A diabetic chef who used his condition as inspiration, a SoBo mithai store that changed its game post-COVID, and others rocking the healthy sweets biz
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On Masterchef 2023, you’ll find a bit of an anomaly in the form of 26-year-old Harsh Kedia. For the majority of his teenage years, Kedia was forbidden from indulging in sweets typically adored by kids his age. The cause was his diagnosis as a type 1.5 diabetic patient at the age of fourteen. Ever since then, his birthdays consisted of “formality cakes” which he cut but could, unfortunately, never have.
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Dried Orange squares
However, 2016 was a turning point in his life. He made his first sugar-free cake and started his cloud kitchen, A Diabetic Chef which catered to those who, much like himself, wished to indulge in traditional dishes but never had the option to. Today, Kedia is onto his second venture, Conscious Mithaiwala. Speaking about the 10.1 crore diabetic patients in the country, Kedia says, “This Diwali, I want to ensure that they are all happy.” He adds, “We have over fifty types of mithai which are completely sugar-free, including kaju-katli, motichur ke ladoo, and Rajasthani pedas.” His store in Juhu also offers vegan, keto, protein and oil-free dishes as well as Diwali hampers. Of course, his menu would be incomplete without some unique, wacky recipes including red-velvet ladoos amongst other things.
Blueberry squares
Further south in the city, taking a sweeter turn, you’ll find the renowned Eastern Sweets. For fifty years, this store based at Peddar Road was known for its delectable whole-milk kesar pedas and mango barfis. It was after COVID, that they revamped and launched sugar-free options. “People became more alert about what they consume and we wanted to stay relevant,” says owner and CEO Vidhi Thakkar, “That’s when we started experimenting with our recipes. We swapped sugar for nuts, berries, and jaggery, and introduced oats and fruit peels as ingredients.” Thakkar adds that their new take on traditional recipes has really resonated with the audience, especially the younger generation. They can now enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of cranberry sugar free squares, dried orange squares, the timeless classic kaju katli, and the irresistible lotus biscoff crunchies. You can get the best of these in their curated Diwali hamper which also contains roasted and baked namkeens as yang to the sweetness of the yin.
Mixed millet pancake
Speaking of namkeens, there’s Snackible, a Mumbai-based venture by Aditya Sanghavi. He says they aim to provide healthier options that will make you munch better. With over 80 products on their site, Snackible has healthified traditional Indian snacks. Sanghavi says, “This Diwali, we are reshaping the art of festive gifting with hampers that are both tempting and healthy, including some exciting new additions like the new range of nut jars and healthy chocolates that have no refined sugar.” The standout in their collection is perhaps the cheese dosa khakhra. It departs from its traditional oily self and emerges as a roasted delight, crafted with ragi, rice and urad. In addition to their repertoire, they offer popped chips with intriguing sub-categories such as the chickpea popped chips or popped chips made with brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds, creating a super snack that is low in calories. Their Diwali hampers include items such as diyas, scented candles, and uniquely flavoured nut jars. Among the latter, you can find enticing varieties like kimchi cashews, smoked BBQ almonds to name a few.
Harsh Kedia
For those who wish to enjoy the festive treats at home, there is Gourmet Kitchen and Studio. Started in 2014, they offer gourmet catering as well as takeaway services. CEO Harsh Shodhan says, “People have a perception that Gujarati dishes are typically fried and unhealthy. However, for centuries we have had healthier options which were hidden away. We have banked on these and made them into flavourful, health-minded snacks that you can enjoy at a gathering with friends and family.” Their dhoklas and vatas are steamed, kuttis are made of buckwheat along with gluten-free pancakes. A recommended item would be the loki-vata which contains great dietary fibre, or the handvo chipotle which adds a South American flavour to the Indian roots. You can hire them for your all-vegetarian Diwali soiree or get a taste of what they offer in their scrumptious Diwali boxes which also contain the much-loved Gujarati farsan.
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