If you only ever thought of India as the land of fiery curries and street food that looks irresistible (but ends up giving you a Delhi Belly), then here’s your cue to turn to sattvic food. A cuisine rooted in ancient Ayurvedic principles, sattvic food is about creating balance within the body by mindfully cooking fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is a cuisine that calms the stomach, champions natural nutrition, and is perfect for India’s temperate-tropical climate.
Sattvic comes from the Sanskrit word sattva, which means purity, honesty, and vitality—something that is life-affirming. Though Indian sages and yogis have adopted the sattvic way of living and sattvic food for millenia, today it appeals to health and wellness practitioners globally. One religious and spiritual organization that can take some credit for spreading sattvic cuisine all over the world is ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Their Hare Krishna movement brought simple and wholesome Indian meals to temples and cafes all over the world.
Which Foods are Sattvic?
Sattvic cuisine is heavily influenced by the seasons and hence the focus is on fresh fruits and vegetables. There is the obvious exception of meat, fish, and eggs from sattvic food, but there are some exceptions that could surprise you. Onions, garlic, mushrooms, aged cheeses, fermented food, deep fried food, extremely spicy or acidic food or condiments, etc., are all believed to cause harm, imbalance, or stress to our organs. These foods are also believed to either agitate our mind or dull our senses.
A typical sattvic menu would most likely include a whole grain khichdi (porridge), a curry made with fresh paneer, seasonal vegetables, payasam (rice pudding) sweetened with honey or jaggery, and seasonal fruits. Do note that sattvic food is vegetarian, not vegan.
Where is Sattvic Food popular in India?
Though India is a vegetarian’s paradise, not everyone follows a sattvic diet if they aren’t celebrating a religious festival. You will mostly find authentic sattvic food in select places like Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, Puri in Odisha, and Udupi in Karnataka.
If you want to relish authentic and hygienic sattvic food, do give one of these places a try:
1. Govinda’s Restaurant (ISKCON temples, various cities):
You can find these ISKCON-run eateries in almost every major Indian city. They are known for their mindful presentation of authentic sattvic dishes and thalis, but you can also savor some non-sattvic vegetarian fare.
2. Sattvam (Bangalore):
Sattvam offers a unique take on the ancient practice of sattvic cooking. Blending contemporary dishes with sattvic practices, this restaurant provides a fresh and modern sattvic culinary experience. Though the price might pinch your pocket, they offer a wholesome variety of sattvic and vegan fare in their unlimited buffet.
3. Varr-Temple Food of India (Rishikesh):
This award-winning restaurant in Rishikesh is known for its delectably artisanal take on sattvic food. Their menus focus on the bhogs (food offerings) made at some of India’s most famous and important temples. Their food, made with seasonal and local produce, is guaranteed to take you on a culinary pilgrimage.
Mindful Eating is Mindful Living
Sattvic food is not just about what’s on your plate; it’s a way of life. It begs you to slow down and practice mindfulness. On your Indian sojourn, if you are tired of all the spicy, fried, and rich food, and want to give your stomach a break, why not opt for a sattvic meal and explore a more softer, spiritual aspect of Indian food.