Bird's Eye Review: Kindred Kitchen

Vegan food - This is something that I had been quite skeptical about, not with regards to the principle behind it, but with regards to taste and cooking. The ingredients (and lack of) make for very interesting sounding dishes and new experiences with regards to food and drinks and as someone who really loves food, I was nervous.
However, I had the extreme pleasure to visit Port Elizabeth's only fully vegan restaurant, and let me just say - I am now considering the Vegan lifestyle. Everything from the entrance to the restaurant to the payment made was amazing, the staff were exceptional.... and the food.....but I'll start at the beginning.


The Place
Kindred Kitchen is the perfect name for this one-of-a-kind restaurant in Port Elizabeth. Located in Richmond Hill provides it such a sweet and charming atmosphere and creates a home-y and relaxed environment. The staff here are exceptionally friendly and helpful and make you feel like a friend rather than just another paying customer. The restaurant really created an environment where you feel like you are dining at a friend's home and feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome. Everyone is so accommodating, and even upon request of a 6-seater table, we were quickly helped without any hesitation or irritation by the staff.


The Food
Oh. My. Goodness. I am actually sitting writing this and speechless at what to say. Needless to say, Vegan food is incredible! Being somewhat addicted to coffee, I decided to order a latte and, even though they do offer a cow's milk option with your drink, I decided to embrace the Vegan lifestyle and choose the Soy milk option. Soy milk is so naturally sweet and tasty that I did not even feel the need to add sugar into my drink, and the latte was amazing. I will definitely be purchasing soy milk from now on, the taste just cannot be beaten and the coffee was more pleasing then usual. Of course, some people might not enjoy the taste as much as cow's milk, but it is definitely absolutely worth a try.

For my meal I ordered a smoothie bowl, probably the most instagramed dish of late, and I had to see what all the fuss was about. Not only is this dish super cute and pretty and beautifully presented, but it tastes so so good. I loved the ingredients, the flavours and everything about it. And it is a lot more filling than people realise. I am very excited to re-visit the space and try another dish. The image below shows what we all ordered, and the remarks around the table was very positive. Included are some banana pancakes, a Vegan crepe with mushrooms, avocado toast and more. An amazing breakfast selection!

My rating for the food is definitely 5 / 5! So so tasty and beautifully presented! 

The Design

I cannot visit a place without commenting on its design and look, as an Interior Designer. Based in an old house, I could see that this space could be challenging to work with. However, I think they did a fantastic job. The combination of colours and patterns used on the fabrics of the space work very well and gives an African eclectic influence. The mismatched furniture is also very charming and works very well in the old building. The walls are kept predominantly white with local photography being showcased on them, and small plants hang from the ceilings, giving a natural atmosphere. I love old buildings and things, and that's why this space stood out to me. It looked lived-in and warm, which many generic restaurants lose touch of, while still keeping a fresh, clean and light interior.

The materials and combinations used definitely suit the menu and atmosphere of the space and area, and although more decorated than designed, the space is beautiful and very visually appealing! It was such a pleasure to visit!

My rating for the design is 4 / 5. I love what they did with the space and the feeling of being there is lovely!

I am incredibly excited to visit Kindred Kitchen again and heartily and highly recommend it! It is such a lovely spot in Port Elizabeth - and I guarantee you will never look at Vegan food the same. Well done Kindred Kitchen and thank you for the amazing service!