It’s World Vegan Month and we thought there was no better time to try out Justbe Cafe’s new menu. The cafe, which opened about two years ago, takes a holistic approach to cooking with farm fresh ingredients, that are high on nutrition and taste. The cafe has also been pushing the boundaries with its plant-based dishes and that made us want to try this revamped menu; and it definitely impressed us.
The cafe is set in a charming 70-year-old house. Our diiner started with a flourish, as we were served a Pina Colada in a golden pineapple-shaped goblet. The drink was a blend of pineapple juice and coconut mylk (‘mylk’ is a term used for plant-derived milks), and the freshness of the flavours really stood out. Our favourite was the Buttermylk. The drink, made from cashew, rice and peanut mylk, was brought to the table and smoked with coal and jeera. This beverage won’t make you miss the tang and spice of the real deal.
The comforting Chef’s Special Soup was the first dish on the table. Our server poured two soups, Tomato Lemongrass and Roasted Pumpkin, in to the bowl containing a swirl of soy cream. The dish was perfectly balanced with the contrast of the tangy and tomato the hearty pumpkin. The soy cream is slightly on the sweeter side, but adds depth of flavour to the dish. Next, for something textural, we tried the Go Nuts Salad. The dish was packed with mixed greens and veggies, lots of nuts, and a cashew cream dressing.
Raw food is another trend gaining ground in India as well, and for followers of that diet, the Raw Beetroot Ravioli is a must-try. Almond ricotta is wrapped in slices of beet and served with a citrusy salad. The velvety ricotta and the crunchy beetroot made for a good combination. A visual treat — the Black Rice Maki arrived next. It was a dish of sticky organic black rice rolls containing nori sheets, tofu and peppers. The cashew cheese and Sriracha mayo it was served with it was delicious. We also tried the Bombay Vada Pav and the Indian Maharaja Pizza. The former was a little dry, but the gluten-free pizza impressed with its amaranth flour base.
For dessert, we tried two sinful treats — Choffee Pudding and Berry Nest. The pudding was their take on Tiramisu with dark chocolate whipped cream made of soy mylk and coffee cream. The Berry Nest has Oreo cream (Yes, Oreos are surprisingly vegan!), and fresh fruits topped with dark chocolate.
With a fully no-oil kitchen, warm and friendly staff, and guilt-free dishes, Justbe Cafe is recommended for vegans and the ‘vegan-curious.’
Rs. 1,000 for two. At Sadishvnagar
anagha@newindianexpress.com
@anaghzzz