A Sephardi Kashrut Authority licensed kosher vegan restaurant has opened in London’s East End.

Food Map Co in Cable Street is the brainchild of Brazilian-born Grace Polette, whose family history dates back to Italian farmers. She was brought up on a non-meat diet and credits the influences of her mother and grandmother, who prepared appetising meals from fresh local produce.

“Everything I cook holds memories of my childhood and my dishes are inspired by bringing Middle Eastern and British cuisine together,” she explained.

Ms Polette moved to London at the age of 18 and pursued her culinary passion after Cambridge studies and a banking career.

Sephardi Beth Din kashrut division head Dayan Yossi David was “very enthused to have on board the UK’s first kosher certified vegan restaurant.

“We’re in a fortunate position to be able to bring kashrut to East London, an area once synonymous with Jewish life.” 

Aaron Isaac, director of the Sephardi Kashrut Authority, noted that “those working in Canary Wharf will be just a few stops away on the DLR, or they can order their food on Just Eat.” And the restaurant was a bus ride from the historic Bevis Marks Synagogue.