Building an Inclusive Restaurant Menu: Strategic Aspects for HoReCa Operators

Building an Inclusive Restaurant Menu: Strategic Aspects for HoReCa Operators

In the rapidly changing world of the hospitality sector, providing vegan and inclusive menus is more than simply a fad—it's a competitive plus. With an increasing number of consumers opting for plant-based eating for health, sustainability, and ethical purposes, businesses within the HORECA sector (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) have a golden chance to gain new clients, increase group bookings, and strengthen brand loyalty.

Why Vegan Menus Are More Important Than Ever

Consumer behavior is changing quickly. Numbers show that 42% of customers proactively go for plant-based alternatives, and 60% of international consumers between 18 and 44 years old expect food companies to have them on the menu. That’s no niche—it’s the new norm. As the plant-based food industry is set to reach $35.5B by 2027, adding vegan alternatives is an investment for the future.

The advantages extend beyond demand fulfillment:

  • Attract broader groups: Flexitarians, health-conscious eaters, and mixed-diet families will feel welcome.
  • Increase revenue: Restaurants experience an increase of as much as 1000% in sales after incorporating vegan offerings.
  • Efficiency in operations: Plant-based ingredients generally have a longer shelf life and can be more economical.
  • Enhance brand image: Caring about sustainability and dietary requirements builds consumer trust.

Step-by-Step Menu Adaptation

You don't have to overhaul your menu to make it more vegan. Here's the smart way to do it:

  1. Review existing offerings: Determine which existing dishes are vegan or can be easily modified (e.g., substituting butter for olive oil).
  2. Swaps for everyday ingredients:
    1. Dairy milk → Almond, oat, and soy
    2. Eggs → Flaxseed meal, banana, applesauce
    3. Meat → Tofu, jackfruit, lentils
    4. Honey → Maple syrup, agave
  3. Create versatile vegan bases:  Make universal staples such as a vegan cream sauce for use across numerous recipes.
  4. Indian-Inspired Vegan Menu Structure:
    1. Starters: Masala Papad, Hara Bhara Kabab , Vegan Paneer Tikka
    2. Mains: Vegan Dal Makhani, Baingan Bharta, Jackfruit or Mushroom Biryani , Soya Keema Pulao
    3. Desserts: Coconut Ladoo, Vegan Gajar Halwa, Almond Kheer

Beyond Food: The Complete Dining Experience

  1. Train your staff: Ensure they know about vegan ingredients, cross-contamination hazards, and can recommend dishes confidently.
  2. Label properly: Mark vegan foods clearly using icons such as 🌱 or “VG” so customers can easily navigate.
  3. Accommodate allergies: Vegan doesn’t equate to allergen-free—provide nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free vegan options when possible.
  4. Provide substitutes: Let customers personalize—such as substituting dairy cheese for vegan cheese.
  5. Stay fresh: Update seasonal offerings to retain interest from vegan customers with items like summer gazpacho or winter seitan roast.

Marketing Your Vegan Products

  1. Control local SEO:
    1. Optimize for keywords like "vegan food near me" and "plant-based restaurant in [your city]"
    2. Keep your Google Business and menu platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Yelp updated with vegan offerings
  2. Highlight your work:
    1. Share high-quality food photos
    2. Post behind-the-scenes kitchen content
    3. Encourage customer reviews and feature them online
  3. Work smart:
    1. Collaborate with vegan bloggers or influencers
    2. Emphasize local sourcing and sustainability in your messaging

Success Stories

  • Hatti Kaapi, Bangalore: Enriched their café offerings with Plant Yum’s vegan beverages—welcoming a new wave of health-focused patrons.

  • Ewoke, Hyderabad: Introduced our dessert premixes to great success—now local bestsellers.

  • SHARAN Organic Stores, Mumbai: Attracted a dedicated community with our clean-label, easy-to-cook products. 

 

Helpful Resources

  1. Top Indian Suppliers & Brands:
     GoodDot, Vezlay, Wakao Foods, Imagine Meats,, Urban Platter, Earth Origin, One Good, Jus' Amazin
  2. Inspiration & Recipes:
     Vegan First, Holy Cow Vegan, CookingShooking (YouTube), Vegan Richa, Indian Vegans Recipes
  3. Courses & Training in India:

    • SHARAN India – Vegan Nutrition & Cooking Certification

Plant Yum is your go-to partner for chef-designed, clean-label premixes specifically made for Indian tastes. From rich gravies and street-style snacks to protein-packed curries and divine desserts—we deliver convenience, consistency, and flavor with zero compromise. Whether you're running a 5-star hotel or a bustling café, our ready-to-cook solutions take the pressure off your kitchen while enhancing quality.

🎁 Free Vegan Consultancy for HORECA

We’re excited to help food businesses thrive in the plant-based space. That’s why Plant Yum is offering free consultancy for restaurants, cafés, hotels, and cloud kitchens looking to embrace vegan options. From menu planning and product sampling to team training and kitchen trials—we’ll guide you at every step.

Final Thoughts

Adding vegan options is not only the right thing to do—it's a smart move for businesses. With considered extension of your menu, staff training, and promotion of your offerings, you can appeal to contemporary diners, differentiate from your competitors, and forge a more sustainable and inclusive food culture.

 

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