Navigating New Year healthy eating trends can be a tricky business for culinary styles renowned for their rich indulgence – but former Gleneagles head chef Mandeep Saini is making a strong case for Indian cuisine to be considered a ‘superfood’.
Saini’s recently opened Edinburgh restaurant, Bombay Bistro, is spotlighting the ‘naturally nourishing’ power of classic Indian ingredients in dishes which support modern wellness goals without sacrificing flavour.
Working with fibre-rich pulses and antioxidant-packed vegetables, plus warming spices renowned for supporting digestion and immunity, like turmeric, cumin, ginger and coriander, Chef Mandeep has created dishes that ‘reframe healthy eating as vibrant and comforting, while still deeply satisfying’.
“Indian cuisine has always been rooted in balance, using spices and ingredients that nourish the body as well as excite the palate,” said Saini.
“At Bombay Bistro, I want to highlight how naturally healthy Indian food can be, without it ever feeling restrictive. These are dishes designed to support wellbeing and still feel indulgent.”
One stand-out dish is his masala broccoli and pumpkin superfood salad, combining roasted pumpkin, broccoli florets and a fragrant dressing, which is naturally high in fibre and antioxidants, supporting gut health and immunity, while delivering ‘bold comforting flavours’.
Other superfood-led dishes at Bombay Bistro include Chana Jor, a vibrant salad of roasted, flattened gram chickpeas, boiled potatoes, mango and fresh coriander, finished with a jaggery and lemon coconut dressing; Undhiyu Chaat, which draws on traditional Gujarati flavours through a mix of sweet potato, banana, spinach, noodles and pomegranate seeds; and Chicken Shorba, a classic Indian soup of lightly spiced masala chicken broth and chunky vegetables.
