Veena Birajadar, owner of Pure Vegan Café, took a leap of faith, leaving behind a career in IT to pursue her passion for plant-based living. What started as a love for gardening in her own backyard quickly transformed into the creation of Pure Vegan Café, a 100% vegan restaurant with locations in Raleigh and Durham. Pure Vegan Café offers everything from Indian-inspired dishes to vegan comfort foods and is quickly becoming a favorite for those looking to explore a plant-focused lifestyle.
Growing up in India, Birajadar was raised vegetarian, a lifestyle that deeply influenced her love for cooking. Although veganism is still growing in India, her vegetarian roots laid the foundation for her move into plant-based cuisine. However, when she moved to the United States, finding vegetarian and vegan options was difficult, so she began preparing her own meals from scratch.
Founder Veena Birajadar.
Her life took a turn when her father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While researching ways to support his health, Birajadar discovered Gerson Therapy, a plant-based approach to healing. This ignited a deeper interest in the healing power of food, cementing her belief that “food makes everything inside of you.” With the support of her husband, Birajadar left her 13-year career in IT to follow her passion for plant-based living. She began by selling homegrown vegetables to neighbors, before acquiring a juice bar, which evolved in 2021 into Pure Vegan Café.
Pure Vegan’s menu is diverse and full of flavor. From cauliflower wings and chorizo tacos made with Beyond Meat to Indian rice bowls bursting with spice, each dish is thoughtfully crafted. Birajadar’s Indian heritage shines through in the spices and techniques she uses, giving familiar vegan dishes a unique twist. One standout item is the Chik’n 65, a spicy vegan take on Indian street food, which became a hit after a customer requested it. This kind of connection with customers is one of the things she loves most about running the café.
“When I experiment with new dishes, it’s all based on my own taste,” she said. “I make what I like, and then customers give feedback.” This approach has led to a constantly evolving menu. What started as simple smoothies and rice bowls transformed into more hearty meals. Specials like Taco Tuesdays became so popular that they earned a permanent spot on the menu.
What also makes Pure Vegan Café special is how it caters to different dietary needs. From gluten-free and dairy-free to soy-free and nut-free options, there’s something for everyone. “I chose to open in Durham because it’s close to Duke Hospital,” Birajadar explained. “Duke focuses on cancer, which is a cause that I am deeply connected to. I wanted to cater to patients and families with food limitations.”
Birajadar’s greatest joy comes from the connections she forms. “Talking to my customers is the best part,” she said. “Whether they’re regulars or first-time visitors, hearing their stories and understanding their journeys keeps me motivated.”
Looking ahead, Birajadar has big plans for Pure Vegan Café. She envisions expanding the café into a franchise to spread her passion for plant-based food. Additionally, she hopes to open a more upscale vegetarian restaurant, offering a full, sit-down dining experience highlighting how delicious plant-based cuisine can be.
AUTHOR
Nicolette Degrassi is a Boston based food and travel blogger. When she's not traveling the world, you can find her reading the latest Book of the Month novel or trying to perfect her sticky toffee pudding recipe. Follow her adventures on Instagram @nadegrassi.
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