LONDON: Located in the heart of Shoreditch, London's hippest district in the East End of the city, Saf contradicts any expectation most people have of vegan eateries as a hippie, grungy space. It's a slick, sophisticated place with a minimalist yet accommodating decor, attentive service and a creative menu to lure even the most hardcore omnivore. What's more, most of the dishes are raw, that is, not cooked beyond 48°C or so. The variety of the menu came as a surprise to me. Ethnically influenced dishes dialogue with surprising food types such as cashew cheese, courgette noodles and flax seed tacos, to name but a few examples. The food is rich, gorgeously textured and beautifully presented. Staff are very knowledgeable about ingredients and will happily take customers through the ingredient wilderness that the menu may appear to some. An open kitchen adds an extra dose of vibrancy to the place as does a carefully chosen soundtrack playing in the background, which makes being in the restaurant a film-like experience. There's a courtyard at the back that can be enjoyed when the weather is gentler in London. Saf also has a botanical herb garden from where their herbs and edible flowers are plucked. These are used to make fantastic drinks, including mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) with very unusual combinations such as lavender and ginger. But there are alcoholic ones, too, with witty names such as Le Chien (horseradish infused UK5, organic vodka, fresh spices, tomato water and Prosecco) and Botanical Bellini (organic juniper green gin, fresh grapefruit, apricot and Prosecco). All this, of course, comes with a slightly above the average price tag. Expect to spend about £25 for a meal (including drinks and the tip) per person. Saf does offer lunchtime meal deals and it takes party bookings as well. Whatever you spend there, it's worth every penny, though. Saf makes dining out more than just enjoying good food, it's an also an education and an adventure for your taste buds. And it's all vegan, organic and mostly raw. What else could you ask? Saf is at 52-154 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A. Tel: 00442076130007. BM
