Lunch Review: Govindas

This is a sponsored post. I was compensated, but all opinions are my own.

The Sattvic diet is one based on foods in Ayurveda and Yoga literature that contain sattva quality. The Sattvic diet is meant to include food and eating habit that is “pure, essential, natural, vital, energy-containing, clean, conscious, true, honest, wise”. It places emphasis on seasonal foods, fruits, dairy products, nuts, seeds, oils, ripe vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and non-meat based proteins. 

Govinda’s, a small and somewhat unassuming restaurant on Beach Road (though they have a branch in Karama too) which serves some of the best pure vegetarian food in the city. Sticking to the guidelines of the sattvic diet the food here contains no onions or garlic – though you would never have guessed with the punchy flavours you find in every bite.

Their extensive menu takes inspiration from the entire region and features a section of healthy choices that are cooked without oil, so when I was invited to give it a try of course I couldn’t say no. While the dishes are mostly paneer based Executive Chef, Manisha Advani, has chosen to focus on brining healthy food to the forefront of the restaurant scene by including more fruits and vegetables in his dishes.

We started our meal with a plate of beautiful pan puri – delicate puffed rounds filled with potato and lentils – served atop shots of either a spicy juice or a sweet quava and served with tamarind or spicy chutney. Eating them is some what of an art form and it is in no way a delicate or tidy affair (you have been warned)

I preferred the sweet to the spicy, though my mum was much the opposite and overall the texture and experience was interesting; the blend of the cold juice with the warm filling and the mixing of textures from the soft potato to the crunchy shell, and then of course the liquid of the juice…I can’t think of anything to compare it to.

Soon the starter arrived and we were spoilt for choice with their mixed platter. A corn kebab that was packed with so much flavour and texture it almost tasted like meat, two different types of marinated paneer and a baked broccoli dish that was so unbelievable creamy and yet completely devoid of any sauce…it was mind blowing.

By the time the mains arrived I was struggling, who knew vegetables alone could be so quickly filling! I was about ready to burst when the beautiful silver pots arrived filled to the brim with colourful, pungent food.

Our order included three delightful dishes, a warming daal, a paneer palak and a malai kofta, each one as good as the last. We enjoyed our mean with freshly made bread and dined until we could not physically eat any more.

After leaving Govinda’s it was just a waiting game, how long could we hold out before returning? (it was about a week and a half) From wonderful, friendly staff who take care of absolutely every detail, to delicious, fresh and healthy food, this little eatery oozes passion for its craft and each and every person employed here is proud and passionate too.

Govinda’s Jumeirah:

Jumeriah Beach Road

Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai

04 2759044

Instagram: @govindasdubai