The Living Cafe – Refresh, Revive & Rejuvenate

Raw food diet is not a common practice in Singapore, and was never passed on in cafes or restaurants for the longest time. It took a passionate health nutritionist, Dana Heather, from Balanced Living, to want to advocate raw food diet into our local food scene hence the launch of The Living Cafe. Minimally decorated with the elements of nature, the cafe injects a peculiar sense of life and rejuvenation – perfect for any mood at any time of the day.

Even before arriving at the cafe, we were excited at the thought of a healthy scrumptious breakfast. The unique thing about raw food diet is that not only does it steer clear of animal products, it also involves no cooking above 47 degrees Celsius. By doing so, it retains the full nutritional values of vitamins and minerals that fresh organic fruits and vegetables carry.

For a start, we had the Acai Kickstart ($13) filled with what seemed like chocolate mousse, but was pleasantly surprised at the taste of freshly pureed Acai from Brazil. Topped with sliced bananas and completed with rolled oats to the brim, the Acai Kickstart would make the perfect breakfast to replenish any lost energy. Furthermore, it is rich in anti-oxidants and Vitamin C.

The Bircher Muesli ($11) was a favourite among us. It had a colourful combination of apple and banana cubes, organic blueberries, trail mix and a layer of rolled oats placed on a bed of freshly made raw coconut yogurt. A final drizzle of honey gave it hints of sweetness and various textures, we thought it was impeccably fresh and fulfilling.

We also had the Dehydrated Granola Crunch ($8) that underwent twenty-four hours of intricate preparation before it was ready to be served. Presented in a sleek dome-shaped bowl, the mixture of nuts, seeds, young coconut, apple and raisin in homemade almond milk brought about both soft and crunchy textures, and a fruity-nutty flavour that was divine.

If you are still not convinced about having raw food, then have the Whole-Meal Pancake ($10). Unlike other pancakes that you eat elsewhere, this one is made using wheat flour and served with freshly cut mixed fruit, so what you get is a whole lot of natural fiber.

For drinks, we had the energy-boosting Beet Blast (Small $6/Large $7.50) blended with various vegetables that left strong, lingering gingery notes. The Cold & Flu Buster (Small $6/Large $7.50) blended with vegetables and various fruits such as pineapple, lemon, and apple, and Vitamin C was, on the other hand, citrusy light and very refreshing.

The Living Cafe gives you no reason to skimp on cakes and desserts. As sinful as it appears to be, the Raw Chocolate Cake is actually made of just vegetables and a mixture of nuts. Its top layer is a blend of avocado cream and cacao that creates a unique taste and texture, brightening up an otherwise dull-looking palette. We also enjoyed the moist Raw Raspberry Cheesecake which was slightly crisp at its base because of the generous serving of mixed nuts under its bottom layer.

The idea of raw food diet has truly intrigued us as the ingredients used in the preparations are really nutritious and delicious at the same time. There is so much thought and effort put into piecing up the breakfast food and drinks, all in the name and love of a balanced living. Here’s a picture of the beautiful couple behind the raw food scene.

Dana is also currently looking into the invention of newer daily specials, so you can expect to delve in a different experience each time you visit The Living Cafe.

The Living Cafe
779 Bukit Timah Road,
Singapore 268759
Operating hours: 8.30am – 7.00pm
Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 12pm noon