Kindness to your body and the planet is what Nourish’d CAFÉ & JUICERY is all about. One look at their vibrant and beautifully curated Instagram page will get your tastebuds going, wondering why it is that you haven’t yet been to this popular local eatery. This plant-based cafe and juice bar is taking Cape Town’s healthy living and eating scene to the next level!
Invited to attend the launch celebrations of their renovated space, I was sadly unable to make it that day. It seems that I missed out on a really groovy event.
Tucked away directly off Kloof Street in the vibey Gardens area, I met up with Marketing and Communications Manager, Sam Chambers. He filled me in on expanding the business during a global pandemic (how amazing is that?), their sustainability journey and deliciously healthy menu.
“HEALTH IS A STATE OF COMPLETE HARMONY OF THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT”. – BKS IYENGAR
This quote greets you as you enter the light, bright, plant-filled space. My first choice for seating is always outside, but as it was a typically cool Spring day in the Mother City, I settled inside beside the window and ordered a Café Latte while waiting for Sam. The outside area features a wrap-around deck with a counter and benches, palm trees in pots and hanging plants – a relaxed spot to chat, eat and watch the world go by on a sunny day.
Nourish’d was founded by Natasha Napoli aka Tash in 2017 when she transformed her Dad’s old garage into a tiny juicery. Her passion for the planet and healthy eating has resulted in this plant-based, zero-waste café and juicery becoming one of Cape Town’s most popular spots, with local and international visitors flocking here in their droves.
What impresses me most about Nourish’d? Is it because the business is female-owned with the entire renovation, store and launch event brought together by 90% woman-owned small businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives? Or their genuine commitment and passion for conservation and protecting the planet through their sustainable and ethical initiatives? Perhaps it is the healthy and delicious plant-based organic food that is sourced locally with none of the bad stuff, so it’s kind to your body and the earth. It is most definitely a combination of all of the above.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Sam’s passion and dedication are evident as he talks about Nourish’d, its people, core values and sustainability initiatives. He positively lights up when taking me through the extensive and utterly delicious-sounding menu. You’ll find a wholesome array of tantalising vegetarian and vegan juices, smoothies, sandwiches, burgers and tasty sweet treats. ‘Boobalicious’, ‘I Falafel In Love With You Wrap’ and ‘Jack Me Off Burger’ are just some of the creatively named items that elevate this delectable menu.
I chose the Galaxy Bowl and tucked into this wholesome dish with great relish! Teriyaki Tofu, brown rice, fresh pineapple cubes and a host of other healthy goodies drizzled with a sesame miso dressing had my tastebuds doing a happy dance. Sam suggested we share the Sweet Potato Fries with homemade vegan aioli and boy, was that a great idea! I would return for the fries alone.
The menu also boasts a wide range of immune-boosting, cold-pressed juices and healing tinctures. The Sunrise Salutation with Orange, Carrot, Lemon and Echinacea was just what my body needed. It was super fresh and zesty – pure deliciousness in a bottle! I didn’t have space for a sweet ending, so I chose some tasty treats to go. The moreish Millionaire Shortbread was deliciously decadent and tastes even better than a regular one, while their take on a Ferrero Rocher chocolate ball gets my vote a hundred times over. Sweet treats without ‘nutritional nastiness’? Yes please!
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH rPET?
With sustainability at the core of Nourish’d’s eco-friendly ethos, doing their best for the planet and its people is of utmost importance to the team. Their deep desire to understand the various effects of different packaging, supply chains and composting methods led to a drastic change from glass bottles and bio-plastic containers to rPET bottles and takeaway items.
For one, rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the eco-friendlier alternative to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). They changed their packaging from glass bottles to rPET in July 2021 based on their own research around the impact of packaging in all its forms, as well as a thorough ecological report.
Partnering with Imagined Earth, they have placed a ‘Reverse Vending Machine’ in their Kloof Store. This, along with an online resource for customers on how to responsibly recycle their waste, is one of Nourish’d’s innovative initiatives to eco-educate the public.
The benefits of using rPET bottles far outweigh using glass bottles. Perhaps the most notable benefit is that rPET water use is 52% less than for glass. rPET uses 120l of water while glass uses 250l (based on a 1l bottle across its entire life cycle).
Using the Reserve Vending Machines is a no brainer as you are rewarded for recycling with discounts, cash and other rewards through Imagined Earth’s app. In the near future, all Nourish’d packaging will be accepted and recycled in the Imagined Earth Reverse Vending Machine at the Kloof Street store. Read more about how the Reverse Vending Machine works and where the other machines are located in Cape Town.
The one potential downside of rPET is that it could end up as marine litter. We all know that there is already far too much plastic pollution in our oceans. But as educated and empowered consumers with a great love for our beautiful planet, you are aware that rPET bottles must be responsibly recycled. Nourish’d is happy to do this for you, so no excuses!
Do yourself a favour and visit Nourish’d for some delicious, wholesome goodness that not only benefits your body, mind and soul but our precious planet as well.
Nourish’d at 177 Kloof Street is open Monday to Sunday from 7.30 am – 5.00 pm. They are open on public holidays, but best to check their social pages for any changes. Deliveries can be arranged with Mr D and UberEats.
Phone: +27 (64) 755-2431
Disclaimer: I was invited to experience Nourish’d CAFÉ & JUICERY for review purposes. Images supplied by Nourish’d, except for the Galaxy Bowl image. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to.
Yours in Sustainability
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
