Walter Ponce
If you’re visiting Da Nang and searching for a cozy spot to enjoy amazing plant-based meals, look no further than Roots Plant-Based Cafe. Just a short stroll from the beach, this charming cafe isn’t just about good food, it’s about eating consciously and supporting sustainable practices. From colorful smoothie bowls to creamy cappuccinos, Roots makes healthy eating exciting and downright delicious.
Why Everyone Loves Roots Plant-Based Cafe
Roots isn’t your typical cafe. It’s a little slice of heaven for health-conscious folks and foodies alike. What makes it special? For starters, they’re all about fresh, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to nourish your body while delighting your taste buds. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about plant-based food, you’ll find something here that hits the spot.
My Food Adventure at Roots
A Smoothie Bowl Paradise
The “Back to the Roots” smoothie bowl was my first pick, and wow, it was a flavor bomb. Think turmeric, ginger, mango, banana, passionfruit, granola, chia seeds, and shredded coconut. Every spoonful was tropical, refreshing, and bursting with goodness. At just 407 calories and packed with 11g of protein, it’s proof that healthy eating can feel like a treat.
Power Up with the “Start Up” Bowl
Next, I dove into the “Start Up” smoothie bowl, which felt like the breakfast of champions. It’s loaded with maca, Ethiopian coffee, cacao, peanut butter, banana, and crunchy granola, topped with cacao nibs and shredded coconut. This one’s got some serious energy, it’s creamy, rich, and satisfying with 576 calories and 19.1g of protein. Perfect for a busy day or a post-workout pick-me-up.
Drinks Worth Talking About
Let’s talk about drinks. The Cashew Cappuccino stole the show for me. It’s smooth, nutty, and plant-based without sacrificing that creamy cappuccino feel. And if you’re a coffee purist, the Americano, served hot or iced, hits all the right notes with its bold, clean flavor.
What Makes Roots Stand Out
Roots is more than just a cafe, it’s a movement. They work with local farmers, including their own Roots Organic Farm, to bring the freshest ingredients to your plate. Everything here is thoughtfully done, from using Japanese farming techniques to collaborating with eco-conscious brands like Lady Kombucha and Next Meats.
When you eat at Roots, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal. You’re supporting sustainable farming and helping reduce the environmental impact of food production.
The Atmosphere: Relax, Recharge, Repeat
Walking into Roots feels like a warm hug. The vibe is super relaxed, with simple yet stylish decor that makes you want to linger a little longer. It’s the perfect spot for a solo lunch, catching up with friends, or even just chilling with a book. The staff here are absolute gems, friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do.
There are a lot of people with their computer which seems like digital nomads or just people passing by. I would say that not many locals are around.
What to Try at Roots
If you’re planning to visit Roots (and you totally should), here’s what I’d recommend:
“Back to the Roots” Smoothie Bowl – Tropical, refreshing, and loaded with nutrients.
“Start Up” Smoothie Bowl – A protein-packed, energizing bowl with bold flavors.
Cashew Cappuccino – Creamy, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Americano – For when you need a simple, no-frills coffee fix.
Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong, it’s all fresh, healthy, and made with love.
More Than Just Great Food
Roots doesn’t stop at serving amazing meals. They’re all about making a difference in the community and the environment. They’ve teamed up with groups like Precious Plastic Da Nang to tackle plastic pollution and even organize beach cleanups. You can join in and get a discount at the cafe, how cool is that?
They also work with organizations like PAWS for Compassion, raising awareness about animal welfare and inspiring people to get involved. Roots is proof that a small business can have a big impact.
Final Thoughts
Roots Plant-Based Cafe is hands-down one of the best spots in Da Nang if you’re into organic, vegan food, or if you just love good food, period. The smoothie bowls are unforgettable, the drinks are spot-on, and the whole vibe is just chef’s kiss.
Whether you’re visiting Da Nang for a few days or you’re lucky enough to live there, put Roots on your must-visit list. Trust me, it’s more than just a meal, it’s an experience that’ll leave you feeling good inside and out.
Exploring the Area Around Roots
Roots is in the Ngũ Hành Sơn area, on the beach side of Da Nang. This part of the city is popular with visitors and long-stay travellers thanks to its beaches, cafés and coworking spaces. Nearby you can explore:
- My Khe and Non Nuoc beaches: long stretches of sand, ideal for an early morning swim or a sunset walk
- Marble Mountains: limestone hills with caves, pagodas and viewpoints, which give the district its name
- Son Tra Peninsula: a green peninsula north of the beaches, home to the Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda
- Dragon Bridge: the dragon-shaped bridge over the Han River, lit up in the evening
- Hoi An: the historic old town, around 30 to 45 minutes away by car
Tips for Plant-Based Eating in Da Nang
- Learn the word “chay”. It means vegetarian in Vietnamese and helps you spot vegetarian restaurants.
- Ask about fish sauce. Many local dishes use it, so check if a dish is truly vegan.
- Visit on lunar holidays. Vietnamese vegetarian restaurants are often busier on the first day and full moon of the lunar month.
- Check current hours and menu before you go, as cafés change their offer and schedule over time.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang
The dry season, roughly from February to August, is the best time for beaches and outdoor activities. The rainy season, roughly September to December, brings heavier rain and a risk of storms, especially in October and November.
FAQs
**1. What type of food does Roots Plant-Based Cafe serve? **Roots serves fresh, organic, vegan dishes, including smoothie bowls, salads, burgers, and drinks.
**2. Are there gluten-free options available? **Absolutely! Many dishes and drinks at Roots are gluten-free or can be customized to suit your needs.
**3. Where can I find Roots Plant-Based Cafe? **The cafe is located at 27 Trần Bạch Đằng, Bắc Mỹ Phú, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Da Nang, Vietnam.
**4. Does Roots support any eco-friendly initiatives? **Yes, they work with groups like Precious Plastic Da Nang for beach cleanups and other sustainability projects.
**5. What are the cafe’s opening hours? **Roots is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:45 PM.
6. Is Roots a good place to work on a laptop? Many guests work there on laptops. Check current policies and Wi-Fi with the staff.
