BIZARRE: 5 - What They Never Told You

Meet Puri's 'Bahubali' Anil Gochikar: The vegetarian bodybuilder amid the egg vs soya debate who trained at ancient Jagaghars to become Mr India

A debate over eggs versus soya in school meals has spotlighted Anil Gochikar, a vegetarian bodybuilder and priest from Puri. Viral social media posts highlight his muscular physique, challenging the notion that non-vegetarian food is essential for protein and muscle building. Gochikar, a multiple Mr. Odisha and former Mr. India…

The Economic Times · Jun 29

Mumbai's faith, food and identity: The battle over sacred traditions

The evolution of Mumbai from seven islands into a bustling urban center illustrates the ongoing tension between age-old traditions and contemporary business practices. Once a sanctuary for meat-loving local deities, the city now finds itself caught in the grip of a formidable vegetarian merchant faction.

The Economic Times · Jun 26

Eggs off plate, politics on menu: Bengal's school meal shift rekindles debate over food, identity

West Bengal's school kitchens are now the center of a political storm as the BJP government replaces eggs in mid-day meals with vegetarian alternatives, engaging ISKCON for the pilot project. This move reignites the debate over nutrition, culture, and identity, echoing the election-season clash where fish became a symbol of…

The Economic Times · Jun 26

She didn't follow a strict diet, join a gym or use protein supplements. But her before-and-after photos left her stunned

A young woman achieved significant weight loss without gyms or crash diets. She focused on walking 10,000 steps daily and eating home-cooked vegetarian meals. This approach led to a 5 kg loss in just a few months. Her journey highlights the power of consistent, simple lifestyle changes for effective weight…

The Economic Times · Jun 16

Meat free meals at London school win chef top Jamie Oliver award

Tracy Nwabia won the Chef Champion Award for creating vegetarian meals for neurodiverse children in Bermondsey

Evening Standard · Jun 16

The sadhu wants pulao. The snob rejects veg biryani. Culinary history disagrees with both

The seers of the Akhand Parshuram Akhada in Haridwar have, in their campaign to rename veg biryani as veg pulao, found themselves in unexpected company: the biryani puritans, who have insisted for years that veg biryani is an oxymoron and what you are eating is pulao. For once, the saffron-robed…

Newslaundry · Jun 13

Samosa, pani puri in Tokyo: Patna's 'Jaggu Dhaba' brings Bihari desi flavours to Japan. Watch video

A taste of home is now available in Tokyo! 'Jaggu Dhaba', a restaurant founded by a man from Patna, is delighting patrons with authentic North Indian and Bihari cuisine. Viral social media buzz highlights its popular samosa chaat, pani puri, and vegetarian thali, offering a comforting culinary journey for Indians…

The Economic Times · Jun 11

Ideas for make-ahead vegetarian and vegan finger food

Keep things simple, outsource and prep ahead where you can, and never forget the golden rule of canapes …

The Guardian - UK · Jun 9

Do all Indian cricketers eat non-veg? Former team India chef reveals Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma’s surprising diets

A former Team India chef has revealed that not all Indian cricketers follow a non-vegetarian diet. Many players have diverse food preferences. Virender Sehwag is a strict vegetarian. Rohit Sharma preferred simple meals like dal and rice. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly enjoyed South Indian dishes. Dravid ate in small…

The Economic Times · Jun 4

Modi vs Salman vs Aamir Khan: Doctor says Sattvic lifestyle gives your face a natural glow. Here’s what the Sattvic diet is and its benefits

A doctor suggests a non-alcoholic, non-smoking vegetarian Sattvic lifestyle may contribute to youthful skin and slower aging, drawing parallels between Prime Minister Modi and Bollywood stars. This diet, rooted in purity and balance, emphasizes fresh, nourishing foods while avoiding processed items and stimulants. Supporters claim benefits like improved digestion, immunity,…

The Economic Times · May 20