Ahara Rasa

06/11/2026

An Ayurvedic chef doesn’t operate in quite the same way as a regular chef in a commercial kitchen.

I also know that I probably wouldn’t last a day in a high-pressure restaurant 😂

To really cook the Ayurvedic way is about so much more than just what you cook, but how you cook.

The energy of the kitchen, the ingredients you use, the way you combine foods together - it all matters.

It may mean things move a little slower, and I’m sure sometimes my kitchen hands wish we could just use the leftover dal this once!

But there are some things I won’t compromise on.

And it’s what makes the Ayurvedic way different 🧡

If you’re keen to get a glimpse into the Ayurvedic way of cooking, join me for an Ayurvedic Seasonal Cooking Workshop in Byron Bay later this month.

Link in bio 🌿

05/11/2026

My favourite way to teach and share Ayurvedic cooking has always been in person. Now that I’m back in the Northern Rivers, I’m looking forward to getting back into cooking workshops again.

I’m excited to introduce a new series of Ayurvedic seasonal cooking workshops, beginning with our first Summer Edition later this month.

Join me in the beautiful Byron Bay Hinterland for an immersive day of Ayurvedic cooking, learning and connection 🧡

Link in Bio

01/11/2026

A little introduction, for those who are new here 🤍

As someone who tends to hide behind her creations — in my case, the food — I don’t think I’ve ever actually introduced myself on this platform.

So much so that, on occasion, people actually think my name is Ahara 😂 Whilst that sounds lovely, my name is Emily and I’m the woman behind Ahara Rasa.

I’m an Ayurvedic Health Advisor & Retreat Chef based in the Northern Rivers region of Australia. I’m also a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula.

I’ve been practising and teaching Ayurveda for almost a decade now.

As someone who has always loved cooking nourishing food, I was naturally drawn to the Ayurvedic approach to eating.

This eventually led me to create Ahara Rasa — which translates from Sanskrit to mean the ‘essence of food’.

It’s become my greatest dharma to share this wisdom of food as medicine with others through nourishing recipes, nutrition courses, cooking workshops and retreat catering.

When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me living out on three acres with my partner, slowly building our little homestead, swimming daily in the creek, studying herbalism or knitting quietly on the couch.

I’m so glad you’re here and sharing a little part of this journey with me.

Emily x

21/10/2026

When I created my cookbook, Finding Balance, I wanted to share the recipes that I genuinely make in my own kitchen.

Simple, nourishing recipes that are easy to make and honour Ayurvedic principles, without complicated techniques or long lists of ingredients.

These are the recipes I return to again and again.

Here’s what’s been on rotation in my kitchen this week…

If you’d like to try some of these simple Ayurvedic recipes at home, you can find my e-cookbook via the link in bio 🧡

20/10/2026

A little glimpse into my world of retreat catering 🌿

It’s now been almost three years of Ahara Rasa, and after countless retreats, many hours in the kitchen and cooking for hundreds of guests in some of Byron Bay’s most stunning venues, I feel like I can truly embody my role as an Ayurvedic Chef.

Retreat catering has always been a lot harder than I imagined. I’ve learnt so much along the way, made plenty of mistakes and had to figure things out as I went, but it’s undoubtedly the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.

At the end of almost every retreat, I find myself tearing up with gratitude. I feel proud, connected and seen. It’s what makes it all worth it - sharing my love for nourishing food, teaching people about the wisdom of Ayurveda and doing something that feels so essentially me.

It’s the closest to dharma I’ve ever felt.

I recently shared a little more about the journey that brought me here, from discovering Ayurveda to finding my way into the world of retreat catering, over on my Substack.

If you’d like to read more, you can find the full story via the link in my bio 🤍

Captures by the talented Andrea Tamayo 🌿

25/09/2026

Finding Balance is finally here 🧡

For the past year, I’ve been quietly putting together something very close to my heart: a collection of Ayurvedic recipes & wisdom to share with you.

After years of crafting meals in my home kitchen and cooking for yoga retreats, I’ve brought together 35+ of my favourite nourishing recipes into one place.

Alongside the recipes, you’ll also find my own Ayurvedic approach to eating, including the three foundational pillars that shape the way I cook, eat and live every single day.

I hope it helps you return to the true essence of Ayurveda and remember to eat with a little more balance, nourishment and joy.

It’s been a special project to work on, and a real labour of love.

I’d love for you to have a copy. You can find it here: https://ahara-rasa.com/finding-balance-cookbook

27/09/2025

Still over here slowly putting together the recipes for my Rasa Cookbook. . .

Whilst I’ve been enjoying a season away from the retreat kitchen, it’s felt beautiful to have the space to dedicate to what feels like my biggest project to date.

Since I started Ahara Rasa and catering on retreats, a cookbook has been my most requested offering.

And it also happens to be one of my longest held dreams. . .

Except I feel it’s a project that could somehow never end because inspiration only continues to flow.

I’ve finally put together over 40 of my favourite recipes.

Brining together years of Ayurvedic study, my time catering on yoga retreats and mostly from the quiet moments in my own kitchen.

It’s all coming together and I’m now in the final stages of editing and photography.

Hopefully to land at the end of the year - slowly, slowly.

Pictured here are some of my favourite recipes that will feature in the book. . .

Besan & Zucchini Fritters
Roasted Roots & Pomegranate Salad
Classic breakfast dosas
Sesame Ladoos
Pumpkin Red Lentil Soup with Spelt Chapati
Chai Spice Millet Loaf
Ayurvedic Sushi Wraps
Pitta Cooling Smoothie
Mung Bean Bread
Quinoa & White Bean Patties
Persian Love Cake

And If I’ve cooked or shared a recipe you’ve loved over the years, please let me know 💗

22/09/2025

After a restful winter, I’m looking forward to slowly returning back to the retreat kitchen this Spring.

Whilst my work in this space will be shifting in this next season, retreat catering will always remain one of my most heart-led offerings.

It’s one thing to share my passion for Ayurvedic cooking online - but, it’s another to give people a direct experience of it on retreat (with a warm bowl in their hands).

Every season, we intentionally create a menu that supports your guests to stay balanced through the season with Ayurvedic principles.

Spring is a time where kapha dosha is most predominant and we want to feel invigorated with fresh, vibrant and energising meals.

Think leafy greens and fresh herbs, succulent fruits, cleansing legumes and pungent spices.

All prepared in a way that supports your digestion and greater health.

We offer not just delicious food but, an experience of Ayurvedic nutrition and cooking to inspire your guests to live a life of radiant health in harmony with nature.

We only have a limited number of spaces left for Spring and Summer 2025, with bookings already being secured for early 2026 in Byron Bay or the Sunshine Coast.

22/09/2025

13/09/2025