India, April 12 -- Once in a while one finds something interesting by accident. It happened to me recently when exploring the white, wide and winding blocks of Connaught Place, I stumbled upon the red-and-grey gates of a French but surprisingly vegan cafe called the Brioche Doree. The fact that it was a Parisian bakery cafe was reinforced by its glass window sills at the entrance and yellow-striped and grey walls. Of course what made it more attractive was that I could keep my Navratra pact intact.

Unlike India, Continental food does not have rice, curry, lentils or pickle but even then the croissants, baguettes and tarts seemed to hold warm memories of home. I began with Spinach and corn quiche. Those who dislike vegetables should absol...