Colors of life

[Photo provided to China Daily]

In traditional and modern medicine, turmeric has been used to treat conditions ranging from headaches, bronchitis and menstrual problems to various skin conditions.

For those feeling more carnivorous, there is a meaty version of the crepe that adds Hunan ham, mushrooms, blanched pea pods, pea shoots and a fried egg. This "Hunan meets Paris" uses a totally lean and less salty" ham that won't have you grasping for the nearest jug of water, the menu promises. The Hunan ham also appears in a grilled cheese sandwich with a sunny side up egg, five-grain bread, mozzarella cheese, mustard, bechamel sauce, watercress and pickled beets.

Two of the most colorful plates highlight the lunch menu.

The baked falafel salad is a healthier preparation than the usual deep-fried version, with roasted chick peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mixed lettuce, pickled carrot and beet, tahini dressing and a luminous beet hummus.

"I think I ate 1 kilogram of chick peas before I was happy with the dish," Zhou says with a chuckle. If that was a sacrifice, the results are well worth it.