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From sabudana and kuttu to gourmet kebabs, chefs are transforming Navratri vrat food into indulgent yet authentic dining experiences.
Fasting meets fine dining: Navratri vrat food innovations across India
Navratri, a festival rooted in devotion and discipline, is also synonymous with food that reflects purity, balance, and mindful eating. Traditionally, vrat (fasting) meals are simple, sattvik, and prepared with ingredients such as sabudana, buckwheat, makhana, and singhara flour. Yet, across India’s luxury hotels and fine-dining spaces, these humble staples are being reimagined with modern techniques, global influences, and refined presentations while staying true to their spiritual essence.
Tradition as a Canvas for Fine Dining
For Chef Ho Chi Ming, Executive Chef, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, the enduring charm of Navratri food lies in its adaptability. “Navratri ingredients like sabudana, buckwheat, and makhana have always been versatile, and modern kitchens allow us to reimagine them without losing their essence. Vrat thalis, however simple, remain an ode to traditional recipes and cooking methods, and their focus on purity and balance makes them a natural canvas for fine dining,” explains Chef Ming.
At Renaissance, the Navratri thali borrows from diverse regional traditions. A guest favorite is a twist on Karnataka’s beloved Ragi Mudde, here innovatively prepared with buckwheat flour. “For me, innovation lies in keeping these meals simple, so diners connect with both comfort and tradition,” he adds.
Pan-India Inspirations on the Plate
The evolution of vrat cuisine is also being shaped by chefs who see fasting traditions as a bridge between the past and the present. Hitesh Pant, Executive Chef–Feast, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center, points out how authenticity and innovation can coexist.
“Navratri cuisine is rooted in the principles of purity, balance, and mindful eating. However, with changing times, what we are seeing today is an interesting evolution of these values in the fine-dining landscape,” he says.
At Sheraton Grand Whitefield, the thali draws from fasting rituals across India. Guests can enjoy Singhare ke Aate ka Paratha paired with a crisp-tender Arbi Sabzi, or savor the nuanced flavor balance of Samak Pulao. “We intend to focus on authenticity, while presenting these dishes in a manner that global audiences can enjoy and appreciate. In doing so, tradition and innovation coexist and transform the humble fasting meals into experiences that feel indulgent yet deeply rooted in Indian culture,” notes Pant.
Simplicity Elevated Through Creativity
At Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, Chef Prashant, Sous Chef, emphasizes that vrat food is an exciting canvas for creativity. “The beauty of vrat food lies in its inherent simplicity, which presents an exciting canvas for culinary creativity. We are witnessing a remarkable transformation where traditional vrat ingredients are being recreated with fusion, without compromising their spiritual essence,” he explains.
One signature dish that showcases this approach is the ‘Aloo aur Kachcha Kela Dry Fruit Kebab’, a gourmet take on the classic potato-and-raw banana pairing. The kebabs are delicately seasoned with vrat-approved spices, studded with premium dry fruits, and shallow-fried in ghee. “The addition of crushed almonds, cashews, and raisins creates textural complexity and richness. We are not just serving fasting food; we are creating memorable culinary experiences that honor tradition while surprising contemporary palates, proving that simplicity can indeed be extraordinary,” says Chef Prashant.
Crafting Wholesome Experiences
For Rajesh Wadhwa, Grand Chef, LOYA, Taj West End, Bengaluru, Navratri is a time when food must carry spiritual depth as well as cultural resonance. “Navratri is a season of simplicity, tradition, and reflection, where food carries both spiritual and cultural significance. At LOYA, we have reimagined humble fasting meals for a crafted special experience,” shares Chef Wadhwa.
The menu features Singade ki Subzi and Jhangore ki Kheer, elevated with premium seasonal ingredients, dry fruits, and fresh yogurt. “The menu remains light, wholesome, and true to its spiritual roots while offering a visually appealing experience. It has always been our endeavor to honor authentic Indian culinary traditions while creating meals that delight all the senses,” explains Wadhwa.
Where Tradition Meets Modern Palates
From Bengaluru to Pune, India’s chefs are proving that vrat food is not limited to austerity. Instead, it can be reinterpreted as soulful, inventive, and celebratory dining where purity meets creativity, and simplicity transforms into indulgence.
This Navratri, as chefs reimagine sabudana khichdi, kuttu rotis, and vrat-friendly desserts, one message shines through: fasting food may be humble, but in the hands of today’s culinary masters, it becomes an unforgettable journey of tradition, taste, and transformation.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 28, 2025, 21:16 IST
