A vegan Indian restaurant in London embracing the plant kingdom

Kaustubh Khare, Country Head- UK, Rebel Foods speaks to Asian Voice about running an Indian vegan restaurant in London.

Tuesday 16th January 2024 15:21 EST
 

What is the concept of Chatori?

At Chatori, we believe in celebrating veganism, and it is also the core of our brand identity. The Indian vegan food that we offer is delicious because (not despite) it is vegan. Our brand emphasises the benefits of plant-based food while incorporating the rich culinary heritage of India through delicious food.

Chatori is here to provide plant-based, authentic Indian curries and street food, which is 100% Vegan for everyone in the UK. 

 

What goes into carefully putting together vegan food with an Indian taste in the UK?

We believe that Indian cuisine is one of the best to bring Vegan food to life. The Indian vegan menu offers a variety of food with delicious curries, savoury snacks, Indian street foods, and breads. While putting together the menu for Chatori we have considered different food missions-lunch options, starters, DIY chaats for snacks, rice meal boxes and more. The menu looks beyond usual vegan recipes like sandwiches or salads and makes it interesting with curries that are seasoned with spices or snacks that are savoury.

What kind of customers usually prefer Vegan food?

As per a YouGov survey, 5-7% of the population is vegan and vegetarian with 2/3rd being new converts to this diet. This indicates the significant room for growth which veganism has in the market. The survey also suggests that out of the vegan pool, almost  81%  have been following a vegetarian diet suggesting that they have been avoiding meat for a longer time. 

 

We see a lot of repeat customers for our food. Our signature dishes such as DIY chaat and plant-based chicken tikka masala are favourites. From our customer pool, people who prefer vegan food come from diverse backgrounds. Most are on the lookout to try different vegan dishes so their diet does not feel restrictive. Customers do choose to be Vegan for their reasons, which could be ethical, environmental, or health-related.

 

Do you also take into account the nutritional aspect of veganism while preparing dishes?

At Chatori, we take pride in crafting vegan dishes that not only celebrate the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine but also prioritise nutritional excellence. Our commitment to veganism aligns with our dedication to providing wholesome and nourishing meals. Be it a Vada Pav or an Aubergine Bagara, each dish is thoughtfully prepared to ensure a well-rounded nutritional profile. We believe that vegan food can be both delicious and nutritionally satisfying, contributing to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. If you have any specific inquiries about the nutritional aspects of our dishes, feel free to explore our menu or reach out to us directly. We're here to share the goodness of plant-based, authentic Indian cuisine with everyone in the UK!

 

What do you think is the prime cause of the rise in popularity of veganism?

Many people want to reduce their meat intake for health and environmental reasons. In addition, several emerging Vegan brands are offering interesting menu options and replacements for meats.  People have started being aware that the plant kingdom has so much to offer to their diet. Also, the endorsement of veganism by celebrities and social media influencers could be playing a role in popularising the vegan lifestyle. 

 

What are some of your most popular delicacies?

Our savoury street foods like samosa, vada pav, kachoris and DIY chaats are popular. Our vegan dal makhani, chole-rice meal box, and plant-based chicken tikka also receive a great response from our customers. We also serve meals in a convenient single-bowl format, a popular lunch option with consumers.


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