Last night my spirits were lifted by not one, but three, heart warming and belly loving treats: a night at a comedy show, a chance to support an amazing cause close to my heart, and a delicious Vegan South Indian feast. Proof that Monday’s aren’t always evil!

Stand Up for Animals was a jam packed night at the Comedy Store in London,  in aid of the fantastic animal protection charity Humane Society International.  The line-up included awesome comedians Alistair Barrie, Aisling Bea, Rob Deering, Alasdair Beckett-King and Stewart Francis to name just a few. All proceeds from the night went to funding HSI’s animal protection campaigns and projects on the ground in the UK and around the world.

HSI projects include ending Asia’s cruel dog meat trade; global efforts to end trophy hunting of wild animals such as elephants and lions; campaigns to end England’s badger cull, Spain’s cruel bull fiestas and bullfights, the killing of animals for their fur around the world. This is all in addition to HSI’s disaster relief veterinary team who attend earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters to rescue and treat injured and trapped animals across the globe. These guys are pretty busy saving the world!

Despite it actually being a mixed audience of vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters, the show had a dedicated vegan menu on offer at bargain prices. We, however, had to pass on the food on offer as our bellies were still full to the brim with happiness from our trip to a London gem just around the corner: Sagar Vegetarian restaurant in Covent Garden.

Sagar Vegetarian Review

Specialising in incredible South Indian cuisine, and epic Dosas, Sagar have a specific vegan menu full of original and traditional dishes to try.

Having become addicted to Dosas during my visit to Kerala last year, I didn’t need to browse the menu for long to decide my choice (a rarity for me!). But first up I wanted to try some of their starters; purposely avoiding the regular street food Samosa and Bhaji you find on regular Indian menus in the UK, and branching out to something a little more exciting.

First up was the Medu Vada; Fried lentil doughnuts, soft in the middle and crispy on the outside; accompanied by a coriander coconut dip, and sambar.

We also shared the Idli – Gently steamed rice dumplings served with sambar and coconut chutney. These were fascinating little spongy dumplings with a cake like consistency and tasty chunks of cashews inside.

Next up was my Dosa! Having watched other diners receive a variety of sizes, shapes and colours, I wasn’t sure what to expect from my Mysore Masala Dosa: a rice & lentil golden pancake filled with potato, onions, carrot and a special coconut chutney. And boy was I surprised! Unlike the standard long, rolled pancake, I received a large, slightly red triangular parcel filled to the brim with delicious spiced potato and chutney!

Again, just like the two starters, the dosa was accompanied by the sambar and coconut chutney – something I was pretty much over after having it twice already – but it worked well with the pancake. We also tried the coconut lentil Sambar with rice and Chappathi – which was very mild, lightly spiced but very filling!

The dishes were all reasonably priced for central London, and with two starters, two mains, bread, rice and two beers it came in just under £50. But best of all, it was so nice to look and the menu as a vegan and know I could have absolutely anything I wanted!!