Nirvana Vegetarian Cafe

LOCATION
Richmond

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS
As people become increasingly aware of their diet and how it affects their health and wellbeing, restaurants such as Nirvana Vegetarian Cafe are being welcomed by the masses. Breaking the stereotype that vegetarian meals are dull and boring, Nirvana (which in Sanskrit means heavenly bliss) utilises everything from the subtle Indian flavours from the rugged north west frontier to the more spicy flavours of the south. The vegetarian menu can cater for special dietary requirements wherever possible and uses no animal fats, offers vegan and gluten-free options and chefs are able to cook dishes without oil upon request.

The lunch specials are excellent value, available to eat in or takeaway Thursday to Saturday, with options like basmati rice with a choice of any two of the day’s curries, or a rotti roll with salad, yoghurt and daal. From the a la carte menu start with a bowl of daal soup (a delicious lentil soup with a hint of roasted spices) or a pakora comprising potatoes, onions and mixed seasonal vegetables in a lightly spiced chickpea flour batter. Follow with the traditional North Indian dish baingan ka bhartha (roasted eggplant puree cooked with fresh ginger herbs and roasted dry spices). Finish with the gulab jamun (fried milk fudge balls in sugar syrup). Wash down your meals with a selection of health conscious non-alcoholic beverages.

Veda Wickens