Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar Shows Us How to Practise Food Yoga

A previous yoga teacher of mine defined the word yoga as the ‘cessation of the fluctuations of the mind’. Yoga is a Sanskrit word for physical, mental and spiritual practices that originated from ancient India. Specifically, yoga originated from Hindu traditions including a vegetarian diet.

You can practise yoga at one of the many yoga centres around Melbourne. In fact, you can find a yoga studio in, almost, any suburb around town. Naturally, yoga is so popular in Melbourne because Melbourne is the third most vegan-friendly city in the world. One of Melbourne’s yoga studios can be found on the second floor of vegetarian café Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar.

Karma-free food is a thing

The café style food at Radhey embraces flavours from the Mediterranean, Asia and India. However, what makes the food extra special here is how it’s prepared. Radhey is dedicated to preparing karma-free, or Sattvic, food with an awareness of dietary requirements of its guests. To do this, Radhey draws on its knowledge of ancient yogic and Ayurveda wisdom. Also, Radhey pours its heart and soul into each dish.

Can you practise yoga when food is being prepared?

A crucial part of practising yoga is to open the heart and create space through breathing and holding yoga poses. So, each time you arrive at the yoga mat, you’re bringing an element of goodness to your practice. This is exactly what ‘sattvic’ means – the Sanskrit word for being in the mode of goodness. Therefore, Radhey practises food yoga by preparing sattvic food in a way that brings the whole person into balance from mind and body to the soul.

So, how can you practise food yoga when you eat?

If you can’t go to a yoga class at Radhey, you can always practice food yoga through the simple act of eating a meal. The best place to start is by buying a curry plate and consciously choosing the vegan curries from the options available. Partner your curries with a couple of choices of vegan salads and a soy chai.

Not only does Radhey prepare delicious vegan food options, it has an extensive chai menu that celebrates the act of drinking tea. The act of drinking tea is a global practice many cultures have in common and one you can practise food yoga.

In order to practise food yoga at Radhey, you need three things – a nourishing vegan curry meal, a steaming serve of chai and a healthy dose of mindfulness. Once you order your meal and chai, sit in a quiet space.

Before you start, take a moment to sit in your chair and feel your arrival. Take a controlled deep breath in and out through the nose. Then, eat your meal one modest mouthful at a time. Try to eat each mouthful slowly and chew mindfully until each mouthful slowly disappears down your throat towards your oesophagus and stomach. If you rush your meal, you’re not eating mindfully and you’re more likely to sit without connection; you’ll forget what you’ve eaten.

After you finish your meal, sip your chair with the same mindfulness you observed when you ate. Again, don’t rush. Rather, relish each sip and smell the spices and aroma that a mug of chai can offer. Focus on the sensations that come to your body and connect with the nourishment you’re receiving.

Yes, you can practise food yoga at home

During the current COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne, you can still practise food yoga at home without ordering a meal from Radhey. You can practice the aforementioned food yoga techniques with any meal you order through takeaway or even during your own cooking at home.

If you do order takeaway or if someone cooks for you, don’t forget to show your gratitude by thanking the staff or your chef at home for everything they’ve offered you. The ultimate way to show your appreciation is with a friendly, genuine and mindful ‘thank you’.

During COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne from July 9 2020, you can order takeaway from Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar via contactless pick-up and delivery via their delivery partners Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Door Dash and Menu Log.

Once restrictions lift in Melbourne, you can visit Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar for lunch or dinner from Monday to Saturday 11.00am to 8.00pm. 336 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Victoria 3065. All prices are as marked daily. You can also register for yoga classes via Radhey’s website. Check for Radhey’s regular trading updates via Facebook.  

Disclaimer: All photos for this blog post were taken during a visit to Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar before COVID-19 restrictions were put in place.

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