Namaste Nourishment only opened on Monday, but already the breakfast and dessert bar has attracted hordes of customers eager to dig into a plant-based menu.
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Owners Scott Keating and Markeeta Hines, who is also the raw food chef, said they decided on all day breakfast because it was their favourite meal, while the desserts are one of Ms Hines’ specialties.
“Our menu is something pretty different that Ballarat has not really seen before,” Mr Keating said.
“A lot of the food is raw, which means it’s not cooked above about 47 degrees.
“And a lot of people probably haven’t seen these foods before, but they’re extremely healthy.”
Ms Hines has spent the past two years working as a raw food chef in Bali and wanted to bring her skills to Ballarat, with the pair deciding to open an eatery.
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The name Namaste Nourishment means “the soul in me recognises the soul in you” and seemed fitting after working and travelling in Indonesia and India.
The menu caters for gluten free, refined sugar free, dairy free, paleo and vegan, with some of the early standout items including the mushroom burger, raw banana pancakes and the slices.
“It’s got nothing to do with being a vegan, it’s just that we don’t cook with any animal products,” Mr Keating said.
“We’re all about healthy eating and changing people’s perceptions of food, so there is definitely a niche for it and the market is certainly changing and Ballarat is changing.
“The response from the public has been absolutely amazing, we’re really taken aback and the feedback has been very, very positive.”
The delectable-looking cakes and slices are on display in a cabinet at the front counter, while there is even a breakfast and smoothie bar where you can design your own breakfast. There is also fair trade blend coffee and tea available.
Vegetarian Harri Dale said he had the vegan burrito when the cafe opened on Monday and was impressed enough to return on Tuesday afternoon, this time opting to try a dessert dish.
“I thought it was so good I just came back again to try something different,” he said.
Ash Plumridge, who is neither vegan nor vegetarian, said she also enjoyed the plant-based food on offer.
The cafe has received rave reviews on social media.
Located on Victoria Street, the cafe is open Monday to Friday 7am-3pm, and Saturday and Sunday 8am-4pm.
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