Award winning chef, Sanjeev Kumar, has started a food revolution by measuring the emotional state of his customers and then recommending a meal choice with just the right herbs and spices to ensure they leave feeling calm and rejuvenated.

Punch Taverns’ Partner, Sanjeev created the mood measuring menu at his Stoke-On-Trent pub, Sanjeev's Restaurant & Bar, which has a traditional bar for regulars plus an innovative Indian menu, based on herbal science.

Sanjeev explains: “We use mood measuring technology to test the emotional state of customers. Whatever mood they’re in when they arrive, whether they’re stressed, tense or just feeling a bit low, we use a special blend of herbs and spices in our dishes to restore their emotional wellbeing.”

Prior to looking at the menu, customers are asked to place their thumb on a test pad on the front of the menu. After a couple of seconds it will change colour to indicate emotional state ranging from Green Calm to Black Stressed and everything in between.

Once the test is complete diners are free to explore the meals on offer.  All meals are colour coded to show which dishes to eat in order to counteract negative emotions and restore a calm condition. The final proof comes in taking the test again at the end of the meal. 

Sanjeev, who was International Indian Chef of the Year 2006, is confident that it will always show Green Calm. He comments: “Herbs and spices were traditionally used for their medicinal properties, as many have anti-bacterial and antiseptic qualities. They can have a calming effect on us, or a reverse effect, if you will.

“Additives, preservatives and ‘E’ numbers can have a profound effect on our behaviour, mood and energy levels so we ensure that all our dishes contain only natural and fresh ingredients and are completely free of artificial flavours, colours or taste enhancers.”

Martin Carter, business relationship manager for Punch Taverns, who own Sanjeev’s Restaurant & Bar, says: “On my first visit to the pub I had a go at his new menu idea which I have to say sounded very ambitious. I pressed my thumb on the test pad and surprise, surprise it went Black Stressed.”

“After eating a wonderfully spicy curry I tested myself again and to my horror it went Green Calm! I just couldn’t believe it actually worked and do you know what, I felt calm too!”