As a retreat chef you know that menu planning for yoga retreats requires quite a bit of time and effort. And also that how you craft these menus can make the difference between a good retreat and an exceptional one.
So, what is there to take into account?
Passion & expertise
First thing to consider as a retreat chef is what kind of food you are passionate about. There is little point in trying to reproduce Michelin-star dishes when your soul wants to cook hearty food. The same goes for retreat hosts. What kind of atmosphere do you want to create with the food that is served on your retreat? My top tip here is to guide your retreat chef. By communicating your ideas but trusting their expertise and experience in the design and delivery.
Retreat schedule & timings
Next to keep in mind is the retreat schedule. Yoga practice times and other activities dictate when participants eat. Meals should support – not hinder – their practice. Keeping in mind the schedule may mean that this will influence the complexity of the dishes served.
The time of year
Seasonality is another crucial point. Working with seasonal, local produce not only reduces environmental impact. It also ensures participants receive the most nutritious food possible. Spring menus might feature asparagus and fresh herbs. Autumn brings an abundance of squash and root vegetables. This approach also helps manage costs and can support local farmers.
Oh, the weather!
And what about the weather? Cool, rainy days bring to mind warming soups and hearty stews. But summer retreats might focus more on fresh salads and lighter fare. And yes – the weather can change at the drop of a hat. Your lovely cooling pea gazpacho may have to turn into a warming pea soup (been there, done that :)). At times it may not be possible for your retreat chef to serve the exact menu that was agreed in advance. On both host and retreat chef side, communicating or finding out the reason for this can avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
Main specialities
Plant-based menus have become increasingly popular in yoga retreats but are not the only type of food on retreats. Matching the retreat chef’s main food speciality with the host’s expectations is important. RetreatChef.co.uk lets host choose their retreat chef by main food specialities, making this step an easy one.
Dietary requirements
There is also the question of specific dietary requirements. It’s always great to have those in advance and before designing the menu where possible or leaving some wriggle room for last minute changes.
Final thoughts
With thoughtful menu planning for your yoga retreats, your retreat chef will create an environment where participants can focus fully on their practice. They’ll be supported by nourishing, appropriate food that enhances their retreat experience.
And every retreat chef has their favourite dishes they like to create throughout the different seasons. Trust your retreat chef with the choices on the menu and they will cook up a symphony of flavours for your retreat.
You can see that menu planning is quite an involved process with lots to consider. But hopefully these little hints will be helpful for both hosts and retreat chefs.
PS: For listed retreat chefs, there are some seasonal menu ideas in the resource library .
