KAI, in St Martin's Square, offers delicious, healthy food
Mince pies, fruit cake, cheese and biscuits. We're all guilty of indulging in rich, calorific food at this time of year.
So, why not break with tradition and go for something that is both delicious AND healthy? (You know your body will thank you for it.)
That's where the lovely folks at new independent kitchen KAI can help.
They provide well balanced, healthy and flavourful food, made using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.
Pancakes made with organic flour and topped with mixed berries, bananas and maple syrup? You got it.
Homemade chicken curry with mint chutney? No problem.
There's all that and much more at KAI, which has opened in St Martin's Square, Leicester.
Kiran Nagra and Aidan Kettle outside their independent kitchen, KAI
The duo behind the new eatery are business partners and foodies Kiran Nagra and Aidan Kettle, who met when Aidan gave Kiran her first restaurant job in September 2013.
Kiran - who is the younger sister of Bend it Like Beckham and ER actress Parminder Nagra - had begun a food blog and was keen to experience life in a restaurant kitchen.
With no experience but bags of passion, Kiran successfully applied for the position of chef de partie at The Parcel Yard in London Road, Leicester.
She spent three years gaining experience in different kitchens in Leicester, then a year running her own pancake street food business.
Kiran's goal, though, was to have her own restaurant - a goal which she shared with Aidan, who has been a chef for 15 years, working at Leicester restaurants including The Parcel Yard, Bill's and 1573 Bar & Grill.
"We both wanted to open our own restaurant that offered a healthy and unique experience, so we came up with KAI which actually stands for Kiran and Aidan's Independent kitchen," says Kiran.
It also happens to be the name of her nephew (Parminder's son) - which made him very happy, she says.
The independent kitchen makes everything in-house, including all of its gluten free sweet treats.
KAI offers a brunch menu, featuring pancakes made from organic flour, and organic granola.
Pancakes with mixed berries, bananas and maple syrup
There's also a varied lunch menu, including homemade curries with an 'epic' mint chutney, and fresh superfood salads with the option of adding your own protein.
Drinks include turmeric and matcha lattes, which are bursting with antioxidants.
KAI also has big plans, centred around the Buddha bowls which they serve in the evening, to "redefine the evening dining experience in Leicester", according to Kiran.
Hearty, healthy Buddha bowls are available at KAI
Buddha bowls a.k.a. hippie bowls, are hearty, healthy dishes made with raw or roasted veggies and quinoa or brown rice. KAI's Buddha bowls come with a twist, with added toppings of seeds and dressings. You also have the option of adding protein.
Mmm, sounds good to us. And, as Kiran says:
"Healthy eating does not have to be boring and going out to eat does not have to be unhealthy."
NEWS REFERANCE: LEICESTER MERCURY
