Eating out does not have to take a toll on your stomach. If you make the right food choices, you can meet, greet and eat without the guilt. Here are some of the gut-friendly fermented choices at some of our favorite restaurants for the mindful eater.
1. Kombucha at Leaping Windows
Kombucha is the latest fizzy, delicious and healthy alternative to carbonated drinks that Indian millennials are going crazy over. Kombucha, made from a culture of fermented yeast and bacteria over a long period of time, is packed with antioxidants and probiotics, or live bacteria. This helps to boost the health of intestinal cells, improve immune function and assists in the digestion of food.
If you haven’t tried this fermented drink yet, get your hands on the kombucha at Leaping Windows ASAP. They've got lemon, peach, and elderflower Kombuchas here, which are all kind of delicious, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Address: Corner View, 3, Dr.Ashok Chopra Marg, Opp. Bianca Towers, Amit Nagar, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400061
2. Hot and Spicy Kimchi Noodle Soup at Seefah
Kimchi is a widely popular Korean fermented condiment, made from Napa cabbage, green onions, chili powder, garlic, and ginger. Salted and fermented vegetables like Korean radishes may also be added to it. One serving of kimchi a day is recommended for optimum gut health.
Why not get your fix of kimchi with the Hot and Spicy Kimchi Noodle soup from Seefah? The soup is a winner, because the “good bacteria” in the kimchi is great for your gut while the spiciness will clear all your sinuses.The salty and deep umami taste from the ramen noodles and the broth, and the spicy sourness from the kimchi makes this dish irresistible.
Address: 2 Floor, Khan House, Hill Rd, above McDonald's, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
3. Moong Dal Khichdi & Kadhi at Soam
Did you know that the humble besan kadhi we’ve grown up eating helps in maintaining gut flora and improves nutrient absorption? There’s science and a wealth of benefits in our traditional foods and no one knows that better than Pinky Chandan Dixit, owner of the restaurant Soam.
While eating out has always been about taking a break from routine and indulging in typically rich, masala and oil laden gravies or fried dishes, restaurants today are recognizing a shift in tastes and attitudes towards eating out. Dishes like the moong dal khichdi and kadhi on Soam’s menu are a reflection of that. It caters to a new, evolving and discerning set of clientele who want to eat well-made home-like food at restaurants, and compromising on their health goals is not an option.
Address: Sadguru Sadan, Ground Floor, Babulnath Rd, Babulnath, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
4. Organic Chia Seed & Coconut Pudding - at Kitchen Garden by Suzette
Chia seed pudding could well feature on a ‘How millennial are you?’ quiz. But it’s more than just a fad, we promise.
The organic salad cafe chain Kitchen Garden by Suzette is a breath of fresh air in a restaurant landscape filled with cookie cutter eateries. Quality, natural ingredients are the hero of every dish at this cafe. The Organic Chia Seed and Coconut Pudding features coconut milk, coconut water and chia seeds topped with homemade berry coulis and toasted almonds. No added sugar. There’s also an option with passionfruit coulis, coconut shavings and cocoa nibs. Simply delicious!
Address: Shop 8 & 9, Gaspar Enclave, Saint John Street, Pali Mala Rd, Bandra West, W, Maharashtra 400050
5. Amla Komucha at The Village Shop
If you're a firm believer of clean eating bookmark The Village Shop, a nondescript restaurant tucked in the bylanes of Bandra. While it prides itself on dishing out lip smacking organic and vegan food, it's their Amla Kombucha that we are here to talk about. Yes, we’re back to talking about kombucha because it really is that good.
When you think about Amla, its bitterness comes to mind and the sourness sometimes feels like an assault on your tastebuds. You’ll change your mind when you taste The Village Shop’s perfectly balanced Amla Kombucha. It’s a sip of heaven on a hot summer’s day!
Address: 5AA, Mac Ronells, St Andrews Rd, next to Learner’s Academy, Ext, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
6. Podi Idli at Tanjore Tiffin Room
We all know that idlis are a probiotic powerhouse and the mini gun-powder idlis at Tanjore Tiiffin Room are a flavor bomb that’s good for your gut too. This dish is a beautiful example of how you don’t need to do much to create a star dish. It's a simple dish with simple ingredients, but made perfectly well. Endless cups of filter coffee, a plate or two of this signature dish and sparkling conversation - the best way to spend a rainy day.
Address: Jewel Mahal, Jewel Mahal Shopping Centre, Bungalow Rd, Ratan Kunj, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058
7. Probiotic Blueberry Smoothie at True Fit Gourmet
The goodness of probiotic yogurt paired with natural juicy blueberries in a jar—thats what you get when you pick the Probiotic Blueberry Smoothie at True Fit Gourmet. It's a great post-workout snack and a better choice than coffee for a quick catch up with a friend. You already know that yogurt is one of the most gut-friendly foods out there, but did you know that the anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries can also dramatically improve gut bacteria? Well, now you know.
Address: Ben O Lil Haven, True Fit Gourmet, Shop No. 1 & 2, Waroda Rd, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
8. Buckwheat Soba Noodles With Exotic Vegetables at YUI
Soba is Japanese for buckwheat, a nutritious, gluten-free seed. Soba noodles are a gluten-free alternative to rice or wheat-based noodles and the high fiber content in them makes them a food that promotes gut health. At YUI, soba noodles are wok tossed with exotic vegetables and spices making it the perfect one-dish Chinese comfort food to end the week while you catch up on your favorite Netflix shows.
Address: YUI, Opp. Mandapeshwar Metro Station, Shop .14/15 Avirahi Homes , Bldg no 4, New Link Rd, I C Colony, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400103