Food Review: Guilt-free indulgence

If there is one thing that the food-loving people of Andheri miss out on, are healthy, vegan places. But with the newly-opened Kale & Kaffé, that’s a void that has been filled. The cafe has its heart in the right place with its vegan and Keto-friendly fare.  

The cosy little eatery beckons us and the downpour outside makes us reach out for a cuppa of hot Cappuccino (Rs 150) before we check out the menu. The thing that strikes us, apart from the soups, smoothies, wraps and sandwiches, is the inclusion of a fairly good number of salads. There is an option to make your own salad as well, with a whole lot of choice that include, base, toppings, protein, cheese, fruits and crunch and dressing.

We decide to start with the vegetarian version of the Kale Caesar (Rs 300) with iceberg, kale, parmesan cheese and croutons. The low-fat caesar dressing ensures that the calorie count stays at 450. The salad itself, is simple with clean flavours. We can see this becoming a favourite with the locals. The same applies to The Greek (Rs 400). We try the chicken version this time, with romaine, feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and pickled red onions. The lemon vinaigrette dressing on top is vegan and the addition of lentils gives it an extra crunch. The Not Just Falafel (Rs 380) with its baked falafel and the Summery Basil Pasta Salad (Rs 380) with its pesto dressing are interesting and filling additions to the menu.

All that salad chomping has made us thirsty, and we order a Very Berry smoothie (Rs 285). The raspberry, blueberry, banana and low fat Greek yoghurt concoction is yummy. We had been eyeing the toasties for a while and for good reason. The Paprika Mushroom & Truffle Oil Toastie (Rs 265) is un-sinfully delicious (it’s healthy, remember?) with its creamy mushrooms and beautifully roasted garlic. A close second is the Avo Toastie (Rs 265) which has a super creamy texture with avocado mash, pumpkin seeds and onions, and that kick of salsa, jalapenos and cilantro. We turn towards the dessert menu and pick out the Guilt Free Almond Vanilla Cake (Rs 200) and settle down to enjoy the moist cake slice with the roasted almonds on top as it continues to pour outside. Another cuppa cappuccino, maybe? 

At: 50 Laxmi Plaza, Building Number 9, off Laxmi Industrial Estate, New Link Road, Andheri (W)