Raw Pawpaw

Raw Pawpaw café has been replaced by Little Loco and is awaiting a fresh review.

Another creation by the Venizon group (the capable folks behind Green Papaya, Little Pawpaw and Pawpaw), the Raw Pawpaw is all about serving fresh, raw, vegan style eating that is as scrumptious as it is good for you, with the odd fresh baked indulgence thrown in.

Inside, the café is a cool vision of natural materials, from rough hewn pine table to woven cane and seagrass matting stools while outside the dining tables have been adorned with the signature bright pawpaw graphics and come equipped, Asian style with cutlery, napkins etc.

You won’t find any bacon on the (all day) breakfast menu but what’s on offer more than makes up for any smallgoods shortfall, from the hearty Lifestyle Board – avo, roast cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, beetroot relish, goats cheese and dukkah through to the bursting with goodness Acai Bowl or Crunchy Granola. And those suffering from avo on toast fatigue will rejoice in the sweet twist on an old fave – Fresh Banana on sourdough with honey, ricotta and pistachio crumble.

For lunch there’s a sizable range of interesting salads from the cabinet, such as Tumeric and chilli flake roasted cauli with toasted almonds, radish, spinach and cherry tomatoes; Potato salad with saffron dressing, rocket, spring onion and sunflower seeds or Beetroot and Israeli salad with fresh orange quarters, pistachio and goats cheese. In addition there’s wraps and paninis with fillings like satay chicken and salad, as well as fruit toast and banana bread.

From the a la carte menu comes the highly recommended signature Papaya Salad – a more-ish Asian style combo of carrot, lime juice, peanuts, green beans and palm sugar or for something deliciously different try the Raw DIY Taco –  carrot, rocket, Danish fetta, lime, beetroot, Jalapeno and guacamole on a pair of mini flat bread.

Premise baked healthful sweet stuff is also on offer and in the wall unit alongside the vinyl collection are daily croissants, Danishes and muesli slices while tempting passers by from the window are trays of fruity muffins and brownies. Also available to buy are jars of the house Murrumbooee preserves, in flavours like peach and vanilla or choc cherry jam and finger lime chutney.

The healthfulness of everything Raw Pawpaw spills over into the drinks, which alongside the Pawpaw Cold Pressed coffee, include Loose Leaf Chai, Classic Teas, DeTox Tea and Organic Almond Milk Iced Latte. Meanwhile from the cold options are luscious fruity smoothies and house pressed juice which can be found in little juice bottles in the fridge.

Need to know: Food and drinks are ordered and paid for at the counter. Drinks are served in eco recycled cups.

Nice to know: On the cards is a later closing time, allowing locals to pick up something healthy and delicious for dinner on the way home.