Rishikesh is a place which has achieved prominence in the last two decades, worldwide, owing to its inherent connection with yoga and holistic sciences. Rishikesh is located close to the religious city of Haridwar, which makes it more significant in the journey of spirituality. However, what many people don’t know is that the culinary landscape of the place is as exciting. It reflects the diverse traditions and cultures of the different communities living there, as well as in nearby Himalayan regions.
Garhwali cuisine is the point of discussion to begin with. The cuisine offers a tantalizing mix of flavours that are not only a treat for the palate but also reflects the region’s unique heritage. The Garhwal region, which is closely associated with agriculture, has long been self-sustaining. The people in ancient times mainly relied on home-grown crops for their staple diet. Millets, barley, and other whole grains are still grown in different cliffs and crevices. The cuisine was shaped due to the necessity of the people, to be exact. If you are a yoga enthusiast or a gastronomic vegan food connoisseur, then you will find the place to be quite interesting.
Schools like Gurukul Yogashala which conducts yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, still rely on age-old methods to procure and cook the food. The sattvic food that is given to students is vegan-friendly. This applies to both the participants of the retreat course and the teacher training course at the school. As more and more people are abstaining from the consumption of animal produce, sattvic food seems to just match as a matter of fact.
Let us delve into the intricacies of the food haven that Rishikesh is.
The Lineage Of Garhwali Cuisine Of Rishikesh
Garhwali cuisine is mainly characterised by its simple nature and natural taste. Moreover, the nutritional value of the food is kept intact. If you are one of them, who love rustic flavours in your food, then this is the place to explore. However, there is something more that makes this cuisine so unique. You will find wholesome use of locally-sourced ingredients like finger millet, barnyard millet, and rice in various dishes in Rishikesh. The grains are nutritious and well-suited for the cool climate. The cuisine also includes leafy vegetables, legumes, and dairy products. Herbs and spices are also used in dozens, like oregano, black cumin, and fenugreek.
The cuisine aims to highlight the food lineage from ancient times. And also, helps in digestion in high altitudes. You will find minimal usage of oils, spices and condiments, apart from the ones mentioned. You will often find the dishes cooked in mustard oil, which adds to the earthy flavours. Yoghurt and tamarind also lend a good health quotient to the dishes. Some of the popular Garhwali delicacies are daal, gahat, phaanu, kafuli, aloo ke gutke, and many more. While studying yoga in Rishikesh, you will get ample opportunity to explore this exciting cuisine. If you join a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, you can also witness this beautiful food journey.
Veganism – Rising Popularity All Over The World
The plant-based and high-protein diet is gaining huge popularity worldwide. This trend has caught on in the West for some time now, due to its myriad health benefits, leading to the formation of a huge industry. However, the most fascinating fact is that it was always omni-present here in India. You do not have to spend your energy sourcing such foods in Rishikesh, as they are a staple. Veganism and yoga or for that matter, the holistic sciences have many things in common. If you delve into the Sutras, you will find ‘Ahimsa’ to be a part of it. At its very core, you are practicing non-violence. The philosophy aligns quite well with the concept of veganism. According to the spiritual guide as dictated by several sages and seers, a commitment to ‘Ahimsa’ can stop excess aggression and also keep one calm.
If you are a student of any yoga teacher training course in India, then you can likely sync with this ideology. As many Westerners turn towards yoga, veganism also takes centre stage. The connection between diet choices and ‘Ahimsa’ becomes quite obvious here. You will be amazed to know, whether or not you are doing yoga that veganism comes with holistic benefits. It can curb the inner demons, which are so rampant in Western culture. Looking at the shooting number of crime scenarios across the globe, veganism seems to be one of the ways to suppress the animal within you. Apart from the holistic side, veganism also helps curb many lifestyle diseases. When you choose to opt for a plant-based diet, you are also shutting down certain industries like cow slaughter. Revered as the carrier vehicle of Lord Shiva, who incorporated yoga into our lives, it is definitely a great move.
So, having said all of that, if you are someone who is in search of happiness, you should embark on an explorative journey of India, particularly Rishikesh. Seek relaxation in the high altitudes, while making yoga a part of your life for greater benefits in today’s mad rush.
In the meanwhile we have jotted down the names of some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in town. If you happen to come down, this will assist you to make informed food choices.
Top 7 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Town
- TATTV Café – This is one of the most popular cafes in Rishikesh, with indoor dining options. There are several categories like Lactose-intolerant, Italian, Western, and European cuisines with a vegan touch.
- Beatles Café – The Beatles definitely left a strong impression on Rishikesh, in the form of the Beatles Ashram. But, who would have thought that someone might just come up with a café with the same name? Also called 60’s Cafe Delmar, This is a rock music- themed restaurant. You can order a variety of protein pancakes and vegan pizzas at this wonderful place.
- The Arches – This is another vegan restaurant that offers gluten-free and wheat-free items as well. Moreover, 80% of the food at this restaurant is fat-free. So, that is an added bonus for the yogis. You will be amazed to see their menu card, which is simply extensive.
- Secret Garden Café – This is yet another place, you should never miss. This restaurant serves it all, from vegan-friendly to gluten-free food options. You will get the view of a jungle, while having your meal there.
- The Juice House – This is a juice bar and café, located on the road that leads to Parmarth Niketan Ashram. You can lay your hands on smoothies, juices, and herbal concoctions aplenty at the café.
- Free Spirit Café – Vegan-friendly, lactose-intolerant, International, you name it and this one has them all. Gorge on the freshest food items here.
- Cookie Lady – This is supposed to have opened first in Rishikesh, sometime in 2018. The place offers breakfast, and high tea as well. The milk-based items are mainly made of soya milk, almond milk, and oat milk.
Conclusion
This list can go a bit longer, as more cafes and restaurants are coming up. If you enrol for a yoga teacher training course at Gurukul Yogashala, the best yoga school in India, and the traditional one in Rishikesh, there are surprises there too. The school serves vegan-friendly food as a part of its Sattvic regime for students and staff. Moreover, if any student is allergic to any food stuff, the school takes care of that as well. So, unless you are in the mood for some exploration, you can stay on campus and enjoy delicious, vegan food with your classmates and teachers.