Eating healthy when eating out can be a real challenge. Not just because the options in a restaurant tend to be cooked with a lot of oil or butter, but because the majority of healthier options tend to be pretty boring and bland. Banyan in Spinningfields have some new specials in both their food and drink menus that should scratch that healthy itch.
We tried two of the cocktails that have been designed using low abv spirits – the Elderflower Spritz for me and the Espresso Lowtini for my date. The elderflower spritz uses Atopia spiced citrus ultra low alcohol, which has 0.5% abv. They mix it with elderflower, lemon and lemonade for a slightly floral citrus fizz that is incredibly moreish. The lowtini uses Lyres Coffee Liqueur, which has no alcohol. They do include Cointreau for a little alcohol but this is mixed with coffee and a little sugar so it is still low in alcohol. It is sweeter than I like but if a sweeter espresso martini is your thing, this would be right up your street.
There were only two of the three healthy specials available when we visited – Watermelon and Feta Super Salad and Honey Sriracha Chicken, so we tried one of each. I wouldn’t normally order a salad like this as I always prefer a meat option to add a bit more substance but this is pretty tasty. There is a lot going on and it isn’t your basic ‘lettuce, tomato and cucumber’ affair. The chicory adds a lovely earthiness and the salty feta balances perfectly against the fresh flavours of the watermelon. There is crunch from the pumpkin seeds and almonds, and let’s face it anything with beetroot is an absolute winner.
The honey sriracha chicken is layered with sweet potato and topped with a soft fried egg, meaning the yolk dribbles all down and mixes with the sweet yet spicy honey sriracha glaze. It needs the bitterness of the rocket piled on top and it is a pretty small dish, but the flavours work well together and it is tasty.
There is also a chicken salad dish which I will definitely try next time, however I will always be drawn to that feta and watermelon salad even when presented with the normal food menu. There is change there for me, well done to Banyan for bringing that out and encouraging me to prefer healthier options on a menu.
Banyan Bar and Kitchen, Vantage Point, Manchester, M3 3PL
I was invited to dine at Banyan as a guest and was not asked to pay.
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