This World Health Day, dine at these 5 cafes across India serving wholesome fare 

Often when you think of eating out at cafes, indulgent dishes come to mind first—over-the-top burgers with extra cheese, a mountain of nachos loaded with a medley of sauces, milkshakes so thick it’s impossible to drink them with a straw, fat wedges of frosted cake, the list goes on. But with the concept of healthy eating gaining steam, a string of cafes and restaurants have rushed in to cater to an audience that’s all about mindful eating. So, don’t be surprised to find vegan-forward menus highlighting rainbow-hued smoothie bowls, salads that pack a punch, and desserts that you won’t believe are gluten-free or vegan. 

This World Health Day, we round up whole food and healthy cafes that we love from across the country. 

Kind Cafe, Mumbai 

The latest addition to the growing crop of healthy cafes in the Bandra neighbourhood, Kind Cafe offers a menu featuring an array of wholesome vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. From heart-warming bowls to zingy salads spotlighting fresh, local produce, most of their offerings are curated keeping macronutrients in mind. Tuck into soup and salad combos, smoothies, open toasts, or their signature—the Chickpea Chiller, a drink made with chickpeas. Dessert lovers wouldn’t want to miss their healthy yet decadent sweets—think vegan dark chocolate quinoa cake, keto Nutella tart, and more. 

OMO Cafe, Gurugram

Gurugram has long needed a whole food cafe, and OMO Cafe, which opened its doors last year, is on a mission to bridge that gap—the cafe serves fresh, seasonal, and organically-sourced food. Its menu is vegetarian-heavy with dishes like spiced tomato tartare, orange peperoncino pasta, and more. Our favourite part is the menu’s last page, where they have listed the origins of the star ingredients they use—the Kalari cheese is from Jammu, the gruyère cheese comes from a farm in Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand, and the vegan cheeses are sourced from Maharashtra. 

Copper + Cloves, Bengaluru

If you’re looking for a wholesome, vegan-friendly meal in Bengaluru, then Copper + Cloves should definitely be on your list. From open-faced sourdough toasts, to hearty salad bowls and vegan coffees, their menu celebrates everything plant-based and local. Sweet lovers won’t feel left behind as the cafe has an extensive desserts section featuring dishes like peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies and the crowd-favourite energy balls made with seeds, dates, nuts, and coconut. 

Bibhitaki Vegan and Vegetarian Cafe, Goa

While Goa is inundated with healthy cafes at every corner, this one at Palolem stands out. The place serves a delicious mix of wholesome fare—all vegan or vegetarian-friendly—and has plenty of organic and gluten-free options. Dig into dishes like hearty Japanese Buddha bowls, Vietnamese summer rolls, a vegan omelette made with chickpeas and stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, Pad Thai, and more. Those with a sweet tooth need not worry; there’s an extensive dessert menu with treats like raw carrot cake and a vegan cheesecake. Plus, the fact they’re pet-friendly gets a nod of approval from us!

Sage Farm Cafe, Hyderabad 

In recent years, the whole food cafe trend has also caught up in non-metro cities, and Hyderabad is one of them. Nestled in the plush neighbourhood of Jubilee Hills, the pet-friendly cafe will transport you to a quiet bylane in Goa with its warm ambience and farm-to-table concept. Most of the fresh produce is sourced from the cafe’s own farm in Shankarpally. Don’t forget to try their famous whole-wheat pizzas; the salads and mains are noteworthy, too. Complement your meal with kombucha (fermented tea) or coffee.