Many Australians are keen to seek raw food choices. The benefits of eating fresh, raw wholefoods are abound, even when satisfying those sweeter cravings. Vegan Life Magazine brings me loads of vegan inspiration; enough to set me out on my own little vegan travel adventures around town. Vegan raw desserts are easily found on Melbourne’s raw food scene so it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Here’s my latest journey to some of Melbourne’s yummiest spots for raw dessert – from a long-standing sweet tooth’s perspective!
Shoku iku in Northcote
This minimalistic shopfront has been a main-stayer in Northcote for a while now. Shoku iku’s organic, seasonal menu lures raw foodies in from all corners of Melbourne. It’s all thanks to raw food chef Yoko Inoueex who combines said ingredients with macrobiotic cooking techniques in her simple, Japanese cooking style. As the lunch and weekend dinner sittings bring in the crowds, the act of getting back to basics mid-morning that affords the most gratitude for this raw food destination. Grab a stool by the window to reflect over a pot of tea and serve of the day’s raw cake.
Shoku iku’s tea menu alone delivers a lengthy list of herbal and medicinal blends, depending on your inner needs. Then, there are the cakes, all lovingly and ethically crafted. The standout – when available – is a thick slice of Shoku iku’s raw mocha cacao cake. Being able to leave here feeling revitalised and more connected to this conscious-living and dining experience is a sure possibility. Remember to stay for lunch or return for a stunning, weekend dinner sitting.
Shoku iku 120 High Street Northcote 3070 0403 569 019. Open Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm, Saturday 9.30am to 7.30ish and Sunday 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar in Fitzroy
Radhey is Sanskrit for ‘being in the mode of goodness’ so short-order vegan and vegetarian dishes made from organic ingredients can be discovered at Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar. Here, food is prepared in a “food yoga” way so that customers can balance physically, emotionally and spiritually themselves. Choices are seasonal and updated regularly; including raw cakes, slices and chilled puddings.
Slices of raw blueberry or raspberry cheesecake may be found, while traditionalists can swoon over a raw brownie slice or raw carrot and almond cake. Whichever tickles your tastebuds, a chai latte or herbal tea accentuates the experience. The subtly spiced chai in Radhey’s signature blend with almond milk is delish as you can relax within the India-inspired surrounds. Sweet devotional songs waft overhead, too.
Radhey Kitchen and Chai Bar 336 Brunswick Street Fitzroy 3065 03 9077 8858. Open 7 days 12.00 noon to 9.00pm.
Urban Projuice in Albert Park
At the leafier end of Montague Street in Albert Park is where you’ll find Urban Projuice; a converted terrace premises come nourishing wholefood and juice bar. The tempting range of mains, breakfasts, nutritional drinks and raw dessert selection seems endless. From berry slices to banana chunks coated in cacao, there’s enough sweet goodness to cap off a lazy brunch. Urban Projuice’s friendly floor-staff can even suggest their favourites if you can’t make a timely decision.
Trade gets mighty busy here, so make a beeline for the back courtyard if the weather holds up. Ponder a serve of raw salted caramel slice, which is perfectly matched up to a turmeric ginger chai latte with almond milk or a warm Turkish apple juice with cinnamon. What else can you expect from these “down to earth” foodies? Satisfaction for the senses is to be expected.
Urban Projuice 315 Montague Street Albert Park 3206 03 9696 0048. Open Monday to Friday 7.00am to 4.30pm and Saturday to Sunday from 8.00am to 4.00pm.
Power Plant Café in Templestowe
Templestowe is home to plant-based café and eatery aptly named Power Plant. Melburnians can get a taste of ethically sourced ingredients across a salivation-inducing, vegan menu. Power Plant speaks its name in volumes when any of its healthy brekkie, lunch or dessert choices are devoured; proving that healthy food is delicious and empowering. Creating a sustainable food destination serving great coffee is another of Power Plant’s traits. Their raw desserts and sweets are just as affirming.
It’s advised to come for a relaxing lunch before diving into a raw sweet treat; there are stacks to choose from. If you happen to spot rounds of raw matcha green tea cake in the cabinet, I dare you to order one!
Power Plant Café 2-6 Swilk Street Templestowe 3106 03 8838 1282. Open Wednesday to Sunday 8.00am to 3.30pm.
Have you been inspired to create your own journey around your hometown for raw dessert? I’d love to hear about your adventures!
You can now get a copy of the July/August issue of Vegan Life Magazine if you need some vegan foodie inspiration! Subscription and subscription packages can be purchased too.
Disclaimer: I was supplied with a free digital copy of Issue 17 of Vegan Life Magazine.
