Cuisine: Spa Cuisine
A breath of fresh air in the middle of Koregaon Park! Santé which means ‘health’ in French is a green and white vision in the Sunderban Complex in the Osho Commune lane. There is valet parking which is also very useful. It’s a small space but tastefully decorated. Most of the seating is outdoors, though covered. Everything is made from eco friendly materials from the neem wood plates, forks and spoons to the corrugated lamp shades. Soups bowls are made of heavy stone. There is even a herb garden outside. The furniture is distressed white wood and the cushioning green. It could be anywhere in the world and in fact looks very much like something you would find attached to a yoga studio in California.
So what is spa cuisine? Santé is totally vegetarian (no egg either); most of the ingredients are organic and there are many allergen free options. They also serve hand crafted breads made from oats, multigrain and so on and several very interesting breakfast options including spiced oatmeal pancakes and an upma of quinoa and broccoli. Flavours are delicate with an interesting use of herbs and spices which are not overpowering. The beetroot and spinach hummus (separate flavours) served with khakra chips, is simply outstanding as are the salads – spaghetti of vegetables with fresh methi and mango vinaigrette and the Mediterranean quinoa salad with cranberries, apples and walnuts. Soups are served in black stone bowls. The Spinach and peas, Tibetan thukpa and roasted tomato and garlic broth are all substantial lunch time treats. You will not go hungry despite this being a spa restaurant – there are a substantial amounts of bakes, grills and risottos. The bajra riso, a kind of risotto with cream, spinach and green beans and the pizza with a ragi base are enough for at least two people. Lots of delicious energetic beverages and energizing, ‘oxidizing’ and ‘detoxifying’ drinks. Some guilt-free desserts too! This is definitely a treat for vegetarians and a welcome change for those who aren’t! Prices are reasonable for this level of cuisine and for the mindfully sourced ingredients.
WOW FACTOR – 7
WATCH OUT FOR – Not much in terms of variety on the menu if you come here often
PORTION SIZE – Hearty
ALCOHOL – Wines but not a good selection
VEGETARIAN – Totally
And…… there is no air conditioning outside. Fine in the evenings but can get a bit overwhelming in the day. A very small indoor A/C space
Meal for two: Rs. 1500
Address: Sundarban Hotel, Lane 1, Off North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune 020 65202050
Timings: 7.30am to 11pm