If you think Nepali food is all about meat and dairy, you're in for a nice surprise. A huge part of everyday Nepali cooking is already plant-based. That's down to the strong Hindu and Buddhist influence across the country, where many families avoid meat on certain days or altogether.
So when you walk into Palungo in Lewisham looking for something vegan, you're not stuck with one sad side salad. You've actually got a proper menu to choose from, filled with the same bold spices and comfort food that Nepali cuisine is known for.
Here's a look at ten dishes worth ordering, whether you're vegan full time or just curious to try something new. This list is put together with input from Palungo's own kitchen team, who cook these dishes fresh every day.
Why Nepali Food Works So Well for Vegans
Rice, lentils and vegetables form the base of most traditional Nepali meals. Dal bhat, the national dish, is basically lentil soup with rice and it's naturally vegan in its simplest form. Add in the fact that Himalayan communities have been cooking with tofu, greens and fermented vegetables for generations, and you start to see why vegan eating in Nepali culture isn't some new trend. It's just how a lot of people already eat.
That's good news if you're after vegan Nepali food in Lewisham and want something that actually tastes like it belongs on the menu, not an afterthought.
10 Vegan Nepali Dishes to Order at Palungo
1. Vegan Momo Platter
Momo are Nepal's answer to the dumpling and they're the dish most people try first. The vegan platter at Palungo gives you a mix of styles on one plate, steamed, pan fried and chilli, so you get to compare textures without committing to just one. They come with a spicy dipping sauce that ties the whole thing together. Priced at £14.95, it's a solid choice if you're sharing or just can't decide which style you want.
Recommendation read: Best Momo in London: Steamed, Fried & Jhol Momo Guide
2. Vegan Thukpa
Thukpa is a noodle soup that was originated in Tibet and has become an important part of Nepali cuisine in the hills. The vegan version at Palungo is a slow-cooked broth with vegetables and spices that warm. The kind of meal you have on a cold evening in London, when you're not in the mood for something to eat that doesn't make you feel full.
Get Nepali Authentic Vegan Thukpa only at £8.95 in Palungo restaurant near Lewisham.
3. Vegan Chowmein
Simple but done properly. Wok-tossed noodles with fresh vegetables and the smoky street-style flavour that Dharan is known for. It's not trying to be fancy, it is just good, honest food, and at £7.95 it's an easy dish to add alongside something else.
4. Vegan Keema Noodles
If you want more punch, this one's for you. Vegan mince gets tossed through noodles in a homemade chilli sauce, giving you that heartier, spiced-up version of chowmein. Good option if you like your food with a bit more bite.
Palungo at Brockly is serving vegan keema noodles with authentic Nepali taste only at £9.95. Get yours now!
5. Thakali Thali (Vegan)
Thali is the proper way to eat a Nepali meal, a full plate with rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables and house-made pickles, all in one sitting. Palungo's Thakali Thali comes with a vegan version made using local Nepali recipes, so you're not missing out on the traditional experience. At £16.95 and served with unlimited portions, it's genuinely one of the best value vegan meals on the menu.
Fancy trying it yourself? You can reserve a table or order online directly.
Learn about "What Is Thakali Thali? Nepal's Iconic Set Meal, Explained"
6. Tofu Palungo
Named after the restaurant itself, this dish takes soft tofu and simmers it with leafy greens and warming spices. It's a wholesome plate that leans more into comfort food than street food, and it's a great pick if you want something protein-rich without meat.
Taste tofu palungo only at £8.95.
7. Aloo Tama
Not quite so popular outside of Nepal, but if you're looking for something authentically Nepalese, this is it. Aloo Tama is a combination of potatoes, fermented bamboo shoots and black-eyed beans which provides a tangy and slightly sour taste that is quite a different one from the rest on the menu. For good reason, it is a Palungo recommendation.
8. Vegan Shyaphaley
Shyaphaley are stuffed pastries, usually filled with meat, but Palungo does a vegan version filled with seasoned vegetables and served hot with a spicy dip. It's a good starter if you want something a bit different from momo but still in that dumpling and pastry family.
Get a taste of local Nepali flavour vegan shyaphaley only at £7.95 at Palungo Restaurant.
9. Street Style Snacks: Mustange Aloo and Chatpatey
If you're after smaller plates, these two are worth a mention. Mustange Aloo is potato curry flavoured with mustard oil and timur pepper, adding that extra Himalayan spice to the dish. A quick, cold snack made from puffed rice, similar to a street food snack in Nepal to eat by itself rather than as a meal. These both cost around £5.95 and are good as a side or starter.
10. Pickles and Achar
No Nepali meal really feels complete without pickles on the side. Piro Achar is a chilli pickle made with fresh tomatoes and coriander, while Mula Achar brings potato and radish together with a bit of black sesame. Neither will fill you up on their own, but they add that sharp, tangy contrast that Nepali food is known for. Worth adding to any order for a couple of pounds each.
Vegan Nepali Food in Lewisham: Why Palungo
If you've been searching for a vegan Nepali restaurant near me, Palungo sits on Malpas Road in Brockley, right in the heart of Lewisham, and it's easy to reach if you're coming from New Cross, Deptford or Greenwich too. What makes it stand out for vegan diners isn't just that there are vegan options. It is that they've clearly put thought into making sure the flavour isn't watered down just because the meat's been left out.
One honest note though: there isn't a dedicated vegan dessert on the menu right now. If you've got a sweet tooth, it's worth asking staff directly when you visit, as things can change. You can check the full menu here before you go.
If you are at London, Greenwich and want to eat Nepali Food, explore blog "Best Nepalese Restaurant Near Greenwich: Where to Eat Real Nepali Food Near Greenwich".
Ready to Try It Yourself?
The best way to know if vegan Nepali food is for you is to just order it. Book a table or order online and see what all the fuss is about.
Reserve a table | Order Online
!!Also, Learn about the Top 10 Things to Do in Brockley, London!!
FAQs
Is Nepali food usually vegan?
Nepal vegan dishes are served with lentils, rice, potatoes and greens which are common across Nepal, especially in Hindu and Buddhist households. It's easy to eat vegan without feeling like you're missing out.
What's the best vegan dish to start with?
If it is your first time, the Vegan Momo Platter is a safe and popular choice. It gives you a few different styles to try in one go.
Does Palungo have vegan momo?
Yes, both the Vegan Momo Platter and the steamed momo option come in a vegan version.
Can the thali be made vegan?
Yes, the Thakali Thali has a vegan version made with traditional Nepali recipes, so you still get the full thali experience.