Shiva Cafe

(⁵⁄₅ stars)
Beyond Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — 31/​?
In the same location, this restaurant recently (re)opened where another similarly themed establishment was. This time, however, the menu is focused on organic, healthy and very carefully prepared home-​style cuisine. Needless to say, I was extremely happy to see the restaurant had maintained the same design touches, but was also curious to see how the menu and new cook would do.
Highlights:
+ Atmosphere: ⁵⁄₅ stars (same design, layout and amenities as before, with extra touches in décor in the kitchen area for the different menu and cooking approach)
+ Layout: ⁴⁄₅ (2 counters; 2 tables — 2, 4 each, respectively)
+ Food features: ⁵⁄₅ (organic, genmai perfect, vegetables, meat, etc — rotates on an almost daily basis so check the day’s menu posted on the board outside)
+ Menu: 4.5÷5 (in addition to the daily entrée, beverages featuring spice/​herb teas and organic coffees are available; seasonal desserts in tea time sets also available)
+ Value: 4.5÷5 (slightly pricier than the average in the surrounding area, but very much worth it as each meal is prepared by hand after ordering)
Without spoiling the delightful surprises that await you, let’s wrap up by saying this is an intimate experience that plays positively on all of your senses. A great balance of ambiance, menu and TLC given by the ambitious, young (and beautiful) proprietor. Oh, and the notes below may be helpful in your pre-​visit anticipation.
Other notes:
+ Organic and vegan emphasis in all dishes. A couple dishes with meat are available though. My lunch had excellent *karaage* (simple, unbreaded and deep-​fried chicken). As you’ll see in the photos, the sheer rainbow of color and variety of vegetables used was not only surprising, but the freshness, delicate dressing and flavors were fantastic.
+ Brown rice — all I can say is WOW! So delicious and a completely different texture and consistency than you’ve had with any other «genmai» (Japanese brown rice). Upon asking, I was told a special steaming process in a pressure cooker is used to create the delightful presentation. You’ll be converted if you’re borderline on brown rice — absolutely a must try!
+ Dessert menu — didn’t get a chance to try this time as I was both full and in a hurry, but you can bet I’ll be back many times to hit the tea time and lunch menus again. The little girl sitting next to me at the counter had home-​made ice cream and cake — I was so tempted to reach over and steal a taste (her mom kept a close eye on me though…).
Finally, let’s talk about service. (⁵⁄₅ stars, btw). Even though the place was completely full when I arrived, a counter seat opened up shortly thereafter. At lunchtime, housewives and young women from the nearby university were the crowd. Later I found out that the place was run completely by one person — the chef, so I was surprised how she handled the orders, cooking and other needs all at the same time. As she prepares each meal very carefully, it may take a bit longer than usual to get your order, but be patient — it’s well-​worth the wait!