Everyone is RAVING about new raw restaurant on the block, Tanya’s Cafe. We couldn’t resist going to try some of their offerings (totally delish by the way) and interview its founder, Tanya, about why she decided to open the restaurant and why she is so passionate about what she does!
Why did you decide to open Tanya’s?
Being a wellness coach for 5 years and working in London with such busy people, and no matter how much you can inspire people to make raw food people always end up asking me to make it for them! I organise retreats throughout the year and my clients are inspired to make all of this raw food but when they get back to their busy lives they want to be able to get it elsewhere.
Why is raw food so important to you?
Raw Food is important for life. Another word for raw food is “living food.” It contains enzymes, everything you need to thrive, and promotes good digestion. I always encourage people to try eating raw food for one day. Just try it for one day and see for yourself, you will feel so much better!
How do you feel the London food scene is changing in terms of health and wellness?
It’s amazing! From when I arrived in London 5 years ago to now, there’s been a massive change. Raw food has become a lifestyle. It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle. People understand the differences between vegan, vegetarian and raw. Over one summer, London opened 25 new cold pressed juice bars, which is a huge change.
What’s a typical day like for you in terms of eating and exercise?
I love to start the day with something sweet, my ethos is to eat dessert first. Actually at my own wedding, we had our cake first. It gets your digestion going, when you begin thinking about sweet food, you start to salivate, and you line your stomach with hydrochloric acid, which helps with digestion. But if you eat sweet things when you are full, it just sits on top of everything and aggravates your digestion. I start with sweet chia, or a chocolate nut-shake, (my sweet surrender is so yummy) or a sweet green smoothie with tropical fruits. Then I would bike to work, so that’s part of my exercise. Lunch is always a big salad, lots of greens with a good dressing. To make your salad good you have to get the dressing right. Dinner is half cooked and half raw, always vegetables and plant based proteins. I am also a big snacker, so I graze on nut balls, energy bars, smoothies and lots peppermint tea. The only caffine I have is in matcha and chocolate. I also do pilates, yoga and rebounding on a trampoline.
What’s in the pipeline for Tanya’s?
Due to popular demand, we are really excited to have just added dinner service to accompany our superfood cocktails!