A Healthy Afternoon Tea
I recently experienced a truly healthy tea set in Indigo Age Cafe located in Gastown. The cafe itself specializes in vegetarian, organic, raw, vegan, gluten free and diabetic friendly food. Besides afternoon tea, their menu offers a variety of healthy meals, smoothies, kombucha and Ukranian dishes.
The tea set we had was both vegan and gluten-free which means that there was an absence of wheat, meat and dairy. Normally, the fat in the dairy is what makes a dessert great for me (even more than the sugar) so I was intrigued by how the desserts would turn out. Most of the fat and sugar in the sweet items derived from coconuts and dates respectively. It wasn’t really like the high fat desserts I was used to but I appreciated it for what it was. The savouries were a lot more satisfying and afterwards, I felt like I ate a very clean and lean lunch. The healthy selections didn’t end with just the food, even the included pot of tea was organic. I believe this may be the only vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea set being offered in Vancouver right now. In addition, usually, at other establishments there are extra charges for the gluten-free option and that is only if they offer it to begin with. Indigo Age Cafe is a must-visit for those who normally would not be able to partake in afternoon tea otherwise.
Until our next tea date.
XOXO,
Mimi
Gluten-free and vegan desserts on the dessert tier starting from left to right: COCONUT CREAM PIE – coconuts, dates; KEY LIME PIE – avocado, coconut, blue agave nectar, spinach, dates, almonds, plant fibre; GANACHE – raw cocao paste and powder, coconut oil, blackcurrant, maple syrup, dates ,almonds, carob powder.
From left to right: FRESH CUCUMBER with tzatziki sauce and dill; STUFFED TOMATO with raw fermented coconut-almond cheese, cashew sauce and pesto; STUFFED MUSHROOM with guacamole and salsa.
Sunflower-pumpkin veggie patty with cucumber, fresh greens tomato topped with guacamole.
Notable Points:
– One of the healthiest afternoon tea offerings in Vancouver.
– Vegan afternoon tea with other vegan dishes available on the menu for those on a plant-based diet.
– Gluten-free afternoon tea offering that doesn’t cost extra.
– Teas are orangic
– Homely, down-to-earth atmosphere
Ambience: Cozy little underground enclave that’s unpretentious and welcoming. Tree trunk tables adds a nice touch to the natural decor in the room. There are approximately 9 tables that can seat 2-4 people each. Only one small bar table by the window and it is elevated on a platform. It’s a small space that may not be well suited for large groups.
Scones: No scones included in tea set.
Savoury: There were 6 savouries that were plant-based and gluten free. They were all of a good size. Most were surprisingly delicious and satisfying. The stuffed tomato was my favourite.
Sweets: There were 3 sweets that were very small in size. They were all gluten-free and diary free which made them less creamy and buttery than usual desserts. I didn’t enjoy them very much for that reason but I did appreciate the fact that they were dairy free.
Tea:
An added bonus is the kombucha tea offering, on tap for $4.50. Healthy cold pressed juices and smoothies are also available for an added price.
Tea Ware: Simple modest tea ware consisting of a 3-tier glass tray and solid coloured ceramic tea pots.
Alcoholic Beverages: No alcoholic beverage service. See other tea services with alcohol here: Fairmont Vancouver, Trump Hotel, Laduree, Mosquito.
Service: Friendly and down-to-earth service. Servers checked on us occasionally.
Other notes:
♥ Vegan Gluten-Free Tea Set $34/for one, $65/for two people
(includes one pot of organic tea)
6 savouries, 3 sweets
♥ Reserve online only: (604) 622-1797
Served on Mon-Sat from 3-5pm, Sunday at 12pm and 2pm
♥ Parking: Limited meter parking available around the area. Closest parking lot is at 535 Richards St. called Easy Park and it also has spaces for EVO Car share cars. There are 2 spaced for Car2Go share cars on 592 Richards St.
Granville Skytrain Station is a 4 minute walk away.
♥ Address: 436 Richards Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z4 Canada
♥ TEL: (604) 622-1797
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