Seven Austin Places to Get Your Turmeric Fix

Turmeric has long been an essential ingredient in many cultures’ cuisine, but lately people have been embracing it for its purported health benefits. Believed to act as an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant, the rhizome has become one of 2017’s biggest food trends. Never ones to miss a moment, Austin restaurants are offering their own takes.

Picnik

The brick-and-mortar version of the popular South Austin trailer is a temple for Austin’s healthy set, so it’s no wonder they’ve come up with a drink that combines two superfoods – turmeric and matcha. Their Golden Milk Matcha – made with MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil, turmeric, coconut milk, matcha, chai blend, maple, and grass-fed whey – is a perfect alternative to coffee, said by fans to help increase focus and brighten your mood.

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Nasha

The psychedelic Eastside eatery's menu offers a Tex-Mex twist on Indian cuisine, using the traditional spice in unconventional ways. All of their fusion tacos feature turmeric, but we can't get enough of the goat masala version, served with a side of their addictive dal soup.

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Curcuma

Curcuma is so devoted to the healing properties of turmeric that they named their food truck after the superfood. Hungry? Grab the Kitchari Bowl, made with greens, quinoa, and mung beans topped with a turmeric tahini dressing. You will not only be deliciously satisfied but feel better about what you’re putting into your body. If you’re looking for something to sip, they also offer Golden Mylk – a blend of turmeric, spices, and coconut milk – served warm or iced.

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Boiler Nine Bar + Grill

The hopping Seaholm restaurant may focus on flavor more than health, but their menu features many fresh and seasonal dishes that won't wreck your diet. If turmeric is your thing, look for their colorful sweet potato tartare made with avocado, black sesame, turmeric oil, and sesame crackers. It will bring you way more zen than your homemade Buddha bowl.

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Vinaigrette

The Southwestern mini-chain is known for their array of salads, but we love them for their botanical cocktails. Grab one of their turmeric mimosas for brunch, or their Fiery Lion, a perfect dinner pre-game made with orange juice, turmeric root, Plymouth gin, Grand Marnier, and a splash of grenadine. After dinner, pair their almond milk-based Golden Nog with their lemon cheesecake.

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Aster's Ethiopian Restuarant

Turmeric is just as important in Ethiopian food as it is in Indian cuisine, forming the foundation of many traditional recipes. Aster's alicha begg wott simmers lamb in a curried turmeric sauce, garlic, and spices, and their alicha menchet abesh uses a similar base for ground beef. When we are craving a turmeric-heavy plant-based meal, the atakelt wott with cabbage, green beans, onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger is hard to beat.

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Snap Kitchen

When we're looking for a healthy lunch to grab and facing a deadline, Snap Kitchen is our go-to. Our favorite turmeric double dose is the chicken tikka paired with a turmeric tonic made with apple, pineapple, jicama, and basil.