Indeed, a life-giving restaurant must be either hype or a lazy writer’s excuse for failing to think of a better title. In this case, neither of those reasons – ‘life-giving’ merely being the literal translation of ‘Sanjeevanam’, which is not just a restaurant but a one-stop place for Ayurveda treatment, stress-relief massages, and Hatha Yoga.

If you are like me, you will probably roll your eyes at the mention of a health food restaurant that serves a four course meal. However, one visit to Sanjeevanam’s restaurant will convince you that natural food has such a healthy taste to it. And as the well-informed guide answers your questions about each dish, you might even start to nod in appreciation.

Launched in 2004, Sanjeevanam’s first outlet in Mogappair was inaugurated by K.J.Yesudas. Over the course of the next two years, Sanjeevanam opened several more outlets. The ones I have noticed are in Mogappair (near Spartan School), Adyar (Indira Nagar, 1st Main Road), and Nungambakkam (this seemed really new and when I checked, it opened only a few days ago).

What really impressed me about this restaurant:
=> Food is freshly prepared, meaning vegetables are chopped and readied once you place your order, to ensure their natural nutrients are not lost

=> I used the word ‘prepared’ because not every item is cooked (ah! don’t panic about hygiene – squeaky clean as far as I could see). How does fresh Tulsi juice sound to you? (okay, I made up the Tulsi bit! what I meant was each dish is really a surprise)

=> A health guide is available to answer any questions the customer may have on the food served – nutritive value, hygiene, diet balance, you name the question.

=> They serve delicious dessert – all natural. You might get some exotic ice-cream too! Not convinced? Maybe this will help.

I’d recommend a visit – oh if you can, please visit the new one at Nungambakkam (opp. Hotel Ganpat on Nungambakkam High Road) and tell me if it meets the hype I am creating here.