Smashing Kitchen Review

My Review of Smashing Kitchen – a vegan café and restaurant in the heart of Hackney serving up healthy plant-based dishes that are all vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and made with love.

Where: 1a Bayford Street, E8 3SE Lond

Website: http://www.smashingkitchen.co.uk/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/smashingkitchen/

CHECKED OFF MY LIST: 17^th July, 2019

Finding a vegan restaurant that is also completely gluten and refined sugar free is my idea of foodie heaven! I was super excited to head over to Hackney to try out Smashing Kitchen’s plant-based dishes. The menu is created seasonally, and features healthy dishes packed with fresh and nourishing ingredients which promise lots of flavour. The owner, Asia, is incredibly friendly and fun to chat to as well!

ATMOSPHERE:

Walking into Smashing Kitchen, I was immediately struck by how bright and cheerful it was. Large windows let in loads of natural light, and green plants abound, giving a fresh and airy feel to the whole space. It feels cosy and fresh, and is a lovely spot to come and do work, or have a meal out with friends.

MY SHORTLIST:

Drinks:

• Homemade fruit soda – I’m not the biggest fan of bubbly water in general, but I loved the berries in this!
• Kombucha – Smashing Kitchen serves Lo Bros’ organic kombucha.

Appetiser:

• Nachos with Hummus and Guac – Home baked spiced sourdough crisps with smashing fresh guacamole and butter bean cheezy hummus.
  • These were incredible. The crisps were incredibly crunchy, the hummus creamy, and the guac so flavourful.

Mains:

• Pesto Pizza – Sourdough gluten-free pizza with homemade basil pesto, spicy tomato sauce, veggies, mushrooms, and fresh rocket (please allow 20mins to make the pizza).
  • One of my favourite dishes of the night! I haven’t had anything quite like this pizza before, but I definitely want another. The crust is similar to the baked nacho crisps and it makes a perfect pizza base. The pesto is beautifully flavoured and I love the diverse veggies loaded on the top.

• Thai Sweet Potato Burger – Spiced sweet potato and chickpea patty, sweet chilli sauce, mango salsa, tomato and lettuce, served in a sourdough gluten-free bun and a side salad.
  • I always get excited when I discover a vegan and gluten-free burger on a menu. The thai sweet potato flavour sounded unique to me, and the flavour didn’t disappoint. I loved the addition of the mango salsa, adding a lovely sweetness to the burger. The bun wasn’t my favourite, and felt a bit stodgy for my taste, but overall the burger was hearty and I loved the fillings.

• Create Your Own Salad: Mustard vinaigrette dressed leaves with toasted seeds and toppings of your choice (small – 3 toppings; large – 5 toppings)
  • Spiced chickpeas, Steamed Broccoli, Baby tomatoes + Red pepper + Parsley, Red Cabbage pickled in apple cider vinegar, Coconut Tzatziki
  • This dish tied with the pizza for my favourite of the night. It was packed with plant foods, vibrant colours, varied textures, and delicious flavours. It was fun getting to select our own toppings, and Asia’s recommendations combined so well together to make up a beautiful rainbow bowl.

Sweet Treats:

• Turmeric Latte – I will take a turmeric latte any time of the day! This one was warming, slightly sweet, and oh so creamy.
• Carrot Cake – Carrot cake is my favourite cake flavour. I love that this one was made from wholesome ingredients. It had just the perfect amount of sweetness and made for the perfect ending to our meal!

Have you been to Hackney? Next time you’re in the area, I hope you swing by Smashing Kitchen and try out their dishes for yourself!

If you’re interested in more reviews of London Vegan food spots, check out my London Vegan Bucket List!