SANO TO GO; Fad-free healthy food

Just occasionally something comes along which is not entirely seafood but is so good that I have to share it with you.  Such is the case with Sano To Go a new concept in healthy 'grab-and-go' food which has just opened in London. I am grateful to lifestyle blogger, Georgia (She.seas) who visited them last week and has written this entertaining piece.   

It’s one o-clock and hunger has struck. You’re in the office, realise you’ve been sat at your desk since eight a.m. and the recurring conflict hits the brain (as it does every lunchtime): healthy or tasty? Well now you can have both, Sano To Go is a nutritionally balanced fast food joint with an emphasis on the idea that you can get a good-for-you lunch without the pretence, just keeping it simple with minimal processing and good quality ingredients.

The store itself is also a game changer in comparison to the usual pit-stop lunch spot. Picture bright open spaces, neutral textured wood and metal with accents of turquoise to keep it cheery. The lighting is the perfect shade of natural warmth and the hanging filament bulbs are encased in science-lab style conical flasks; a fun touch.  The kitchen is also on display where you can see the chefs buzzing around like bees in their hive of good food and equally good moods. Although the store is set a little off from the hustle and bustle of Chancery lane’s main street, the location is actually what makes chilling out at Sano To Go such a pleasant experience. We spend so much time battling the masses just to get to and from work, we at least deserve an hour of serenity during our lunch break, right?

Most importantly, the food. What I loved about this fundamental aspect of the café is that it isn’t overcomplicated, contains ‘normal’ ingredients and above all, it tastes damn delicious. The thought behind the somewhat bare interiors became clear as soon as I started stuffing my face: the food does the talking. Each ingredient in the dishes provides a rainbow of colours and perfect harmony of flavours. I had the chickpea and ras-el-hanout burger, topped with spiced tomato, turmeric cabbage, spinach and pickled red onion. The patty and toppings were sandwiched within a granary roll and oozing with tahini dressing, it was by far the juiciest of veggie burgers and yes, I was covered in it once I’d finished… note to self: accept the complimentary napkins next time. The flavours were delightful despite the messy after effects; a blend of Moroccan spices and meaty chickpeas with the perfect accompaniment of creamy tahini in a chewy, nutty bun. It’s safe to say it was worth the copious number of face wipes that followed.

Upon leaving Sano To Go, my eyes wandered toward the counter once more and clocked the pretty little array of less than guilty treats sat next to the drinks and salad pots. Though my stomach was definitely satisfied, my dessert belly had room for something sweet to complete the meal. I opted for the raw millionaire shortbread and I will most definitely be back for another. In a nutshell; there was a crunch through the light chocolate first layer, a criminally gooey caramel centre and a perfectly balanced firm base of biscuit. Sounds like your ideal millionaire slice right? Well expect to eat it again because this one contains only natural sweetness (dates, maple syrup) and the base is made from almond flour making it gluten free too. Suddenly dessert doesn’t seem so much of a blowout. What I loved most was that I didn’t find I was still craving that ‘real’ sugar sensation, my taste buds were perfectly satisfied and in fact I’d even choose these treats over the traditional version I used to get from the local bakery after school (and they were really, really good.)

To sum up Sano, (yes, we’ve nicknamed you now that we’re friends) I’d say it’s a great place to go if you are after something satisfying but fits in with a nutritious, balanced diet. It’s not pharmaceutically healthy, nor is everything raw and plant-based, but it caters to the ‘normal’ people (like us) who want to fill up on food we really enjoy; whilst doing good to our insides.