In a meat-laden capital, cafe and health-driven culture with emphasis on food intolerances and preferences is quite unique. It felt right at home in Melbourne to be in Hierbabuena with their adjacent deli and store. The menus are there to serve everyone - carnivores, herbivores, vegans, GFs etc.
The complimentary starter of eggplant had a vinegar taste, seated in oil and topped with alfalfa. It was a special start to the meal and refreshing under the sun.
There's a large range of juices and smoothies to suit all occasions. It was tough to decide between ingredients such as acai, figs, pomelo and ginger. Natural Coconut (coconut milk, mango, passionfruit, ginger) ARS115 was a bit tart with minimal ginger and Antioxidant (freshly squeezed orange juice, soy milk, acai, blueberry, banana) ARS80 was light, very berry and sweet. It was clear the drinks were freshly and expertly made. Separation occurred but was easy to correct with pouring or a swirl. I would have preferred them a little thicker (maybe yogurt or more milk) but no real complaints.
Eventually the direct heat became too much and so it was lucky there were seats inside still available.
- Coconut Rice Salad (basmati rice, yamani brown rice, quinoa, avocado, lime, dried fruit, coconut milk, walnuts, raisins & grapes, Spanish onion, coriander) ARS 195 - a delicious mix of textures and flavours (sweet, tangy, crunchy, soft, chewy) that reminds me of the Hellenic Republic grain salad. A very strong lime sourness was pervasive which I enjoyed but other people might less so;
- Artichoke Pie (artichoke hearts, leek, feta, sage, quinoa & cardamom, mascarpone with salad of watercress & rocket) ARS215 - I should know by now that "pie" in Argentina is not a traditional pie in the sense I know. This was basically a quiche which was fine albeit I'm not a fan of quiche generally.
The waiter suggested the artichoke pie to me over the avocado gnocchi - I'd certainly go with the gnocchi next time (the ingredients mean the flavour is probably similar to the coconut rice salad - avocado, ricotta, lime, Spanish onion, coconut milk, dates, toasted almonds) so perhaps that's why I would like it more.
It's a relatively expensive place for a meal and drink. I suppose it is offset by eating a healthy and tasty meat-free meal in a city with extremely limited options as such. There are many great looking choices and each essentially guilt-free. After the meal, it is nice to swing through the deli to pick up some nice looking breads or spreads including some Patagonian jams.