Dilli restaurant of Altrincham, Cheshire, has become the first Ayurvedic restaurant in the north west by using traditional ingredients that can nourish specific parts of the body and counteract or prevent illness.

Ayurveda, meaning ‘knowledge’, is an ancient, holistic ‘science of life’ which includes self-care and healing through an individual’s choice of food, and which has been known to help relieve ailments ranging from the common cold to heart disease and diabetes.

“Ayurveda is one of the most ancient of India's revered texts, and its code of conduct for healthy eating exhorts us to eat for longevity by eating wholesome, freshly cooked food – it also expounds the method of preparation,” said Ravi Bajaj, chef-director of Dilli. “It’s a teaching that fries almonds to combat coughs, uses cinnamon to attack headaches, cloves to ease toothaches, fennel to soothe sore throats, ginger to help with colds and arthritis, or garlic for blood pressure and rheumatism.

“Many common, traditional foods have curing or healing qualities even though modern science gives prominence to pills, capsules and medical drugs.

“Another body of revered text, the Upanishads, reminds us that ‘we are what we eat’. Dilli's chefs, all of them exponents of vintage Indian cuisine, are guided by this ancient wisdom.

“Indian meals are not commonly regarded as health food, but the Ayurvedic way most certainly is. Because the cuisine is not all spicy, it also makes a healthy business lunch or refreshing midday break as well as a relaxing evening meal.”

Dilli is open daily from 12 noon to 11pm (10pm on Sunday) at 60 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14. Details: +44 (0)161 929 7484.