Whilst raw, organic eateries are popping up on the daily in the central ‘burbs, New Lynn is hiding a gem of its own by the name of Ethos, the cafe run by organic company East West Organics. The company was originally an organic tofu business, but has expanded to include a natural food superstore, bakery, a juice bar and a whole food cafe.
The eco-friendly aspirations are pretty clear upon walking into the place. Everything is organic, vegetarian, seasonal and wholesome. No matter how many limitations in your diet, you will find something edible in Ethos. The group really provides for difficult diets, including gluten-free, vegan and dairy free options, whilst retaining full nutritional value and promising a satisfying feed.
The chia breakfast trifle might sound a little tired after every eatery in Auckland seems to be constructing these glass-contained towers of layered breakfast foods. But Ethos does it right. Chia seed, apricot compote, nuts and seeds combine to make a light and healthy breakfast that is so pretty that you won’t want to dig your spoon in. If you’re feeling like a treat, the chefs also manage to reintroduce pancakes into the gluten-free diet with their gf coconut hotcakes. Caeliacs are pretty hard done by when it comes to breakfast, since some of the best breakkie foods, including toast, pastries, pancakes, waffles and french toast are off the cards. So upon tasting the coconut based hotcakes accompanied by vanilla poached pineapple, berry compote, coconut yoghurt and apple syrup, I could just imagine the growing gluten-free population rejoicing.
Despite common perceptions of health food, I was full to bursting point after my meal, but it would've been a travesty to leave the joint without taking full advantage of the kitted-out juice and smoothie bar. I picked up a dandelion and banana latte purely because I was curious as to what flowers might taste like in liquid form. The answer is really really awesome. Dandelion coffee is blended perfectly with banana and cacao nibs, oat milk, toasted oats and vanilla. The drink is basically a self-contained breakfast, perfect for those who cant stomach meals in the morning. Honestly, I would hike out to New Lynn, even in rush hour traffic, to drink a dandelion smoothie any day.