Cowvathi, Shasvathi, & The Indian Vegan Cheese Revolution

Shaswathi & Cowvathi

The world of online friendships can be scintillating. Shasvathi is one of those bright, authentic, big-hearted people that give you them happy-happy vibes even though you've never met them. Of course, she could also be a serial killer, but as you read her interview you'll be inclined to think otherwise. 

Shasvathi is the founder of Cowvathi a dairy alternative vegan start-up in Mumbai. Mainstream media has taught all of us that anything with a cow on it means quality dairy products, and that's precisely what Cowvathi is here to challenge. 

Dairy = sad cows. Happy cows support vegan alternatives.That's the truth, yo.  

This soon to be 26-year -old is originally from Chennai, but can't possibly think of a life outside Mumbai. She's been vegan for 4 years. Guess who actually nudged Shasvathi towards a vegan life? Her parents! Thought that vegan families were a myth in India? Read this!

The inspiration behind Shasvathi's vegan life. Her parents. 

I declare that her journey to being a vegan cheese entrepreneur was pre-destined. Shasvathi had a past career in advertising and was a legit, serious practitioner of Carnatic music. The one thing she never did? Step into the kitchen, even to make her own chai. She just didn't do it folks. So it's kind of ironic that she spends most of her time today experimenting and perfecting vegan cheese recipes. 

If you live in Mumbai, I highly (oh-so-highly) recommend you order from Cowvathi and see how magical dairy-free cheese can be. Meanwhile let's get to know more about Cowvathi.

Say OLA to Cowvathi. This girl likes her pasta

Tell us more about Cowvathi. What do you think she would cook for her current romantic interest for date night? 

Shasvathi Siva: Cowvathi is my partner is crime and dine. We cook, sing, and weave stories together. Cowvathi's  grandmother was just another commodity in the dairy industry, and had the worst possible life. Her daughter, Cowvathi's mom, managed to make a run for it and succeeded. She's told Cowvathi many a story about her grandmother's life. That is what drives Cowvathi to continuously find dairy and meat alternatives so she can save her kith and kin from a horrible life. Cowvathi, despite growing up listening to these stories, is the happiest kid in the block. She only wants to spread joy and happiness. Her aim is to tell a story through food, and not just a story.  What would she cook for a Date night? Well, she's a hardcore pasta and garlic bread lover.

Oh, guess this Cowvathi likes south indian food too

 When did you start experimenting in the kitchen with vegan cheese? Is there a story there?

Shasvathi Siva: When I went vegan 4 years ago, it was really hard to find dairy- alternatives. There was SoFit for milk, but I didn't fancy it much. I loved chai and curd rice, and I'd miss it regularly. Making it at home was a task as well, since I'd have to rely on my dad to make it every time.  I started to forget about all the things I craved for and lived without dairy alternatives.

But as time went by, I saw so many new alternatives enter the market. The more vegans I met, the more I realised there was a whole world of vegan alternatives and recipes out there. That's when I was first inspired to try making some of them myself. I started having chai again and realised that making vegan curd rice was actually really goddamn easy. 

When I'd tell friends about veganism, I realized how very easy it is in today's world to simply pick up alternatives. And I wanted to be a part of that and contribute to it. To PROVE that alternatives in India are easy to find and hence, there is no reason for one to rely on dairy/meat. I'm slightly more biased towards dairy alternatives since I've never tasted meat and haven't ventured too much into the mock meat area either. 

I made cheese one day (after three months of failed attempts and frustration), and it turned out pretty well. I've always wanted to launch Cowvathi into the vegan market one way or the other, and the fact that that cheese was the least available product in the  Indian market propelled me towards creating a line of dairy-free cheeses. I practised the recipe many times, and after a few tasting sessions, my confidence improved. That's how this all started.

The Cowvathi Range of Dairy-Free Cheeses ( MOOOOOO)

So what's the deal with vegan cheese? Do you think it's something that has a life of its own in terms of what it can used for today? Do you think its doomed to always be compared with dairy cheese?

Shasvathi Siva: I think vegan cheese is here to stay. I hope I'm able to deliver across the country soon enough. 

I actually love it when someone asks me if my products are made from dairy - because of the cow (Cowvathi the mascot). That's when I have the opportunity to tell them it's not dairy because the cow in this picture is smiling. You know why the cow is smiling? Because her products are not used in this. Had I used dairy, the cow would be terribly sad  and definitely NOT smiling. It's a great conversation starter for me. I've also had some people call me thinking my cheese is a dairy product, and then I explain, and they've ordered it straight out of curiosity! And these people loved the product too! 

Cowvathi Endorses Her Products

When did you think that you could roll out an actual business? What are your thoughts on vegan enterprises right now in urban India?

Shasvathi Siva: Like i said, I always wanted to build a brand on the name Cowvathi, but I thought my products would revolve around vegan cupcakes/milk-alternatives etc. The decision to make cheese the hero product was only  2-3 months ago. 

I'm in awe of all vegan enterprises. It takes a great deal of courage and determination, considering how tiny the community actually is. But people are definitely waking up, the growth of veganism is on an upward swing and I am super thrilled to see where we are headed. 

Mumbai, GET ON THIS!

6. What's the biggest myth about veganism that you think most people still believe today?

Shasvathi Siva: That it's impossible.

 Wave your compassion card, when it comes to dairy most of India does not perceive it to be a cruel industry. Can you sum up your stance on the problem with our dairy consumption in a few sentences?

Shasvathi Siva: We are a dairy obsessed country. And I will not blame the people for it. We've been conditioned to believe we NEED dairy. To that extent, we've been conditioned to believe that vegetarians are not harming any cows. It is so difficult to break people out of these beliefs they've grown up hearing. Be it the masala chai on the road, or the cheese on the pizzas. Advertising has brought us to a point where dairy is a part of every restaurant, and every household. Unfortunately, the most natural reaction for most is to shut out information that will alter their way of living.As humans, we  are weary of change. 

Shasvathi is here to stay

8. If you had to pick one kind of cheese flavour from Cowvathi's range, and only eat that  for a year, which one would it be? And why?

Shasvathi Siva: I'd love to say Mozzarella because that was my first experiment. But now that I make cheese everyday, even the smell of it is repelling (DAMMMNN) :P 

Has Shasvathi inspired you to start your own business? Are you inclined to try dairy-alternatives and see where this adventure leads you? Give Cowvathi a shout out and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! We all have a part in working towards a more compassionate future. The act of supporting local vegan business no mater what your consumption habits are, can help make major change.