FOOD : When you feel like you need something healthy. ITSU

I always feel that Asian food is healthier for you. The food always contains way more vegetables than our beige food and they most definitely know how to get us hooked on umami.

A few years ago Itsu brought out their frozen Gyozas, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Expensive then, they’ve now reached a price of around £4.00 per bag so this is now a real luxury in our house.

Itsu opened their shop in the St James Quarter Edinburgh, last year but I have never been. However visiting London a few weeks ago, this Itsu cafe/sit in takeaway hybrid was close to my hotel and after a day of Great Taste Judging in the spirits category, I felt I needed some tasty and healthier sustenance.

REVIEW OF ITSU CAFE, SOUTHWARK LONDON

Many of their dishes are available in the fridges or in the warmer like the gyozas. You place and pay for your order via a large stand along touch screen, and anything that requires more ‘cooking’ is dished up and plated behind the counter.

All the food is served as ready to go/take-away but you can sit in and eat. The counters and seats are all high, with condiments and chopsticks provided. The place is pretty with pops of pink and orchids dotted around.

I drenched my chicken gyozas in soy sauce. These were steamed. Hot, kinda sticky and quite lush. Settling in my tummy very well.

However it was the soup I had come for and boy does it live up to its name - Itsu’s Famous Coconut Chicken Soup. Popping the lid off released the wonderful aroma of coconut, ginger, Thai spices and warm chicken soup. It’s loaded with chicken, brown rice and seasonal greens. It was like a big hug and a side dish of contentment.

I will definitely visit an Itsu cafe again. Their food is good and hearty and perfect for a quick stop off, quick bite to eat at lunch or dinner.

ITSU, 65 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0HR www.itsu.com

My Spoon Award : Silver 8/10