Discovering Millets and Himalayan Ingredients in Rishikesh this Summer 2025
In the age of clean eating and conscious living, wellness isn’t just about what you do — it’s also about what you choose to put on your plate. At The Roseate Ganges, perched in the foothills of the Himalayas and rooted in the healing spirit of Rishikesh, the return to wholesome, seasonal, and nourishing food is more than a philosophy and at the heart of this renewed approach lies a quietly powerful ingredient: millets.
Ancient Grains with Modern Benefits
Millets — a family of small-seeded grains cultivated in India for thousands of years — are finally receiving the attention they deserve. Once a staple in traditional Indian households, millets were gradually replaced by rice and wheat over the decades. But today, with a renewed global focus on nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods that are also environmentally sustainable, millets are making a well-deserved comeback.
From foxtail to kodo, barnyard to finger millet (ragi), each variety offers its own set of benefits: they’re naturally gluten-free, rich in fibre, and packed with iron, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Better still, millets are known for their low glycaemic index, making them ideal for those looking to stabilise energy levels, improve digestion, or manage weight gently and naturally.
A Natural Fit for Wellness-Focused Travel
For travellers seeking to align mind, body, and spirit through yoga by the river, conscious and slow living, or Ayurvedic healing rituals, what you eat should nourish and support your journey.
At our luxury wellness retreat in Rishikesh, meals are thoughtfully prepared with this philosophy at heart. Our culinary team works closely with local farmers to incorporate a variety of native millets into the daily menu — ingredients revered in ancient Indian nutrition for their therapeutic benefits and now celebrated for their role in modern wellness.
This back-to-the-roots approach goes far beyond taste and promotes digestive ease, hormonal balance, and sustained vitality — key pillars of holistic wellbeing. Among the stars of our millet-centric menu:
● Bajra (Pearl Millet): An excellent source of energy, fibre, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Known to aid in weight loss, diabetes management, and healthier hair, skin, and nails and best enjoyed in porridge, soups, pilafs, rotis, and even desserts.
● Ragi (Finger Millet): Rich in calcium, iron, protein, and dietary fibre, Ragi supports strong bones, improves digestion, helps lower bad cholesterol, and assists in weight management. It is a favourite in breakfast cereals, rotis, shakes, salads, pancakes, and cookies.
● Jhangora (Barnyard Millet): A powerhouse of iron, calcium, and magnesium, Jhangora is perfect for gluten-free diets and supports bone health, blood sugar regulation, and antioxidant protection. It finds delicious expressions in khichdi, dosas, idlis, kheer, and baked goods.
By reimagining ancient grains for today’s discerning wellness traveller, we offer meals that are light, satisfying, and deeply grounding — a true extension of the retreat’s soul-nourishing experience.
Millets and Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, millets are considered sattvic — foods that promote clarity, calmness, and vitality. They are also seen as balancing for the Kapha dosha, helping to reduce sluggishness and build lightness in the body. Their warming quality makes them especially suited for transitional weather and for those seeking to detox gently while still staying energised.
Incorporating millets into your diet — even during a short escape — can be an easy way to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and feel more attuned to the rhythms of nature. And when you’re dining amidst the serenity of the hills, it’s all the more effortless.
The Environmental Bonus: Food That’s Good for the Earth
Millets are inherently sustainable too. They require less water, minimal fertiliser, and are naturally resistant to pests. In fact, they’ve long been cultivated by Himalayan communities as hardy, rain-fed crops. Choosing millets, then, isn’t just good for you but also a small but significant way to support regenerative agriculture and local ecosystems.
Experience the Millet Revival at The Roseate Ganges
If nourishment is the focus running through your stay with options of healthy eating in Rishikesh, this summer’s Story of Millets is where it all comes together — a gentle tribute to ingredients that heal, sustain, and bring us back to the roots of mindful eating.
From 12th to 30th May at Chidya Ghar, experience a limited-time menu thoughtfully centred around millets at one of the best wellness resorts in India. Designed to be both grounding and flavourful, the menu pairs chef-led dishes with refreshing, locally inspired mocktails.
Offered as a curated set menu (INR 3500++) or à la carte,it has to be a part of your retreat!
For reservations, call +91 8800024304 or email [email protected].