A restaurant owner is proving cafe’s can serve up healthy foods by ditching the greasy dishes he used to serve.

Kush Karakus, owner of Merals, in Cricklewood Lane, has won the Smart Swaps Silver award in Barnet for his efforts.

The initiative, run by Re, a joint venture with Capita and Barnet Council, encourages restaurateurs to reduce the fat, salt and sugar content in their food.

Mr Karakus said: “Making the changes to how I make dishes was easy.

“It’s not costly and the food is tasty. I care about the food I make and know how important it is for my customers to know what’s in the meals I serve.”

Environmental health officers are working closely with local businesses by offering awards for making ‘Smart Swaps’ by exchanging unhealthy for healthy ingredients.

Toolkits for businesses which gives tips and suggestions of how they can make small changes to their food without losing flavour are available from the council.

More information can be found online at www.barnet.gov.uk/healthycateringcommitment.