The Japanese kitchen is one of my favorites and I love discovering new and healthy cafés which incorporates both Japan and health under one roof. Otabé in Putney is such a place and if you ever find yourself in South West London you should try it. Their Matcha Latte is divine as is their brown rice porridge. After my lovely big bowl of vegetable donburi (rice and vegetables) I decided to create one at home which reminded me of Otabé’s version as this is a dish I could seriously have daily.

It is really a big bowl of mixed veggies on top of brown rice with sesame and vinegar dressing – in other words nothing fancy. Which is exactly what I love about Japanese food, the simplicity and purity of flavors. This mineral rich lunch bowl is a great way of eating your greens, loading up on healthy fats whilst enjoying comfort food and would make a mean lunch box too. Here’s how:

Veggie Don

1 avocado, sliced

1 heaped tbsp wakame seaweed

1 shredded carrot

1/4 fennel, sliced

sesame seeds

1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

1/2 tbsp sesame oil

1 cup brown rice

Cook brown rice according to instructions. Let cool. Soak the dried sea weed (wakame) in warm water for about 10 minutes until soft and floppy. Whisk vinegar, sesame oil and tamari sauce together.  Place the rice in a bowl, add the prepared vegetables in groups on top of the rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and add the dressing last. Let it soak in and enjoy! x