With more and more people becoming health conscious, the trend of #fitspo and #cleaneating is a fast growing, cultural phenomenon. Wholesome and healthy foods are not only good for the body, but they’re also damn good for the soul. Here are our top 5 places in and around Melbourne-town to get your daily dose of more than just kale, because even though the summer season is coming to a close, your summer bod must live on.
Patch Cafe
36 Bendigo St, Richmond
If Paleo eating sounds more appealing to you, and you love an all-day breakfast menu (and who doesn’t), don’t look any further than Patch café on Bendigo street, Richmond. Made with fresh and ethically sourced products, Patch is the first Paleo dedicated café that aims to put a spin on healthy eating with interesting flavour twists and bold eating. The menu changes seasonally, but the quality of the food stays the same.
The industrial space in which Patch is located gives it a very urban feel. The café is hidden down a bit of a laneway just off the street front, so keep your eyes peeled in case you miss it.
The all-day menu has your staples like ‘Let’s Smash It!’ smashed avo with poached eggs and spiced tomato salsa, pomegranates, quinoa and a wedge of burnt lime. Honestly, there’s so much going on with each dish – I’d recommend having a quick gander at the menu to get the full scale of it all (I’ve heard that the chili eggs are also a crowd favourite.)
Laneway Greens
2/242 Flinders Ln, Melbourne CBD
If you’re in a rush on your lunch break or maybe you’re trying to clock up your steps for the day, swing past Laneway Greens on Flinders Lane. This salad bar style of eatery is good for a take away meal, or if you’re lucky enough to score a seat in this small but cosy establishment, you can sit at the window and watch the world go by.
There is a salad here for everyone, and to keep things exciting, the menu changes its line-up twice a year. Salads range from Roasted Pumpkin with Feta, to Lentils and Ancient Grains, to Bok Choy and Chicken. If you’re not after a salad, fear not, they offer a range of granola and smoothie bowls, pressed juices, smoothies all of which as the option of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free if that’s what you desire.
Get in nice and early if you can, to avoid the lunch rush, but don’t let the crowds deter you from these healthy, delicious meals that your body will thank you for.
Yong Green Food
421 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
If you’re after healthy eating with an Asian flare, head to Yong Green Food located on Brunswick Street. Yong Green is not only vegan and vegetarian friendly, they also offer organic, gluten free and raw meals that are really damn delicious (not to mention super Instagram worthy).
Yong Green believe in conscious eating that is nourishing to the both the body and the earth. They work with accredited organic suppliers to make fresh and healthy food for all.
Although the restaurant has a strong Asian influence, the menu offers a wide selection of cuisines from around the world, from chili bean nachos (which can be vegan on request) to burgers and even raw lasagne… this place definitely has something for everyone.
Their dessert menu looks lavish with delights such as Tiramisu (raw, vegan, organic and gluten free) or a Caramel Slice (raw, vegan, organic, gluten free) that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
Fonda Mexican
Various Locations
‘Fonda’ translates to a small house that serves food. Fonda is a term that is associated with the coming together of people to enjoy home cooked food, ‘Mi Casa Su Casa’ – My House, Your House.
Located in Richmond, Hawthorn, Collingwood, Chadstone, Knox, CBD and Winsdor, Fonda brings Mexican street food to the suburbs and promises fresh, healthy, locally sourced food made with love. There is nothing to feel guilty about when enjoying these street inspired dishes, with tortillas made daily from fresh, organic corn and wholesome ingredients of beef, chicken or market fish – all of which have been sourced from The Queen Vic Market.
Each ‘house’ is open late and there is an extensive list of drinks that you can enjoy after work with your tacos or quesadillas or whatever takes your fancy (I can’t choose, they all sound so good!). There are gluten free options available, as well as some vegetarian options if you so desire.
Sounds like the perfect summer spot to me, but if you still want to enjoy some beautiful Mexican food in the dead of winter, wrapped in a blanket and drinking margaritas in the comforts of your own home, luckily they have a take away option as well!
Raw Trader
10 Sutherland St, Melbourne CBD
A café dedicated to healthy treats and desserts, without the added guilt? Sign me up! Actually, can I throw a futon out the back and live here?
Raw Trader promises all this and more, with special attention to all things vegan, organic, paleo, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free and of course, raw.
Located down a little alleyway in Sutherland Street, this cute café is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, and is a great place for an afternoon tea and a cake (or three). If you’re just looking to pop in and out, Raw Trader also offer a range of house-made teas, granola and other retail products. Everything sold here is made here, and everything is delicious.
Head on down and treat yourself – it’s 100% guilt free after all!
By Indah Da Silva
