Dark woods, a fridge stocked with fresh coconuts, green plants, white exposed brick walls with inspirational health phrases. Evergreen feels every inch a vegan venue, and it’s certainly one of the most pleasant café settings in the city.
All the usual vegan suspects are on the menu – spiralised veg, salads, smoothies – but overall, the food is far more exciting than that. The tacos are spicy, and layered with vibrant Mexican flavours, so much that you barely – if at all – notice the absence of tortillas.
The same can be said of the raw beet ravioli. We’re surprised – shocked even – at how the combination of mushrooms and cashew cream mimic the taste of a cheesy filling. Sceptics of the “but I could just never give up cheese” variety, eat your hearts out.
Both dishes are satisfying, but if you want something a little more carby and filling, there’s a selection of toast topped with everything from pea, mint and wild maine dulse seaweed to mango and avocado, or a sandwich filled with the unusual combo of lettuce, radish and homemade kimchi.
Everything is richly spiced and layered with interesting flavours. The jungle bowl, for example, is made with quinoa, sweet potato, kale and avocado, and comes with a lime-banana dressing (trust us, it works). You can also add all sides like homemade almond feta, living sprouts, chia jam or sautéed greens.
Puddings, too, easily satisfy that post-meal craving for something sweet, and we love the local flavours of saffron, rose and pistachio in the (very large) Arabian dream chia pudding.
Healthy ingredients aside, creativity is at the heart of this café. Evergreen’s flavour combinations are unusual and intriguing. But, crucially, it’s all delicious, too. So leave your stubborn pre-conceptions behind and go and try this place. It’s not about novelty, or food fads, just interesting, healthy, fresh food that anyone can enjoy, vegan or not.
The bill (for two)
1x tacos QR40
1x Beet ravioli QR65
1x Almond butter sandwich QR65
1x Jungle bowl QR80
1x Arabian dream pudding QR50
1x Chocolate torte QR50
Total QR350
The bottom line
If it doesn’t convert you to veganism, it will at least keep you coming back.
