Nattis Naturals

Natti’s Naturals is nestled in a heritage Portuguese house on a quiet stretch of Arpora. The cafe a comprehensive menu that incorporates superfoods, antioxidant rich foods, gluten free grains and ‘acai’ smoothies for every kind of traveller. This cute cafe is a must visit for anyone who likes to eat a healthy breakfast post yoga when they are in Goa. I was in Vagator for work and decided to pop in for breakfast one morning. Even though most places are closed this time of year and only open in the first week of October, I was thrilled to learn that Natti’s Naturals decided to open her cafe a few weeks earlier.

Her space is charming, warm and inviting and she’s got wonderful staff that are more than happy to take into account your dietary requirements and preferences. The idea behind the concept is to integrate a health food store with a cafe where she also takes yoga classes and holds workshops at ‘the shala’.

Natti recommended two drinks – the ultimate and the buckwheat porridge smoothie. The former was a delicious blend of ashwagandha (adaptogenic herb that eases stress and fights free radicals), three kinds of berries, the antioxidant boost from cacao nibs, maca and a tiny smidge of vanilla extract. The smoothie is decadent, rich and incredibly satisfying with the cardio protective healthy fat from the coconut. The second smoothie was a two toned smoothie with a green layer and a pink layer. The pink layer had berries and the goodness of gluten free buckwheat grains that were soaked and the green layer was a nutritional powerhouse with spirulina, nut milk and bananas to offset the bitterness from the greens. I say its incredibly filling and a perfect way to replenish your stores post a morning workout.

We sat outside because the weather was gorgeous and I couldn’t help but wonder just how incredible it would be to come in even alone and enjoy a lazy breakfast with a book. I could smell coffee brewing and hear the staff roasting some beans so I decided to order an almond milk latte. Natti’s serves coffee from has Blue Tokai Coffee all the way from Chikmaglur. It was too tempting to pass up so I gave in and enjoyed my latte immensely.

Next time, I’m going to try their version of turmeric or golden milk for all its anti inflammatory properties. I love how Natti incorporates the best of indian herbs,spices and fruits as well as some exotic superfoods to deliver food that is rich in antioxidants, phyto chemicals for their immune boosting benefits.

For food, we ordered the acai berry smoothie bowl, the egg white omelet and the ragi pancakes with raw cacao. The ragi pancakes were super light and tiny and they were lapped up with generous helpings of the luscious raw cacao and peanut topping that was every bit decadent and delicious. I loved the texture and the nuttiness from the peanuts and the bittersweet taste for the cacao. The eggs came in promptly with veggies and toast on the side and the omelet was fluffy and delightfully light- the way egg white omelettes should be. The #acaiberrybowl was by far the best I’ve eaten in a long long time. I ordered mine without bananas and granola but mine was still absolutely sublime. The bowl came with all the trimmings you’d expect and more: dragonfruit, strawberries, coconut shavings, apple slices, berries and some nuts. It was a large bowl that was bursting at the seams with nutritional goodness and a super way to start the day.

When we were done eating, we browsed around her shop and grabbed a few yoga wear outfits for a shoot I was doing in Goa. Like Tia – her daughter who runs StudioTia, Natti, too, has a gorgeous line of yoga and active wear with hoodies, colourful leggings and lovely crop tops and shorts that you must check out when you are here. They are currently shipping all over India and are extremely popular among yoginis and fitness enthusiasts in Mumbai. I brought home 4 pieces and was delighted because the crop tops fit like a dream, were so easy to move around in and there was no spillage or wardrobe malfunctions. The bottoms are super comfortable and breathable and easy to maintain so you don’t have to worry about dunking them in for a wash every time you wear it. The hoodies come in two distinct styles and the outfits are free size so they fit everyone. I’ve been doing acro yoga, aerial yoga and some weight training in her crop tops and I highly recommend that you check them out.

Highlights- The smoothies and desserts here are absolutely sublime. If you are looking for something more substantial, I suggest you go for the zucchini carrot ‘pasta’ with veggie patties made from kidney beans and mushrooms. Albeit an acquired taste, this is the perfect dish to order if you are following a meatless diet or want to try a ‘faux pasta’ made from spiralling veggies. It looks beautiful, is low carb, gluten free and perfect for vegetarians.

While you are there, buy some eco friendly cosmetics from ‘soultree’, pack yourself a smoothiebowl and some paleo bars for the drive home. Thank you Natti for your warm hospitality and for making healthy eating approachable, affordable and absolutely delicious. Hope to see you again soon. I am dreaming of the acai berry bowl and the pancakes right now and wish you would open another outlet closer to home.

Verdict:
The food isn’t expensive and is prepared freshly to order. Perfect for those of you who are avoiding dairy and for vegan and raw enthusiasts. They have a cute store with organic teas, home supplies and desserts that you can take home. They are a friendly bunch and you can tell them about your dietary requirements beforehand. I will definitely come back here for the smoothies and the dessert and highly recommend it if you are looking for a healthy stop for breakfast or brunch.

About Natti-
For many years, Goa has been a health destination for the spiritually-aware traveller. Natti’s Naturals is a centre for promoting this awareness as well as a meeting place for healers and therapists such as hypnotherapists, algologists,alternative doctors, naturopathy practitioners and homeopaths, to share their
skills.

There is also a daily morning yoga class focusing on pranayama and meditation besides the other workshops on subjects spanning healthy living, organic farming and raw food benefits. Natti is a Sivananda trained yoga teacher, has studied naturopathic medicine, brought up three kids on homeopathy and finally after years of being a corporate trainer and life coach in Bangalore, was drawn to Goa to open her dream store. Natti’s Naturals is the creation of Natti Mac who is of Indian origin… Half Punjabi and half Austrian. She was brought up with traditional Punjabi grandparents, who taught her all about using foods as a medicine to heal and cook with. Located conveniently on the Arpora night market road towards Anjuna, opposite the office of the NGO Video Volunteers, there is ample parking available as well.

You might want to come in early because the cafe closes at 6 pm.