Saatvik Swaad

I visited NewBo City Market recently, and scored bunches of great eats! The last place I visited was new to me, Saatvik Swaad. I am a fan of Indian cuisine and appreciate their focus on delicious vegetarian dishes. I was in a snacking mood, so I ordered an appetizer and a side of bread. One of the ways that this restaurant is different from it's neighbors is that they have a digital ordering kiosk up front, complete with a card reader. I like this idea for a couple of reasons, the first is that each dish has a number of variations and customizations, so that it is easy to tap thru the menu and choose exactly what one wants. The second reason is that it enables Neha Kuchhal, the owner/operator, to stay at the task of producing delicious food. The first dish I chose was Paneer Pakora, the Indian version of a Midwestern favorite, the fried cheese curd. For those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, paneer is a mildly flavored cheese, with a soft crumbly texture, although quite often more firm. It has the unique property of not melting, so that it can be incorporated into hot sauces while retaining it's character, or fried without breaking down, as in this dish. The batter used in pakora is made of chickpea flour, quite often with Indian spices added. This batter, however, is quite mild. If you are unsure about trying the quite often heavily spiced cuisine of India then this is a great introduction to their delicious food without apprehension. My second choice was Peshwari Naan. For those familiar with this dish, Saatvik Swaad's version is excellent (and huge!) For the reader who is less familiar, naan is a leavened flat bread, an absolute staple of this cuisine. It can be had many ways, plain and with all sorts of fillings and toppings, and Saatvik Swaad has quite a number of choices. I went with a very specific preperation, Peshwari naan is filled (or combined) with a variety of fruits and nuts. Although a staple on many Indian menus, Peshawar is actually in Pakistan *thanks for putting up with a little food nerd moment from me🤓* The filling varies, but quite often has raisins or sultanas, flaked or slivered almonds, and dried (dessicated) coconut. Full transparency, I always devour it like a hungry wolf pup and don't take the time to recognize exactly what is in it. Both dishes were satisfying and delicious, the paneer pakora was a surprise, as it is quite different from what I am used to, but delish nonetheless. For my next visit (I will definitely be going back), I will try an entrée, such as Idali with Samber, Masala Dosa, or Malai Kofta. Neha is charming, and her food is delightful, so stop in to the market and give Saatvik Swaad a try. ...and tell her Ricki sent you @RickiGoesOut

I visited NewBo City Market recently, and scored bunches of great eats! The last place I visited was new to me, Saatvik Swaad. I am a fan of Indian cuisine and appreciate their focus on delicious vegetarian dishes. I was in a snacking mood, so I ordered an appetizer and a side of bread. One of the ways that this restaurant is different from it's neighbors is that they have a digital ordering kiosk up front, complete with a card reader. I like this idea for a couple of reasons, the first is that each dish has a number of variations and customizations, so that it is easy to tap thru the menu and choose exactly what one wants. The second reason is that it enables Neha Kuchhal, the owner/operator, to stay at the task of producing delicious food. The first dish I chose was Paneer Pakora, the Indian version of a Midwestern favorite, the fried cheese curd. For those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, paneer is a mildly flavored cheese, with a soft crumbly texture, although quite often more firm. It has the unique property of not melting, so that it can be incorporated into hot sauces while retaining it's character, or fried without breaking down, as in this dish. The batter used in pakora is made of chickpea flour, quite often with Indian spices added. This batter, however, is quite mild. If you are unsure about trying the quite often heavily spiced cuisine of India then this is a great introduction to their delicious food without apprehension. My second choice was Peshwari Naan. For those familiar with this dish, Saatvik Swaad's version is excellent (and huge!) For the reader who is less familiar, naan is a leavened flat bread, an absolute staple of this cuisine. It can be had many ways, plain and with all sorts of fillings and toppings, and Saatvik Swaad has quite a number of choices. I went with a very specific preperation, Peshwari naan is filled (or combined) with a variety of fruits and nuts. Although a staple on many Indian menus, Peshawar is actually in Pakistan *thanks for putting up with a little food nerd moment from me🤓* The filling varies, but quite often has raisins or sultanas, flaked or slivered almonds, and dried (dessicated) coconut. Full transparency, I always devour it like a hungry wolf pup and don't take the time to recognize exactly what is in it. Both dishes were satisfying and delicious, the paneer pakora was a surprise, as it is quite different from what I am used to, but delish nonetheless. For my next visit (I will definitely be going back), I will try an entrée, such as Idali with Samber, Masala Dosa, or Malai Kofta. Neha is charming, and her food is delightful, so stop in to the market and give Saatvik Swaad a try. ...and tell her Ricki sent you @RickiGoesOut

This vegetarian Indian place in the NewBo market is a good option if you are craving Indian while at the market. I was excited they had roti as I am craving it since going to Singapore. It wasn’t quite the same as I had before but it was decent. I’ll have to keep looking for the flaky kind unless it’s called something different. The 2 paneer curries were very tasty! Lots of options and be ready to use the electronic tablet to order your food. I ordered to go. The service was friendly and helpful.

This vegetarian Indian place in the NewBo market is a good option if you are craving Indian while at the market. I was excited they had roti as I am craving it since going to Singapore. It wasn’t quite the same as I had before but it was decent. I’ll have to keep looking for the flaky kind unless it’s called something different. The 2 paneer curries were very tasty! Lots of options and be ready to use the electronic tablet to order your food. I ordered to go. The service was friendly and helpful.

Amazing food! I got the kirma, mango lassi, naan and potato and pea samosa. Service was awesome- ask for a sample! And food was quick to come out.