Eating organic is becoming popular in Abu Dhabi. But is it just a health trend used to drive up produce prices?
UAE-grown concept Organic Foods & Café has opened a new organic eatery inside Nation Towers. Although there is a grocers in Masdar City, this is the company’s first sit down café in the capital.
To reach the outlet we walk through its supermarket, which is stocked with organic produce and meat cuts, gluten-free baked goods and everything a vegetarian, vegan, or health-conscious gourmet might need to stock their fridge.
The café sits at the back of the store. Its simple, linear décor is dominated by green walls and it also boasts a large window with views of the Corniche.
Two blackboards list the daily food and drink specials.
We start by sharing one of the café’s signature dishes: black lentil and feta cheese salad with honey balsamic dressing. We like the contrasting textures of crunchy lettuce and soft lentils and cheese.
As a main, we choose penne pasta with mushroom, basil tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese, a simple dish with an unexpected spicy note.
Our guest opts for chicken curry with steamed rice and salad, a healthy yet filling selection.
We end the meal with something new: a chia seed pudding. Chia seeds help boost energy as they contain protein, fibre, antioxidants and calcium. While we have tried them inside soups and smoothies, we have never experienced a dessert that features them as a main ingredient.
A cup arrives full to the brim with banana slices. The chia seeds rest in a thick coconut cream with a hint of maple syrup. As fans of bananas and coconut, this pudding is a definite winner.
As the new year brings a renewed push to eat better and exercise more, places like Organic Foods & Café make it easier to keep up our good intentions.
The great selection of flavourful, hearty dishes dispels the myth that organic eating means raw, bland and overpriced food.
Laura Volpi
