Eggs and Vegetarianism: Can You Be Vegetarian and Eat Eggs?

When you hear eggs and vegetarianism, the debate around whether eggs count as vegetarian food. Also known as lacto-ovo vegetarianism, this is the most common version of vegetarian eating in India and around the world. But here’s the real question: if you’re avoiding meat, does that automatically mean eggs are okay? It’s not that simple. Some people eat eggs and call themselves vegetarian. Others say no—eggs are animal products, so they don’t belong on a vegetarian plate. And then there’s veganism, which leaves out eggs, dairy, honey, and anything tied to animal exploitation. The confusion isn’t about taste or nutrition—it’s about what you believe vegetarianism means.

India’s food culture makes this even more layered. In many homes, eggs aren’t part of the daily meal, not because of religion, but because of tradition. But in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, you’ll find people who eat eggs daily and still call themselves vegetarian. Why? Because they don’t see eggs as meat. They’re not alive, they’re not slaughtered, and they don’t come from killing an animal. For them, vegetarian means no chicken, no fish, no mutton. Eggs? Just another protein. But if you ask a strict Jain or a vegan, they’ll say eggs are never vegetarian—because they come from hens, and those hens are part of a system that often involves cruelty. It’s not just about food. It’s about values.

So what do you do if you want to cut meat but still need protein? You’ve got options. lentils, a staple in Indian kitchens that’s packed with plant-based protein can replace eggs in most meals. tofu, a soy-based block that soaks up spices like a sponge works great in scrambles. And if you’re making paneer or chilla, you don’t need eggs to bind them—just a little chickpea flour or mashed potato does the trick. The posts below cover exactly this: how to make flavorful, filling meals without eggs, how to navigate social pressure when you’re vegetarian, and how to understand what’s really in the food you eat. You’ll find guides on vegan Indian dishes, how to make perfect roti without eggs, and why some chutneys are naturally egg-free. This isn’t about rules. It’s about choices. And no matter where you stand, there’s a plate here for you.