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Plant Based food has seen a recent upsurge in interest; a 2016 Ipsos MORI poll found that the number of vegans in the UK has risen 360% in the last ten years, yet still the myth prevails that vegan food is bland and boring. EN ROOT owner Nish Modasia is here to change that perception- the South London born entrepreneur is on a mission to bring delicious plant based food to a market or event near you, so look out for EN ROOT’s goodness to go.
Meet the entrepreneur whose bringing plant-based food to the masses
Nish started the business EN ROOT in 2015 alongside his cousin Harshil Modasia and friend Thomas Price, originally based as a premise in Herne Hill (SE24). He draws on his Gujarati origins (as well as his extensive travels) to create a unique Indian fusion menu which has been striking a chord with locals across London. Last year, he decided to take the business mobile to reach more customers and literally be en route. ‘It’s all about inclusivity and normalising vegan food by breaking social barriers’ explains Nish.
He is certainly doing that –he provides vegan Curry inna Hurry to aspiring yogis at Treehouse Yoga in Southfields and perhaps more surprisingly for Old Emanuel Rugby Club where protein packed Dhal and Curry is served are served twice a week after they’ve trained. The initially sceptical athletes have been won over: “the food is amazing and we’re feeling more energised going into training and recovering faster…” says Charlie Whiteley. With 9 wins from 9 in their current season having just been promoted, it’s hard to argue with that!
Freshness is key to quality
In Keeping with Nish’s home grown ethos, he only uses seasonal market sourced ingredients, insisting that ‘freshness is key to quality’. He even collaborated with local south London artist Leo Miskin to design and spray paint his colourful van- seriously you can’t miss it. The bright yellow vehicle now stands as a beacon of nourishment at events across the UK.
Charles Thefaut recently spent some time with the team at Surbiton Festival. Nish walked him through the creation of a beetroot, leek and chickpea ‘Curry inna Hurry’; adding Gujarati spices, vegetables and pulses until we had a steaming pot of goodness to serve.
His infectious passion for the food was clearly rubbing off on the locals, many of whom came back for more. The ‘Raja Wrap’ was particularly popular, which encompasses 3 types of homemade bhajia falafels- balancing colour and authentic flavours wonderfully. You can also grab a Latin American inspired ‘Chai Avena’ drink, or even a particularly impressive vegan Mango Lassi. Those brave enough can also catch a bottle of the home-made ‘Raja Bonnet Sauce’ for more fire.
Education and youth engagement
Education and youth engagement are at the heart of this operation, ‘we used to match the prices to local chicken shops just so schoolkids would avoid eating rubbish…’ remembers Nish, who will be starting food workshops for young people across south London in 2018. By sharing the unique story of his dishes, and the clear health benefits Nish hopes to continue breaking down barriers across the UK. Perceptions about vegan food are beginning to change, and for this we should thank young businesses like EN ROOT, who not only promote the lifestyle, but ensure taste and nutrition match the ideal. Long may their rise continue.
For information on upcoming events and developments, and purchases, you can follow Nish here: www.enrootldn.co.uk
About the author
Charles Thefaut is a Freelance Writer, focusing on a range of Issues from Sustainability and Environmentalism to Philosophy and Psychology. Charles Studied Philosophy at King’s College London and has an MSc in Psychology from the University of Surrey. His personal website ‘Ataraxia Philosophy’ will be live soon.
