‘The chefs create magic’: where a nutritional therapist goes for brunch, vegetarian mezze and chocolate made from scratch

Katia Demekhina works as a nutritional therapist, does not follow dietary fads or trends, and believes in having good quality food cooked simply

In Hong Kong, she has a few favourites where the ingredients speak for themselves – the veggie dishes at Bedu and chocolate from scratch at Mono are highlights

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Baked aloo gobi at Veda, a restaurant in Hong Kong that a nutritional therapist calls one of her favourites.

Published: 11:15am, 23 Feb 2023Updated: 1:30pm, 24 Feb 2023

Katia Demekhina is a nutritional therapist specialising in women’s and hormonal health. She’s the founder of Omni Vitality and also a therapist at IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute) in Hong Kong. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

I love food. In fact, it is my love for food and its power that inspired me to leave finance and become a nutritionist. But I do not follow dietary fads or trends. I believe in good quality food cooked simply, letting every ingredient shine through. While I am an omnivore, I believe vegetables are core to the “food as medicine” approach.

For lunch, Dandy’s Organic Café (32 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2838 6166) is a real gem. The food is simple, letting the ingredients talk for themselves.

I cannot resist the warm vegan salad with colourful pumpkin, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, quinoa, nuts and seeds. The Thai-style fishballs with cashew are also to die for.

Katia Demekhina works as a nutritional therapist in Hong Kong. Photo: Katia Demekhina

Another much-loved lunch option is Veda (2 Arbuthnot Road, Central. Tel: 3755 3067). They make great set lunches, but I often order à la carte to share with friends. Do sit upstairs where it is more airy and bright.