About Us

Welcome to Shlen

At Shlen we are committed to plant-based food that is delicious, accessible and inspiring. As a 100% plant based restaurant in Madrid, we are dedicated to sharing the flavours of the world without using animal products. Our approach unites the best of global cuisine with an ethical and sustainable vision. We firmly believe that eating healthy and cruelty-free does not mean giving up taste. That's why at Shlen we don't fry anything in oil: we use air fryers to preserve natural flavours and offer a healthier experience, taking care of you and the planet. Every time someone chooses to eat plant based in Madrid, they are doing more than just eating well. They are making a compassionate choice. Even just one plant-based meal can make a difference: it means saving an animal life and taking a step towards a more conscious world. Plate by plate, we at Shlen are working towards a kinder future. From taste to philosophy, everything we do aims to inspire positive change for animals, people and the environment.

Who we are

The Founders: Sheetal & Lennon

Shlen was born from a shared dream: to create a space where vegan food was synonymous with flavor, creativity, and respect for the world. It all began with a clear vision: to demonstrate that eating sustainably and cruelty-free doesn't mean sacrificing taste or quality. After deeply reflecting on sustainability in the food industry, Shlen's founders realized the uncomfortable realities of the traditional system, such as animal abuse and environmental impact. This reflection motivated them to take the step toward veganism, a change that wasn't easy, but it was fundamental. They discovered that the world of plant-based cuisine was full of possibilities. Over time, they began experimenting with recipes and blending international influences, fusing flavors from around the world into creative, flavorful dishes. The idea of creating something bigger than a simple diner grew stronger, and Shlen was born. In 2024, they found the perfect spot in Goya, Barrio Salamanca, and opened Shlen with a menu that reflects everything they've learned and experienced in plant-based cooking. A place where food is not only delicious but also a way to care for our bodies, the planet, and animals. And in 2025, with all the love and welcome they've received from those who've tried their cuisine, Shlen took a new step: the opening of their second restaurant in Chamberí. Same spirit, more flavors, and the same commitment to a cuisine that celebrates life.

Sheetal Shamdasani

Founder and Head Chef of Shlen

Hello! I'm Sheetal, founder and head chef of Shlen. I was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, raised in Madrid, and am the proud daughter of Indian parents. In my house, eating well wasn't optional... it was almost a ritual! Like a true Spaniard, I learned from a young age that food unites, celebrates, and comforts. #FoodieSinceAlways 😉 My journey toward a plant-based diet began when I realized that the energy we consume directly influences how we feel. Choosing veganism was a wellness decision, but as a foodie, I began to miss the intense, deep, and comforting flavors I grew up with. That's when my true adventure in the kitchen began: experimenting, researching, and reinventing my favorite dishes in 100% plant-based versions, without ever sacrificing flavor or texture. Because when what you eat comes from the energy of death, fear, or repression, that's exactly what you absorb. Food not only nourishes the body: it also nourishes the mind and soul. At Shlen, we choose ingredients that come from the earth, from life, from consciousness... so that each dish transmits joy, lightness, and good energy. Today, most of the recipes and desserts you find on Shlen are my own creations. Innovating in the kitchen is what inspires and drives me every day. My goal is simple: to show that plant-based food can be spectacular—flavorful, vibrant, indulgent… and deeply satisfying. In addition to my work as a chef, by day I'm a sales manager for a renewable energy company. Although the pace is intense, the motivation is clear: to contribute to a more conscious world on all fronts. My greatest inspiration has always been my mother. She has been cooking for over 45 years with love, dedication, and a talent that never ceases to amaze me. It was her cooking that guided us through our transition to veganism, and from her I learned the most important lesson: that the ingredient that can never be missing is love.

Lennon Andrades

Founder

Many clients ask me, "Are you vegan?" The answer is yes, but I haven't always been. My journey began while working on a project analyzing the world's top 100 food and beverage companies. What I discovered shook me to the core: many of the products we consume every day are not only unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable, but are also deeply linked to animal cruelty. Before Shlen, I worked as a Senior Director of Brand Strategy at BBDO, and when I moved to Spain, I worked in various sectors: events, software sales, franchise development... all experiences that taught me a lot about communication, business, and people. But I felt like I was missing something: I wanted to put all that learning to work for a more soulful purpose. This is how Shlen was born. We believe it's not enough to talk about what doesn't work: we need to offer alternatives. Options that are better in every way—tastier, healthier, and, above all, more compassionate. That's why every dish we serve at Shlen is a form of positive activism. We want people to discover that eating vegan isn't a sacrifice, but a pleasure. Our dream is that Shlen inspires more people to take small steps toward a kinder world. Because in the end, that's what it's all about: making the best of what we have, and doing it with gusto, with awareness… and with joy.