Raw Trader, Melbourne CBD by Bureaucrat

Little Lonsdale Street near Hardware Street is metamorphosing from a barren and noisy area that’s dominated by empty shops and building works to a little pocket of new eateries.  This is good news for us as we work in the area and have new places to try out.  And that it’ll be easier for us to get to Krimper as we can go through the once previously blocked back streets.

I’ll shortly be writing up my review of China Spice (one of the newcomers) but today’s post is on Raw Trader.  As the name indicates, Raw Trader is a café that specializes in organic, raw, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free and paleo healthy desserts and treats.  On my first visit, we spoke to the owner (I forget her name, sorry!) who makes all the tempting treats herself.

The place is an ode to earthy minimalism.  Floor to ceiling glass door and windows, wooden crates and terrariums decorate the interior. 


Apart from coffees, the place offers a select range of treats including breakfast chia puddings, protein balls, slices, cheesecakes and tasting plates.


I was keen to try some of the raw desserts – in this case, the chai-infused raw cheesecake.  I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’ve never had a ‘raw’ cheesecake before.  There’s a slight hint of chai (mostly from the cinnamony-dust garnish).  The base is nutty, aromatic and quite nice – I much prefer this sort of base than the typical crushed biscuit and melted butter cheesecake base.  The filling was quite smooth and creamy, which I think it was made from a blend of nuts as there’s a fairly strong nutty flavour. 

The texture was somewhere between a typical NY-style baked cheesecake and a gelatin-refrigerator cheesecake.  Chances are that the cheesecake didn’t include sugar or dairy in it too, but I’m not entirely sure.

While it's nice, it's different, it's unusual, it was just wasn’t my thing (sadly).  I enjoyed it because of the effort, love and care that went into making the cheesecake and the fact that it was a new experience, but I can’t say I’m a fan of raw cheesecakes.


The guys tried some of their drinks, including a hot chocolate (which Mr P thought it tasted like carob)…


…and chocolate milkshakes.





Verdict
Food – 7.5
Service – 7.5
Ambience - 8
Price - 7

Overall
I love the Raw Trader as it offers more options for people with different food needs.  The service is friendly and I love the vibe inside.  The place mostly have small tables.  There’s a few round benches around the structural poles that can sit four people but those aren’t terribly good for holding conversation as you can’t see the other person on the other side of the pole.

Despite being fairly new, there’s a steady stream of people coming in for the treats and getting coffee as takeaway.

I’ll definitely come back to try the chai, coffee and to also try out more of the nice, different and unusual raw treats!

Address
Raw Trader
10 Sutherland Street
Melbourne 3000
Telephone 0478 692 008