It’s the start of the year – so you’ve probably made a few resolutions. Elisha Young rounds up some of the healthier food options in Cambridge, all without sacrificing flavour
Ah yes, the post-Christmas slump. That time of year when the pretty lights have been packed away, the tree has been taken down, it’s not socially acceptable to wear an ugly knitted jumper any more and there’s no longer any prospect of presents or festive food on the horizon. Whatever is a person to do in these times?
Please don’t do anything rash like sign up for a 12-month Crossfit membership or resolve to only eat raw salad leaves for the whole of January. We all know it’s a cold, dark time of year – and yes, you’re probably not feeling your best after surviving solely on a diet of pigs in blankets, chocolate selection boxes and leftover yule log for several weeks – but there are other small steps you can take to being healthier that won’t also make you completely miserable.
The thing I find most depressing about January is having nothing to look forward to. You go from Christmas parties, family get-togethers and festive drinks to a month of virtual hibernation. So why not pencil in a catch-up with your nearest and dearest? I have some recommendations for spots in Cambridge with delicious food that’s still on the healthier side, so you can enjoy your outing without breaking any resolutions.
First up is Barbarella – a small, but perfectly formed cafe in Chesterton. It’s the sister location of The Linton Kitchen, which does mean the cake selection could lead you into temptation. However, the brunch menu is what you’re looking for. Created in collaboration with Nomadough, you can expect some fantastic bread with toppings like beetroot hummus and feta, chickpeas and avocado or roasted, curried sweet potato with chickpeas and eggs. The menu changes occasionally, but on my visit I sampled the beetroot hummus on Grain Culture sourdough. I loved how interesting the flavours and textures were for a dish that still felt healthy and nourishing.
You could also stop by the Nomadough truck, which serves sourdough flatbreads topped with a range of delicious ingredients – plus vegetarian and vegan options so that everyone can enjoy it. Menu items include the flat iron steak with pomegranate salsa and coconut-marinated pork with Asian slaw and chilli jam. The truck also offers ‘nomad bowls’ filled with pearl couscous, chicken and roasted vegetables, finished with yoghurt dressing. It all looks mouth-wateringly good, with exciting flavours that will get your taste buds tingling.
For a less well-known option, I haven’t heard many people talking about Hanami, a small Japanese cafe on Burleigh Street. Here you can buy matcha, fruit smoothies, herbal teas, rice dishes, sandwiches and poke. The latter would be my choice for the ideal light bite, although I also really liked the matcha chiffon cake and tuna mayo onigiri I sampled on my previous visit. In case you haven’t heard of it before, poke is essentially sushi in bowl form: rice topped with vegetables, various sauces, seasonings and cubes of raw fish. It might sound a little unusual, but I would really urge you to give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous – it is a new year after all!
Finally, you can’t go wrong with a brunch at Hot Numbers. I would opt for either the smashed pea sourdough or the mushrooms on toast with miso and shichimi togarashi. There are coconut and mango overnight oats too, if you fancy something sweet to pair with the incredible Hot Numbers coffee. (Your resolution to cut down on caffeine can wait for another day.) It’s easy to forget that being healthy is about more than just what we eat. Trying new things, having fun and spending time with people you care about is just as important. Now get out there and find some new favourites for 2025!
