NumRaw – takeaway review

“There are so many interesting places – that’s what I love about Bristol,” says a woman in the queue for NumRaw, the new vegan takeaway van in Castle Park.

And she’s not wrong: as soon as you think you know the city like the back of your hand, another venture will throw open its doors, or a piece of artwork will crop up somewhere unexpected.

NumRaw, Bristol’s newest plant-based foodie offering, has kept vegans waiting in a state of anticipation for some time, with the van tantalisingly in position for weeks, but the shutters firmly shut.

After taking the time to perfect their recipe, the two-man team behind the business have finally thrown open the windows and, judging by the raw-ing trade this Monday lunchtime, are being warmly welcomed by the city’s workforce.

The shiny black, split screen VW campervan, with its understated signage, hanging fruit and display of Egyptian-inspired vegan street food, is the latest in Bristol’s ever-bulging basket of vegan eateries, following hot on the heels of Eat Your Greens in Totterdown and Koocha Vegan Mezze Bar on Zetland Road, to name just a couple of recent openings.

For many diners, the variety and quality of the food available is proving a revelation, while to long-term vegans, it must come as a relief to have such a rich wealth of cuisine suddenly at their fingertips.

Numraw is no exception.

The preparation is a delight to behold, as pulses, salads, sauces and crunchy toppings are liberally added to the bowl (with the option of a large for £5.50 or smaller for £4), the scent of fragrant ingredients filling the summer air.

Tap water is available from large glass dispensers, or treat yourself to a specially blended iced tea (each £2) to accompany the meal – there is a choice of honey and lemon iced tea or pink lemonade on the menu this Monday.

The nourishing bowl of lentils, chickpeas and pearl barley, with refreshing tabbouleh salad, is artfully blended with a warm and tangy tomato sauce, plus additional dressings available to give the combination an extra kick.

Koshari is sold in restaurants and stalls in Cairo and the duo behind NumRaw want to introduce this nutritious and tasty style of cuisine to the masses in Bristol.

It is wholesome, hearty fodder, just perfect for repairing the body after an indulgent weekend and providing an energising lift to help fuel you through the day, without the heaviness of more traditional British takeaways.

The iced tea provides a refreshing accompaniment, the soothing honey a welcome alternative to sugar-laden shop-bought drinks.

It is served in a plastic cup, with a plastic straw, which may be hard to avoid for a takeaway joint, but does seem a shame at a time when sustainability is widely recognised as a vital consideration. Perhaps a re-usable cup scheme, or something similar, could be introduced in the future.

Overall, NumRaw offers a winning combination of inventive, nutritious and – most importantly – simply delicious food. It is fast carving out a reputation among the crowds in Castle Park and may even be spotted on the festival circuit in the near future.

Bristol is quickly becoming the vegan capital of the country – and as long as the food is this good, long may the rise of the plant-based diet continue.

NumRaw, Castle Park High Street, Bristol, BS1 2AW
www.numraw.com

Read more: Koocha – restaurant review