They say ‘health is wealth’ and the slew of health cafés growing in the city is proving this old adage true. The classes and the masses while enjoying the various food cuisines are constantly on a look out for healthy food options. All the age groups are striving to strike a balance between both indulgence and health. Taking cue from rising awareness and consciousness among the restaurant goers, a few food joints in Kolkata have established themselves as choice destinations offering health and taste on a single platter. Indeed, a treat for those seeking to eat out without breaking their wellness resolution.
Cafe Organica is one such small café located inside the Solace Day spa (started by disciples of Pranic Healing founder Choa Kok Sui), and its quaint and subtle ambience does not take you by storm. Yet this place promises to be a soul soothing experience from the moment you get in there. An impressive list of coolers with organic ingredients is a major attraction. Equally surprising is the variety of food items made available at rather reasonable prices. If you are a sandwich and cheese lover, but do not want to prick a whole in your pocket and inflate your calorie consumption, this is the place for you. And, then there is yoga and health. Mystic Yoga Cafe, the café of mystic yoga studio ensures a blast of healthy eating within its premises. Open to non-members, this café is a welcome break for those seeking to eat out yet eat healthy. The Buddhist chants with an open kitchen and a display fridge (with fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from for salads) make for a perfect healthy eating experience. Though the entire menu is very impressive on the health meter, the breakfast buffet steals the highlight. The eggs to order and the fresh baked cakes and muffins are specific favourites at this place.
Protein Cafe, as the name suggests, is a small food-joint and a haven for the gym goers. The menu has been under development for some time now with frequent changes and updates. But what remains constant is great service with excellent taste. Omelette in its various forms remains a hot favourite at this place and the protein shakes offered in various fruit flavours, with or without coffee provide an interesting twist to the health drink. Cafe Pranah, the wellness café has multiple draw points to its credit. A soothing ambience both indoors and outdoors with lights, music and books promises a good relaxing time with friends. You can quench your thirst through a wide range of aromatic teas, herbal infusions and fruit mocktails. Most exciting is the idea of having your salad, wrap or burger customised to your choice of base, toppings and dressings. This gives you a choice to maintain a perfect balance between your calories and your taste bud cravings. The dessert menu also is high on the health and wellness meter with offerings such as carrot and raisin muffins, yogurt parfait, sugar-free badam kheer etc.
Finally there is The Yellow Straw. Unlike the others, this one is a juice joint located inside an IT hub. It offers a wide range of freshly prepared juices, shakes and smoothies. A major draw for this place is its assortment of fusion juices promising a blend of taste as well as wellness. Even though it is just a kiosk, the hygiene and freshness quotient maintained is striking and draws one to give this place a try on the go. The beverages combined with snacks and toasties on the offering make way for a fulfilling evening meal for the tired souls on their way back home, or for those gearing up for a late evening work shift.
Written By
A true blue Kolkata foodie, Anindya loves cooking and eating his Kosha Mangsho. Anindya weaves stories around food as he believes exceptional food is an emotional experience. Previously a restauranter, now a passionate photographer and traveller, he runs a successful blog called Pikturenama and contributes to other publications.
