by Raymondo (
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A newcomer to Melbourne, I love exploring the city and sourrounds by day and night, finding bargains, learning new things, the great outdoors and Melbourne life in general.
The newly opened
World Vegetarian Café is described as "the Place for healing cuisine". A family business managed by two sisters, the café is already attracting a regular customer base.
This is understandable given the bright, spacious interior, personalised customer service and diverse and healthy menu.
Serving breakfast, light snacks and lunch, the café caters to many food intolerances and offers daily specials in addition to the regular menu.
Service is prompt and friendly. I was brought a newspaper and served my meal within five minutes of ordering.
The breakfast menu is fairly extensive but I settled on the cardamom pancakes served with berry compote and coconut yogurt. It was a generous portion with two large pancakes and very tasty.
The lunch menu features salads, soups, curry, rice paper rolls and dosas, amongst other hot and cold options. If you have room, treat yourself to a home cooked cake or muffin. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, raw and gluten free deserts too.
Hot drinks, smoothies and fresh juices are available and I created my own fresh juice which was perfect.
If you are a chai lover, then take advantage of the chai happy hour between 3pm and 6pm, where all chai is half price.
Kids are not forgotten with a special menu of toasties, fruit bowl, pizza or kitchari (an Indian rice dish). It makes a refreshing change from the usual burgers, fish fingers or sausages and chips. They also provide a special area with smaller tables and toys.
Currently, there is no outdoor seating in the courtyard but there is seating in the street at the front. The temperature in the café is a little cold but I am sure it will warm up when summer hits and more people flock inside to enjoy the great food.
I will be back to sample the lunch menu and make sure I leave room for desert.
