Snacking the healthy way

The concept of healthy food while eating out is new to Bangaloreans. However, some entrepreneurs in the City are catering to the section of people who like to opt for healthy food over junk — even when they are out on a binge.

‘Health Zingo’ was founded by Deepali Bhagat, along with Suraj, who is executing her ideas. Located in Belandur, this small joint is quite popular among professionals, particularly IT executives. “Deepali had been thinking about doing something in the area of health for the last ten years. So, we decided to set up a small outlet in  Belandur.

We chose this place as it has many NRIs as well as software professionals, who have stayed abroad, and can connect with the idea,” says Suraj.

The outlet serves some very interesting dishes, most of which are made from organic foodgrains and vegetables. “The thalis are very popular and consist three multi-grain phulkas, two sabjis with sprouts as well as a salad raita. We also serve organic red rice.

  We change the curry preparation every day — sometimes, we have rajma or a bhindi or tofu matar. Tofu is very rich in protein as it is made with soyabean,” explains Suraj.
An average thali would cost around Rs 70 without the red rice and Rs 80 with it. Suraj informs that they deliver very frequently to the IT parks located nearby.

“We deliver only within a radius of two to three kilometres. Many bachelors who stay in this area visit us regularly and end up eating all three meals with us,” adds Suraj.

 Some of the other dishes that are popular are sprout chaat and protein-packed pav bhaji. “We have totally eliminated the concept of maida in our joint.

We use a multigrain pav and the bhaji has a combination of steamed vegetables, tofu and sprouts with a masala that is prepared by us. This ensures that there is zero fat,” informs Suraj.

The sandwiches are sumptuous , healthy and filling too, made with multigrain loaves, vegetables, olives, jalapenos, steamed wheat bran, tofu and sprouts. They make for an excellent evening snack. “Many people come for dinner and bachelors often come to the joint to pack sandwiches after office. The response so far has been very good and it is going up. We want to cater to a small section of people, who want to take their health seriously,” says Suraj.

One of the most interesting options at ‘Health Zingo’ is the wheatgrass juice shot, for those who want to stabilise their weight or want to have anti-oxidants.
“Wheatgrass is grown by us in an organic way. Awareness regarding the benefits of wheatgrass is low now, but there are many who come and have these shots regularly,” sums up Suraj.