“Behind every healthy body, there is a story, and it begins with mindful choices”

Established in 2017, Justbe by Nidhi Nahata is a labour of love and compassion.

My deep connection with food made me question why essential nutrition lessons are often overlooked in our early years. Embarking on a journey of whole-food and plant-based living, I witnessed remarkable transformations in my health.

I reversed my cholesterol levels, found relief from migraines and skin rosacea. My husband’s chronic acidity was cured, and my elder son, suffering from Asthma since childhood, also experienced relief. These transformative experiences ignited a passion to share the extraordinary power of Mother Nature.

Today, I am committed to contributing to a world prioritizing both happiness and health, advocating for the transformative potential of mindful eating because ‘I CARE’. TheGlitz has more…

Your journey has encompassed numerous significant milestones. Could you share the life-changing experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today?

Engaged in the role of a dedicated homemaker, I infused life with the shades of my rose-tinted glasses. At 35, I fortuitously enrolled in a Counselling course at Banjara Academy in 2007, unaware that it would alter the trajectory of my life.

Becoming a committed Vipassana practitioner in 2009 became my refuge, providing solace amid the sweet chaos of daily life. The introspective journey helped me discover my true essence: loving, caring, and nurturing, laying the foundation for effortless happiness.

As a certified psychologist, sound healer, and lifestyle coach, I gained insights into the complexities of life and relationships. My quest for health and wellness led to certifications as a health coach from Sharan India in 2016, followed by the eCornell T. Colin Campbell Centre for Nutritional Studies in NYC in 2020.

In 2017, I dared to redefine the hospitality industry by establishing India’s 1st Whole Food Plant-Based Restaurant, Justbe by Nidhi Nahata. This venture, rooted in my belief that food is nature’s medicine designed to heal and sustain our health, has impacted thousands of lives over the past 7 years. It has earned multiple awards, including ‘The Times Food and Nightlife Award’ and the prestigious Women’s Achiever’s Award, signalling a paradigm shift towards Conscious and Mindful eating.

Recognized as one of Bangalore’s Best Chefs by The Chef Post Global in 2024, Justbe by Nidhi Nahata was honoured as the Best Vegan Restaurant in India by ZeeZest, reinforcing my commitment to providing healthy food.

My life’s mission is to dispel myths surrounding healthy food and envision a world thriving on a Plant-Based Lifestyle. I personally experienced that a healthy body precedes a healthy mind, not the other way around. I also conduct weekly Vipassana sessions at Justbe by Nidhi Nahata, sharing the wisdom gained through my therapeutic journey.

What setbacks have you faced, and how did you overcome these challenges? What lessons have you learned from it?

My journey into entrepreneurship deviates from the conventional path adorned with prestigious degrees or business school courses. Lacking even a 12th-grade graduation and experience in the hospitality industry, my journey has been unconventional.

Profound lessons have emerged from the School of Hard Knocks, where learning from my own and others’ mistakes has proven to be the most significant way of overcoming challenges.

Launching Justbe by Nidhi Nahata in 2017 presented challenges in introducing a Whole Foods and Plant-based culinary concept not in high demand at the time. It meant challenging conventional supply and demand dynamics.

Chefs were hesitant to work with me because I eliminated taste enhancers like dairy products and refined ingredients. However, I adhered to my mission of serving food designed for our bodies. I succeeded in dispelling the myth that healthy food couldn’t be delicious.

The next hurdle was with Social Media and Marketing – not being tech-savvy, I relied on my team. I believe in the power of word of mouth as the best marketing strategy. However, they struggled to effectively promote healthy eating due to differing narrative styles.

I continue to thrive because I believe I am one of the chosen ones. Life didn’t plan for me to embark on this journey initially, but a health challenge led me down this path. I’ve learned to surrender to life and its interventions, transforming into a better version of myself.

When you look back, what are the three qualities that have helped you become what you are today?

Learning from challenges has been pivotal in shaping my life. I believe that failure is the biggest teacher. The three lessons I’ve learned are:

1. Forgiveness anchors me in this tough industry – letting go is my secret strength.

2. My restaurant isn’t just run by a team; it’s a nurtured family, built on love and care.

3. I am always open to feedback and criticisms – they are tools for improvement, not setbacks. They keep me true to the mission.

Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?

My husband, Tarun Nahata, served as my financial pillar in the early stages, without pressuring for immediate returns, giving me the confidence to fly high knowing I was supported.

During the restaurant’s initial years, my eldest son, Vardhan Nahata, stood resiliently by my side, embracing and believing wholeheartedly in my journey towards a Whole Foods and Plant-Based lifestyle.

My younger son, Devansh Nahata, committed to carrying the legacy forward, overseeing operational aspects. Chef Anthony Huang, a renowned childhood friend, is a guiding force and mentor in this unknown industry. His unconditional support has taken Justbe by Nidhi Nahata to new successful horizons.

Every guest who believed in what I serve and my team, embracing the shift from conventional to holistic cooking, contributes to the creation of food that reciprocates love. My family’s blessings affirm my belief that I am guided and protected on this fulfilling path.

Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?

On Health: “The food we eat shapes our health, and a healthy body starts with making thoughtful choices.”

Personal: “I learnt the art of saying yes to life, and life has to say yes to me.”

Work: “Don’t seek what you love! Love what you do, and what you love will find its way.”