Salad Culture Blossoming in Vizag as Youth Turn to Healthy Food

Visakhapatnam: Growing interest in wellness is transforming Visakhapatnam's eating habits. In particular, young professionals and students are increasingly prioritising nutrition over indulgence. This has led to a surge in demand for healthy food, especially salads, on delivery platforms and in cloud kitchens.

P. Vamshi Krishna, founder of a customised diet and salad-specific cloud kitchen, shared with Deccan Chronicle, "Salads now account for nearly 8–10 per cent of all healthy food-related searches on popular food delivery apps. Before launching my venture, I analysed consumer data closely. The increase in salad searches confirmed there is an opportunity to serve a growing market that is turning away from greasy comfort food in favour of clean, wholesome meals."

Vamshi Krishna’s kitchen offers personalised diet plans that include exotic and regional vegetables, along with protein-rich non-vegetarian options.

This trend is not isolated. Other cloud kitchens are experiencing a consistent demand for seasonal, custom-made salads during peak hours. Lunch-time demand is strongest, particularly among working professionals, health-conscious families and doctors, who value functional nutrition over convenience.

T. Chandramouli, a regular salad consumer, described salads as a niche lifestyle choice that is gradually becoming mainstream. He prefers hearty salad bowls filled with leafy greens, nuts, tofu and millets to boost his energy without sacrificing taste.

The healthy food momentum is supported by growing awareness about diet-related diseases and lifestyle changes that followed Covid-19 pandemic. Gynaecologist Dr. Shilpa remarked, "Salads are no longer mere side dishes; they're becoming smart meals. Ingredients like soya, quinoa, flax seeds and grilled proteins combine taste and health in one bowl."

Local vendor Lavanya Jayanti, who has been in business for eight years selling exotic vegetables and fruits, is noticing an increase in bulk orders. "Customers are requesting specific lettuce varieties, asparagus and microgreens," she said. Health-driven food habits are spreading from Vizag to nearby districts like Anakapalli and Srikakulam.

Entrepreneurs are responding quickly to this trend. Salad-focused dine-in and takeaway outlets are emerging in MVP colony and other popular areas. Vegan options and build-your-own-bowl formats are gaining traction.

However, affordability remains a challenge. Premium salad bowls, priced between ₹200–₹350 can be costly for many. To address this issue, Vamshi Krishna is offering package plans, which lower the cost per meal and appeal to regular customers.

Dr. Shilpa explains, “Salads are becoming a staple on menus throughout Vizag. This is more than just a trend; it is a cultural shift. Whether driven by calorie awareness, fitness goals or environmental mindfulness, it is redefining how urban India perceives nourishment."