Kindered Kitchen Restaurant Review: Refreshing and creative flavours

It's always great to try a new novelty restaurant, especially when at the heart of the city.

Inside Kindered Kitchen restaurant. [Image by Esihle Faltein]

By Esihle Faltein

I recently came across this restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised, even more so when I found out it’s the first plant-based restaurant to open in Gqeberha. Situated in the vibrant and artistic Richmond Hill, among various other eateries, bars, and boutique stores, Kindered Kitchen offers something unique and special.

Since opening its doors, Kindered Kitchen has made remarkable triumphs in the hospitality industry over the past few years. Kindered Kitchen won the Faithful to Nature Eco award. Kindered Kitchen has also featured in numerous publications such as Food, Taste Magazine, Home Magazine, Top 500 Restaurants in South Africa, and The Herald Newspaper.

When making your way to the entrance, you cannot help but notice all the greenery on the patio through the glass balcony and the bold logo and sign “Kindered Kitchen" the greets you in.

On our way inside, we met our waiter, who was very friendly and accommodating. Our waiter led us to our table outside, where we enjoyed the warm sun and serene view. After ordering our hot beverages, we soon went in as it started to become quite windy on the balcony. When walking inside, I felt a very cosy feeling. The coastal interior design style added much personality to the space and the soft lo-fi music that filled the background. As I scanned the room with my eyes, I saw a comfortable children’s area. A children’s corner is not something I expected to see, but I was happy I saw that it had insightful books and artistic play items.

Inside Kindered Kitchen [Image by Esihle Faltein]

For as long as I have been a vegetarian, I have only come across very few places that cater well for my pallet, neverminded an entirely plant-based restaurant. When I received the menu, I was very excited as I couldn't wait to try out the Creamy Coconut Korma - a mild curry served with black rice, a poppadum and topped with toasted coconut and almonds. At first glance, I thought it was quite a large serving and a visually appealing display. When I tried the food, I could instantly taste the creaminess of the curry, along with the tasty mushrooms. I am a big fan of spicy food, and when having the curry, I was expecting at least a tincture of heat, but to my disappointment, it was very mild for my taste buds. However, my friend who's not vegetarian had a Burrito that consisted of black rice, corn, peppers, smoky black beans, sweet potato, tomato salsa, and topped with vegan cashew cream, spiced tomato sauce, guacamole, and salsa. When I asked her how it tasted, to her amazement it was "flavoursome and filling," she said. "I wouldn't mind coming back," she added. It seems like I might have convinced my meat-lover into conscious eating.

There is a wide variety of nutritious plant-based meals on their enticing menu. So you should take your time when going through the entire menu! With breakfast, lunch, and an equally enticing beverage menu, you are sure to find one or two things you would like to try. Their beverage menu also includes Ginger shots, Activated Charcoal shots, and a Turmeric Cayenne and Lemon shot that boosts your immune system. Something to note if you are vegan is that their drinks are not entirely vegan as they contain honey. And you also have the choice of choosing between almond, soya, or ordinary cow's milk with each beverage.

When I ordered my Chai tea, I chose to have it with cow's milk. The waiter then informed me that its made from "scratch" and would be very strong. I had one sip, and let me tell you - it was the spiciest Chai I've ever had. It wasn't all too bad, but if I knew it would be as spicy as it was, I would have ordered something else. However the Raw Cacao hot chocolate made with almond milk was delicious and excellent for cold Winter’s Day.

As more people are becoming conscious eaters, the idea of opening a plant-based restaurant is a golden opportunity within the hospitality industry of Gqberha. While taking on the challenge that's opening a highly specialised restaurant, Kindered Kitchen has been able to cultivate a growing audience and a divine menu. With their profound philosophy that acknowledges the interrelation of food, life and how we choose to live in the world, Kindered Kitchen makes us aware of our footprint on this earth. With that said, I would highly recommend coming to the restaurant, even to those who are not conscious eaters. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to try something new!