With a mindful spin on indulgence, comfort food gets a lighter, cleaner and conscious makeover
REPRESENTATION PIC
We aren't gluten-intolerant, but maida does cause discomfort and is laced with guilt. Last week, we tried gluten-free momos made with quinoa and chickpeas. Wow! Momo, a homegrown QSR brand, calls it India’s first. So how was it? Packed with protein, full of flavour, and free from gluten, these momos are proof that indulgence and inclusion can go hand in hand. More than just a new menu item, this is a category-first innovation — a bold move that brings health-conscious, gluten-sensitive, and clean-eating diners into the momo fold.
The fillings stay true to what you’d expect — flavourful, well-seasoned, comforting. The gluten-free wrapper has a slightly firmer texture compared to the usual wheat-based one, but it doesn’t detract from the experience. Albeit, it adds a nice contrast, making each bite feel a little more intentional and satisfying. You know you’re eating something different, but not in a way that feels like a compromise. Think juicy Chicken Darjeeling momos, delicately steamed in high-protein quinoa and chickpea wraps that hold in all the warmth and flavour of the hills; fiery Chicken cheese chilli momos, tossed in a bold, street-style sauce with cheese and tender minced chicken with a nutty, gluten-free bite; the Veg Darjeeling chilli with crisp stir-fried vegetables, wrapped in a plant-powered shell that doesn’t skimp on texture or taste; and the Corn Cheese chilli steamed momo, where sweet corn and gooey cheese come together in a chewy, protein-packed wrapper for that perfect nostalgic hit.
L Muralikrishnan
Backed by a booming gluten-free market — growing at nearly 14 per cent CAGR — the launch signals the brand’s intent to innovate inclusively, catering to the evolving choices of health-conscious Indian consumers. L Muralikrishnan, CMO and Co-Founder, Wow! Momo tells Sunday mid day, “In metro cities, nearly one in ten of our customers told us they were actively seeking gluten-free options, not just for medical reasons, but as a lifestyle choice. Crafting gluten-free momos was a real test of our innovation muscle. We dug deep, studying alternative grains, adjusting hydration levels, and conducting numerous kitchen trials. Our R&D team spent several months experimenting with different flour combinations, cooking techniques, and fillings. Quinoa starch and millet-based blends offered promising results. Without gluten’s natural elasticity, getting the wrap just right was the toughest nut to crack. But we were clear on one thing: we wouldn’t launch it until it matched the joy of our classic momos.”
It’s more than a niche, it’s a signal of where tastes are heading. “This is just the start of making our menu more inclusive and future-ready. As consumers evolve, so will we,” signs off Muralikrishnan.
WHERE: All Wow Momo outlets
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