Chennai’s culinary scene just got a whole lot healthier and more vibrant with the arrival of Sante Spa Cuisine. Originating in Pune in 2015, this popular franchise has expanded to its sixth location, bringing its unique philosophy of healthy, delicious, and sustainable dining to Nungambakkam. In a city increasingly conscious of well-being and environmental responsibility, Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai, spearheaded by Ambika Chowgule and Trivesh Marlecha, is perfectly poised to become a favorite destination for health-conscious food lovers.
Stepping into Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai is like entering a tranquil oasis. The ambiance is immediately calming, with gentle piano melodies drifting through the air, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor patio area is beautifully arranged with comfortable furniture, inviting guests to unwind amidst lush greenery. Vertical gardens adorn one side of the property, punctuated by a serene Buddha statue, enhancing the sense of peace and tranquility. Guests can choose to dine al fresco, surrounded by nature, or venture indoors for a different, yet equally serene experience.
Just inside the entrance, a charming coffee corner awaits, complete with a curated library. This cozy nook features a unique bookshelf design, crafted from halved tables stacked artistically against the wall. Even the book selection, featuring titles like Soul Food, Doctor’s Kitchen, Glow, and All the Light We Cannot See, subtly reinforces the restaurant’s commitment to a healthy and soulful lifestyle.
Trivesh, co-owner of Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai, explains the design ethos: “We envisioned this space as a sanctuary for relaxation and de-stressing. That’s why we’ve incorporated a palette of white and green throughout the restaurant.” He gestures towards the elegant white picket fences and the verdant hanging planters, highlighting the commitment to creating a soothing and refreshing environment.
Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai extends its commitment to sustainability beyond aesthetics. The restaurant prioritizes eco-friendly materials, with furniture crafted from cane and crockery made from neem wood, featuring thick, round neem discs for plates and bowls. Banana leaves are ingeniously rolled into straws, and copper glasses are used for serving beverages, showcasing a dedication to natural and sustainable practices.
Ambika and Trivesh acquired the two-story bungalow that houses Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai in September of the previous year. They transformed the interior, removing walls to create an open and minimalist indoor dining space. This area seamlessly integrates a live kitchen and a smoothie counter, allowing diners to witness the preparation of their healthy meals and beverages. The indoor seating area comfortably accommodates 45 guests, matching the outdoor capacity. While the outdoor area is delightful during pleasant weather, the indoor space offers a welcome retreat from the Chennai heat, particularly in the evenings when mosquitoes might be present. A private dining room is also available on the first floor, adjacent to Trivesh’s Masami Jewels store, providing an exclusive space for intimate gatherings.
Indulge in Healthy Flavors
Celebrity chef Shailendra Kekade, based in Pune and the mastermind behind the Sante menu across all locations, emphasizes the restaurant’s focus on reconnecting with traditional Indian nutrition while presenting it in a contemporary and globally appealing manner. He observes, “In recent decades, there’s been a tendency to simply imitate European diets, often overlooking what is best suited to our own geographical and climatic conditions. For instance, a risotto might be perceived as more sophisticated than a khichdi. At Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai, we aim to revive our traditional nutritional wisdom, utilizing Indian ingredients to create dishes with international appeal.” This philosophy is evident in innovative menu items like multigrain khakhra served with beetroot and spinach hummus, and whole-wheat spaghetti preparations.
The menu at Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai is extensive and thoughtfully curated, offering a wide array of vegan and gluten-free options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. They take pride in their in-house bakery, producing fresh oat rolls, multigrain ciabatta, and grissini. Even the butter is made from scratch, infused with unique flavors such as garlic foam, tomato and chili foam, and chia white.
Activated charcoal, known for its detoxifying properties, makes frequent appearances throughout the menu in items like bread, hummus, and even ice cream. Similarly, flax seeds, chia seeds, and moringa, all celebrated for their health benefits, are incorporated into various dishes. Dedicated sections of the menu are devoted to refreshing smoothie bowls, vibrant salads, and “guilt-free” desserts, ensuring a holistic and healthy dining experience.
While rooted in healthy eating principles, the cuisine at Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai is far from restrictive. The menu draws inspiration from Continental and Mediterranean flavors, featuring a diverse selection of pizzas, among other dishes. True to the spa cuisine concept, the restaurant strictly avoids refined and processed ingredients. This commitment translates to dishes like ragi pizzas and the use of khandasari sugar in desserts, ensuring that every element of the meal aligns with their health-conscious philosophy.
Chef Kekade aptly summarizes the importance of Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai in today’s dining landscape: “Considering that people are increasingly eating out multiple times a day, it is our responsibility, as industry professionals, to provide them with healthier and more nutritious options.” Sante Spa Cuisine Chennai rises to this challenge, offering a haven for those seeking delicious, guilt-free dining that nourishes both body and soul.
Sante Spa Cuisine is located on Rutland Gate, 2nd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai. A meal for two is approximately ₹1,300. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9940470000.