Originating from Pune in 2015, Sante Spa Cuisine has expanded its footprint to Chennai, marking its sixth location and bringing its unique concept of healthy and environmentally conscious dining to Nungambakkam. Owners Ambika Chowgule and Trivesh Marlecha recognized the growing demand for mindful eating and eco-friendly practices, making Chennai the ideal city to introduce this franchise. Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam promises an experience that nourishes both body and soul.
The ambiance of Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam is immediately calming. Gentle piano music drifts through the outdoor patio area, furnished with comfortable seating. Vertical gardens adorn one side of the property, framing a serene Buddha statue. Guests can choose to dine amidst this refreshing greenery or step inside for a different atmosphere. The restaurant’s design philosophy centers around creating a space for relaxation and de-stressing, evident in the pervasive use of white and green throughout the décor, as Trivesh explains, emphasizing the intention behind the restaurant’s soothing aesthetic.
Just inside the entrance, a charming coffee corner awaits, doubling as a library. A creatively designed bookshelf, constructed from table halves stacked upon each other, adds a whimsical touch. 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.
Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam’s dedication to environmental consciousness is evident in every detail. Cane furniture, neem wood crockery – thick, round platters and dip bowls – and banana leaf straws showcase a commitment to natural and sustainable materials. Even the water glasses are made of copper, aligning with traditional health practices. This eco-friendly approach enhances the overall dining experience, creating a space that is both stylish and responsible.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated two-story bungalow, acquired by Ambika and Trivesh in September of the previous year. The interior has been transformed into an open, minimalist dining area adjacent to a live kitchen and smoothie counter. This design choice fosters a sense of spaciousness and allows guests to witness the preparation of their healthy meals. Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam comfortably accommodates 45 guests both indoors and outdoors. While the outdoor seating is delightful in pleasant weather, the indoor space provides a welcome retreat, especially during warmer evenings when mosquitoes might be present. A private dining room on the first floor, located next to Trivesh’s Masami Jewels store, offers a more intimate setting for special occasions.
Chef Shailendra Kekade, the Pune-based culinary expert behind the Sante menu, emphasizes a return to traditional nutrition. He observes a trend of emulating Western diets without considering local climate and ingredients, stating, “Just because a risotto might sound cooler than a khichdi. So here we bring back our traditional nutrition, using Indian ingredients to give them a global customer look.” This philosophy is reflected in dishes like multigrain khakhra with beetroot and spinach hummus and whole-wheat spaghetti, showcasing a fusion of Indian and global culinary styles while prioritizing health.
The menu at Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam is extensive, catering to diverse dietary preferences with vegan and gluten-free options readily available. Everything is made in-house, from oat rolls and multigrain ciabatta to grissini. Even the butter is prepared fresh and infused with flavors like garlic foam, tomato and chili foam, and chia white, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. Ingredients like activated charcoal, flax seeds, chia seeds, and moringa frequently appear throughout the menu, highlighting their health benefits. Dedicated sections feature smoothie bowls, vibrant salads, and guilt-free desserts, ensuring a wide array of healthy and delicious choices.
Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam’s menu spans Continental and Mediterranean cuisines, including a variety of ragi-based pizzas and desserts sweetened with khandasari sugar. True to spa cuisine principles, the restaurant avoids refined and processed ingredients, focusing on natural and wholesome alternatives. This commitment to clean eating ensures that every dish is not only flavorful but also contributes to overall well-being.
Chef Kekade aptly summarizes the restaurant’s mission: “Given that nowadays people are eating out three times a day, it falls on people like us, in the industry, to give them healthier options.” Sante Spa Cuisine Nungambakkam stands as a testament to this philosophy, offering a haven where healthy eating and a tranquil atmosphere converge.
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.