Indian cuisine has long been celebrated for its rich flavors, vibrant spices, and diverse ingredients. But beyond the tantalizing taste lies a deep-rooted philosophy that goes beyond food as mere sustenance — it’s about nourishment, healing, and balance. For Chef Akila, a South Indian culinary expert who now lives in Yorkshire, her approach to cooking is guided by the ancient principles of Ayurvedic medicine, combined with modern nutrition to create wholesome, healthy meals that are as good for the body as they are for the soul.
A Legacy of Ayurvedic Influence
Chef Akila’s culinary journey began in her childhood home in a small village in South India, where food was not only enjoyed for its taste but also regarded as an integral part of maintaining health and well-being. Her father, an Ayurvedic doctor, taught her early on the profound connection between food and medicine. According to Ayurveda, food is considered a powerful tool for restoring balance in the body, and each ingredient serves a specific purpose in promoting health.
“Growing up, I learned that food isn’t just about what tastes good, it’s about what is good for you,” Chef Akila says. “My father always told me that food should nourish both the body and the spirit, and that’s a philosophy I carry with me today in my cooking.”
In the Ayurvedic tradition, food is not just fuel — it’s medicine. It’s meant to enhance vitality, balance the body’s energies, and support longevity. From an early age, Chef Akila learned the healing powers of spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin, and herbs such as coriander and mint. These ingredients, which are at the heart of Ayurvedic cooking, are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and essential nutrients that promote well-being.
Fusing Ayurveda with Modern Nutrition
While Chef Akila’s culinary roots are deeply entrenched in Ayurvedic tradition, her journey to bring healthy Indian food to the UK has also involved a modern approach to nutrition. With the help of her son, a consultant doctor in the NHS, Chef Akila set out on a mission to offer British customers not just flavorful, but also healthy, balanced Indian meals that align with contemporary dietary needs.
“Indian food often gets a reputation for being rich and indulgent, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” Chef Akila explains. “We spent years working with nutritionists, doctors, and experts to ensure that every dish we prepare is as healthy as it is delicious.”
Chef Akila’s food blends the best of Ayurvedic principles with modern nutritional insights. By using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and crafting recipes that emphasize balance and moderation, Chef Akila ensures that each dish offers the right mix of macronutrients — carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats — while also providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
For example, her recipes incorporate a wide variety of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and legumes, all staples in traditional Ayurvedic cooking, but also tailored to meet the modern demand for plant-based and gluten-free options. The emphasis is on fresh, natural ingredients that nourish the body while maintaining the rich flavors that Indian cuisine is famous for.
The Healing Power of Spices and Herbs
One of the cornerstones of Ayurvedic cuisine is the use of spices and herbs, not just for flavor but for their medicinal properties. Chef Akila’s dishes are full of ingredients that have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for their ability to support digestion, boost immunity, and promote overall health.
Turmeric, often called the “golden spice,” is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It’s one of the key ingredients in many of Chef Akila’s dishes, from curries to rice dishes. Ginger, another staple, aids in digestion and has natural anti-nausea properties. Cumin supports healthy digestion and enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. These spices are carefully blended to ensure their health benefits remain intact while creating complex, bold flavors.
“I use turmeric and ginger in many of my dishes because they are not only flavorful but they help improve digestion and have a calming effect on the body,” says Chef Akila. “It’s part of my commitment to cooking food that heals and nourishes.”
The Ayurvedic approach also involves tailoring meals to balance the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — which are thought to represent different energies in the body. While this can be complex, Chef Akila’s modern interpretation of this practice helps ensure that her meals are balanced and promote harmony within the body, regardless of one’s dosha.
Sustainability and Locally Sourced Ingredients
While Ayurvedic cooking has deep traditional roots, Chef Akila has also embraced a modern focus on sustainability. She believes that food should be fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced whenever possible. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in her approach to sourcing ingredients in Yorkshire, where she now lives with her son and his family.
Chef Akila carefully selects each ingredient with an emphasis on quality, freshness, and supporting local farmers. By sourcing locally, she ensures that the food retains its nutritional value while supporting sustainable farming practices in the community.
“We are very proud to source many of our ingredients locally in Yorkshire, and we always choose the freshest, most natural produce available,” says Chef Akila. “It’s part of our commitment to offering food that is both good for you and good for the planet.”
A Family Legacy of Love, Health, and Flavor
At the heart of Chef Akila’s cooking is her belief that food should bring people together, nourish the body, and promote health. This philosophy has been passed down through generations in her family, from her father’s Ayurvedic teachings to her modern-day collaboration with her son. For Chef Akila, cooking is a way to honor her heritage and provide meals that are filled with love and care.
“Food is not just about feeding the body — it’s about feeding the soul,” Chef Akila explains. “I cook the way I was taught, with respect for the ingredients, the tradition, and the people who will enjoy the meal.”
Chef Akila’s culinary journey is a beautiful fusion of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern nutrition, creating wholesome, healthy, and delicious Indian meals that nourish the body and support a healthy lifestyle. By combining the healing properties of spices with a commitment to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, Chef Akila has brought a unique approach to Indian cuisine in the UK, one that is as much about wellness as it is about flavor.
From her Yorkshire kitchen, Chef Akila continues her mission to offer people the healthiest and tastiest Indian food, proving that ancient traditions can meet modern needs without compromising on taste, nutrition, or authenticity.