Finding natural food can be more difficult than you might think. Bazil Stander heads to Birnam to test drive the menu at Free Food Deli & Takeaway.

The food

The interior at the Free Food Diner and Takeaway. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ariel Cohen, owner, food whizz and darling of the Jozi vegan scene has transformed his previously retail-only vegan prepared meal range into an exciting, quirky vegan café. Using elements of his existing range of condiments, dairy-free cheese and lots of organic and farm fresh ingredients, Ariel has opened Free Food – The kitchen of infinite possibilities. Ingredients are cleverly combined and styled into flavour packed café food that is innovative and new. Try the kale, cauliflower and ginger soup; the brown funghi and kalamata olive pizza; the falafel wrap or chickpea burger, or the quinoa tofu with shiitake – all addictively delicious. The ready-prepared meals offer great flavours and interesting combinations too – be sure not to miss the tofu mayo, hot coriander salsa and ginger jelly. Everything here is free from gluten, sugar, wheat, dairy, preservatives and, of course, animals!

The drinks

No booze or coffee here – this is clean eating all the way! Try the amazing dairy-free hot chocolate, chai tea or freshly squeezed juice and coconut water.

The service

Place your order at the counter and relax – it’s all about the incredibly innovative and yummy food here.

The ambience

The look is pared down, quirky and playful – this is a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously, so come as you are and eat what you want!

And…

Check out the website www.freefood.co.za for specials, events and the newly introduced catering menu.