour, Eastern Spice offers a wide range of vegetarian Indian dishes in a waterfront setting on Corio Bay.

Here's our guide to the top vegetarian dishes to try on your next visit.

Why Indian cuisine is a vegetarian's paradise

Indian cooking has one of the richest vegetarian traditions in the world. Many regional Indian diets are mostly plant-based, so the flavours don't rely on meat. Instead, dishes are layered with cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala and mustard seeds. At Eastern Spice, vegetarian dishes aren't alternatives; they're some of the signature highlights of the menu.

1. Paneer Tikka ($17): a tandoori favourite

Cubes of cottage cheese marinated in home-ground spices and cooked over glowing embers in the tandoor. Lightly charred outside, soft inside, and gluten-free. Pair it with mint chutney.

2. House Black Daal ($22): comfort in a bowl

Our signature black daal is slow-cooked for 24 hours: rich, smooth and full of depth. It's a labour of love and the dish regulars order with everything. Serve it with warm naan or basmati rice.

3. Palak Paneer ($22): creamy and green

Housemade paneer in a creamy spinach gravy, mildly spiced and gluten-free. If you're new to vegetarian Indian food, this is an excellent place to start.

4. Veg Biryani ($22): fragrant and satisfying

Kacchi-style biryani with vegetables, whole spices and basmati rice cooked together. It's a complete meal on its own and pairs beautifully with raita ($7).

5. Anjeer Kofta ($22): not just for vegetarians

Fig and pomegranate kofta in a cashew and shallot curry, gluten-free. It's one of the most unusual dishes on our menu, and meat-eaters order it too.

6. Daal Tadka and Aloo Baigan ($22): the vegan picks

Yellow Daal Tadka is a comforting vegan classic, and Aloo Baigan pairs potato and eggplant in a spiced curry. Both are vegan and gluten-free, as is Bhindi Do Pyaza, stir-fried okra with onion.

7. Onion Bhaji and Samosa: starters to share

Crispy Onion Bhaji ($14) is vegan and gluten-free, and our Samosa ($11, vegan option) is filled with potato and peas spiced with pomegranate and green mango powder. Order a few to share before the mains.

Don't forget the bread

Vegetarian curries are best with naan straight from the tandoor: plain ($4), butter or garlic ($4.50), or a stuffed Masala Kulcha ($6). Our wholemeal Roti ($4) is vegan, and there's a gluten-free roti made from rice and lentil flour ($4).

A vegetarian dinner by the bay

Eastern Spice sits on the Geelong waterfront at Eastern Beach, with views across Corio Bay: the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner, a family celebration or a casual night out. We're open for dinner Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm, and closed Tuesdays.

Looking for a vegan restaurant in Geelong?

See our vegan and gluten-free guide and our vegan dishes post, browse the full Indian food menu, order takeaway with 10% off pickup, or book a table.

Manpreet Sekhon

Manpreet Sekhon is the award-winning chef and founder of Masti Indian Restaurant in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Known as the Curry Queen, Manpreet trained in five-star hotels across Punjab, India, where her cooking was recognised by two of India's most celebrated culinary figures — Sanjeev Kapoor and the late Jiggs Kalra, widely regarded as the Czar of Indian Cuisine. She founded Eastern Spice in Geelong — one of regional Victoria's most acclaimed Indian restaurants — before bringing her cooking to Melbourne with Masti on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy in 2020, and Elchi in Melbourne's CBD. Her menus honour her late mother's fearless, instinctive cooking — traditional, bold, and made entirely from scratch.