Open for Business: Baagan Cafe

In a world filled with unhealthy food choices, it is refreshing to find an alternative place to eat at, such as Baagan. Baagan comes from the Hindi word for garden, and all of their options are very natural, wholesome and vegan.

“Our mission is to bring this healthy franchise to the mainstream,” Rajbir Randhawa said.

All their food is made to order, made from raw ingredients, and mostly gluten free as well. They use agave or coconut sugar to sweeten the food and also rarely use soy.

“We only have Tamari, a wheat-free soy, but we rarely use it,” said Angelique Miller, the head chef.

Randhawa began Baagan as a place to sell tea last October in Roseville. However once Miller came on board they expanded into a full café.

“It just evolved that way,” Randhawa said. “It was always on my mind and when Angelique, who is a really great cook, came aboard it just gave me the courage to make it a café.”

Baagan has a plethora of options for a foodie, from ice cream to salads and sandwiches, to tea made from basil leaves.

“The peanut butter cup smoothie is very popular,” Miller said. “It’s actually not peanut butter, but almond butter that we make here.”

Randhawa adds, “Our tulsi tea is also fairly unique.”

The tulsi tea is made from a type of basil (also known as Holy Basil) and is a blend of three different kinds of tulsi.

“Everyone likes it. I haven’t met someone who hasn’t,” Miller said about the tulsi tea. “What is also unique is that Baagan is fast food, but it’s healthy.”

To get a sandwich and a drink such as tea or a smoothie, you can expect to spend an average of $10 to $11. They also always have plenty of samples so that you always order something that you truly love.

“Most of our ingredients are organic,” Randhawa said. “Our concept is beyond vegan. It is combining vegan with health.”

Miller agrees and adds, “What feels good for us is knowing we provide something good for the community. Everyday people come in and thank us, whether they are cancer survivors or just people trying to be healthier. It seems that people are happy that we are here.”

Even one of their regular customers, Kelly Andrews chooses Baagan over other restaurants because of its healthier options.

“It’s very hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t over salt their food and use organic ingredients. It’s a step down to go out to eat, so it’s a real treat to get food that is just as good as what you get home,” Andrews said.

And soon they will expand into the Bay Area. They have already found a property they are interested in renting in San Jose.

Miller also adds that the ice cream is pretty popular and unusual. It is not made with soymilk or coconut milk, and it is not a sorbet. It actually is made with bananas that still give it the sweetness and creamy texture of good old-fashioned ice cream.

“I love how you can eat our ice cream for breakfast, and people do,” she said, while pointing out two customers who have come in for their morning ice cream.

Baagan:

• Where: 910 Pleasant Grove Blvd. Suite 160, Roseville
• Contact: 916-771-2117
• Website: http://www.baagan.com/