Not-for-profit organisation the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga (ASMY) has opened its new Sattva Yoga Cafe at 320 Montague Road.
Studio and cafe manager Gayatri Philips has run ASMY for the past 21 years at a number of different locations, but used her recent lease renewal as the perfect excuse to expand. “When 320 Montague became available it was almost double the size and a perfect space for a yoga studio so naturally I jumped at the chance,” said Gayatri. “I could see that the new space was literally begging for a café and would build on ASMY’s holistic approach to yoga. Hence Sattva Yoga Café.”
The vegan-friendly café aims to energise yogi’s before and after practice, offering a location for individuals to “hang out” with like-minded people, creating a sense of community within the school. “It’s a place where people can enjoy healthy, vibrant, vegetarian and vegan food, a place where people can some and relax and chill in a serene environment.”
Sattva, meaning mode of goodness, originates from a passage in the Bhagavad Gita, a 700 verse Hindu scripture in Sanskrit that is focal to the Hindu religion. Gayatri quotes Bhagavad-gita 17.8, “Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness (Sattva) increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.”
Gayatri says she believes a vegetarian or vegan diet is ideal for optimal health, having been a vegetarian herself for the past 42 years. “There are so many reasons for becoming vegetarian, environmental, compassionate and health reasons and these will all have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. However, the main reason we follow a vegetarian diet is because ancient yoga tradition according to the Bhagavad-gita encourages a vegetarian diet.”
The café offers a range of items including fresh juice, smoothies and “nice cream” bowls as well as “all natural vegan ice blocks”. The extensive beverage list includes superfood favourites like Blue Majik Maca Latte, Carob Latte, Sweet Pumpkin Spice Latte, Coconut White Chocolate and Gingerbread Latte.
Sattva Cafe opens daily from 10am, closing at 4pm most days except 2pm Sundays.
Readers also enjoyed this story about new Woolloongabba cafe Tuckshop Time.
