Vegan in the Hamptons: Hampton Chutney
107 Newtown Ln, East Hampton, NY 11937
When it comes to vegan dining in the Hamptons, there’s no shortage of beautiful beachside cafés and restaurants offering fresh, seasonal fare. However, if you’re looking for something vibrant, flavorful, and a little different from the usual salads and grain bowls, Hampton Chutney Co. in East Hampton delivers with its South Indian-inspired menu that’s both approachable and satisfying — especially for plant-based eaters.
A Local Favorite for a Reason
Hampton Chutney Co. has long been a beloved staple of the Hamptons food scene, known for its light, healthy, and flavor-packed Indian fare. It’s a casual spot with counter service, where you order at the register and take a number to your seat, often sharing tables with others on the sunny, laid-back patio or in the cozy dining area filled with cheerful colors and Indian art.
What’s striking about Hampton Chutney Co. is how seamlessly they blend the traditions of South Indian cooking — think dosas, chutneys, and curries — with a fresh, beach-town sensibility that makes everything feel light, bright, and perfectly suited for a post-beach lunch.
What We Ordered
We visited for dinner after a summer day spent in the sun and made sure to explore some of the most vegan-friendly options on the menu. While there are plenty of meat and dairy dishes available, Hampton Chutney Co. is incredibly accommodating to vegan diets. Everything is clearly labeled, and staff are happy to confirm ingredients or suggest modifications.
Here’s what we ordered:
The Vegan Thali Artichoke Plate
This was, hands down, a standout. A colorful, balanced, and nourishing plate, the Vegan Thali Artichoke comes with tender artichoke hearts, sweet corn, and carrots, all served over a fluffy mound of basmati rice. On the side: warm flatbread (vegan, of course), a bright and refreshing mango gazpacho, and both mango chutney and cilantro chutney for dipping, drizzling, and mixing to your heart’s content.
Every bite of this plate felt considered — the vegetables perfectly cooked to maintain some bite and freshness, the rice aromatic and light, and the chutneys offering that balance of tang, sweet, spice, and herbaceousness that makes Indian food so dynamic. The mango gazpacho in particular surprised us; cool, a little creamy, and not overly sweet, it served as a palate cleanser between bites of the heartier rice and vegetables.
The flatbread was soft, pillowy, and warm — ideal for scooping up chutneys or sandwiching with bites of artichoke and carrot. This is a plate where you can mix and match flavors with every mouthful and never get bored.
The Masala Dosa with Spiced Indian Potatoes
Of course, no trip to Hampton Chutney Co. is complete without ordering one of their famous dosas — those giant, crispy, golden crepes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Traditionally a South Indian breakfast dish, dosas are naturally vegan and gluten-free, and here they’re the star of the menu.
We opted for the Masala Dosa, filled with spiced Indian potatoes. These potatoes are comforting in the best way: soft, warmly spiced with turmeric, mustard seed, and cumin, with just enough chili to bring a subtle heat without overpowering the palate. The dosa itself was perfectly crisp on the outside, thin yet sturdy enough to hold its hearty filling.
Served alongside the dosa was a small cup of fresh cilantro chutney and mango chutney, bringing cooling, tangy, and sweet notes to contrast the warm spices of the potatoes. The chutneys feel almost essential — each bite becomes customizable depending on whether you want more brightness, more sweetness, or more depth of flavor.
The dosa is served rolled and sliced, making it easy to pick up and dip. This is casual food in the best sense: unfussy, flavorful, deeply satisfying, and full of textures.
The Vibe
Hampton Chutney Co. is the kind of place where you could easily eat solo with a book, grab a casual lunch with friends after a yoga class, or bring kids along for an easy, healthy meal. The interior is casual but cheerful, with Indian music playing and friendly staff who make the ordering process simple even if you’re unfamiliar with South Indian cuisine.
Out on the patio, tables fill quickly with a mix of beachgoers, locals, and visitors looking for something light yet nourishing between activities. Unlike some spots in the Hamptons that lean heavily on the scene, Hampton Chutney Co. feels refreshingly low-key and grounded in its mission: good food, thoughtfully prepared, with big flavor and no pretension.
Why It Works for Vegans
What sets Hampton Chutney Co. apart in the vegan landscape is how naturally vegan-friendly much of the menu already is. South Indian cuisine doesn’t rely heavily on dairy, and many dishes are centered around lentils, rice, and vegetables. That said, having clear labels and knowledgeable staff makes the experience even more stress-free for plant-based diners.
You’re not left cobbling together a meal of sides or modifying half the menu. Instead, you get real, satisfying, beautifully plated dishes designed to stand on their own. The flavors are layered and complex, yet the ingredients are light enough that you leave feeling energized, not overstuffed.
Final Thoughts
Hampton Chutney Co. is a must-visit for any vegan spending time in the Hamptons, especially if you’re craving something beyond the usual smoothie bowl or avocado toast. The dosas are crave-worthy and unique, the thali plates are generous and vibrant, and the variety of chutneys keeps every bite interesting.
We left already planning what we’d order next time: perhaps another dosa, or one of their fresh limeades, or a simple lentil soup if the weather turns cool. For a casual meal full of flavor and heart, Hampton Chutney Co. hits the mark every time.
Insider Tip:
Arrive early or off-peak during summer weekends — it’s a small space, and lines can form fast. Take your meal to go and enjoy it picnic-style at the beach just down the road if seating’s full.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking for a lighter, plant-based meal in between lobster rolls and rosé, Hampton Chutney Co. offers something truly special: unfussy, joyful, flavor-packed food that leaves you feeling good.
