Upavas “Fasting” and feasting may seem like opposites but when done right, you can make sure that you enjoy the process. The benefits of Upavas could be double when celebrated with mindful indulgence. Urban Dhaba has just paved the way for the same. Urban Dabba wants to bring the flavors of our Sanskriti(culture) through careful curation of their Upavas Menu which they have launched this week with so much pride.
Upavas The OG Intermittent Fasting
Upavas has been a long revered sacred practice. Upa means “near” and Vas means “to stay“. This means staying close to the divine. It is an act of self-discipline, devotion and spiritual purification. My Amma(mother) used to fast religiously for most Hindu rituals. I used to think that it was unnecessary. But when dwelling a little deeper into this, I understood that our elders had advised us to observe these Anushtanas (practices) to help cleanse our body and mind. The modern term that is widely used these days is “Intermittent Fasting”. Hope this should strike a chord.
Benefits of Upavas
- Physical Cleansing – It helps to detoxify our body through simple, sattvik food. Helps rinse the body and flush out toxin when done right.
- Mindful Eating – Eating natural wholesome ingredients emphasizing on nourishment.
- Self-Discipline – Be self aware and disciplined to control our habit and sense to eat the right food with devotion. Also, helps in cleansing our minds.
- Spiritual Connection – Strengthen one’s devotion and focus on higher consciousness.
Idea Behind Upavas Menu
The brainchild behind this idea is Sandeep, Sama Ben (Owners of Urban Dabba) and Kamal(Head chef of Urban Dabba). The head chef, Kamal has over 15 years of experience as a chef and has worked in India and the United Kingdom. He has studied hotel management and trained in management in Switzerland. He has also had the distinction of curating the menu for several cricketers during his tenure at Ages Bowl Oval stadium.
Kamal is a follower of BAPS Swaminarayan and as per him fasting is a niyam(rule). Kamal was inspired by their offering and wanted to bring this to Canada. Now, the Canadian public have a very good option in the Burlington and Hamilton Region to help fulfill their prayers.
Sabudhana Vada: This crispy deep fried vadas are a deal clincher and must try. This tasted so good and was so crispy. Go for this one, you are not be disappointed. Ingredients: Tapioca, potato, ginger, chilly, crushed peanuts, salt and pepper.
Falari Idly and Sambhar: This item on the menu wowed us. Especially, the taste and texture was so good despite no rice or lentils in the Idly. The sambhar resembles the Vatha Kozhambu from the south. This one is also a Must try.
Falari Dhokla: Once again the idea was innovative and taste was very similar to Khaman Dhokla. This steam cooked lentil free Dhokla is prepared with fermented batter stored in appropriate temperature. This would be a should try according to us. Ingredients: Samolina, Cabbage, Yoghurt, Salt, Sugar.
Sabudhana Kichidi: Sabudana khichdi is an Indian dish made from soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls). It is the dish of choice when an individual observes a fast during several Hindu rituals. This was perfectly made with Sabudana, ginger, chilly, cummin seed, curry leaves and peanuts.
Dry Aloo Jeera: Jeera Aloo is a spiced dish made with cumin, fresh herbs, and is gluten-free and vegan. This i could categorize as a could try. This would a perfect side for a roti or poori.
Almost all of the dishes above are gluten free, also garlic and onion free.
This menu would available over the Sunday, Monday and Ekadhasi. Urban Dabba also caters to external events.
The first order can be placed around 9:30 AM and the last order at 8:45 PM.
A whole-hearted thanks to the entire Swadesh team for making this a reality in Canada. Special call outs to Kamal, Manmohan Singh, Jahnavi, Amrit, Kuldeep and Sama Ben.
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