It is not a secret that I have built a business around the concept of tweaked and manipulated Persian food with respect to the knowledge I have gained from the traditional styles and indigenous ingredients. That's why when I hear about a Persian restaurant or a cafe that has daringly altered Persian food in any sort of way, I gear myself up to put on the feed bag.

Iranians are culturally obsessed with meat. Serving guests meat is a sign of respect and the lack of it might arouse some lasting gossips after the party. Up until a few years ago, it was notably difficult to find vegetarian or vegan dishes in Iran or even here in Holland, so you would be limited to snacks, bread, yoghurt, salad and picking in and around meat dishes.

New restaurants like Health Corner are a proof that Persian food is broader than its roots. Persian vegan and vegetarian dishes have become more known to the country.

Health Corner serves a wide variety of vegan salads, soups, wraps and desserts. My favourite of all was their saffron rice pudding (shole zard). It was creamy and nutty and the aroma of its saffron was a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Persian food is intertwined with herbs, spices and nuts. Health Corner has successfully managed to showcase these inseparable ingredients in their dishes despite veganism. This visit was on own initiative without invitation or payment by the restaurant.

Feel free to check some of my Persian or Persian-inspired vegan and vegetarian recipes.