“Alkalime is on a mission to help people realize that health CAN taste good, it CAN be accessible, it CAN be affordable and it CAN look good.” Nagham al Zahlawi
Beautiful boho chic interiors, a stunning beachfront location and a menu jam packed with healthy options are all combined at Alkalime, the latest concept to open at Mamsha Al Saadiyat.
Alkalime’s concept is focused on holistic health, to promote an alkaline lifestyle through food and de-stressing, thus eradicating acidity from both the diet and way of life. Initially started over three years ago by founder Nagham Al Zahlawi, the concept has evolved into the physical space that it is today offering visitors an all round wellness experience. The cafe’s ethos is about making little, positive dietary and lifestyle changes and that’s reflected in the message on its wall ‘Big things have small beginnings’. The menu has an abundance of healthy and balanced options and the space itself gives visitors a place to relax and de-stress.
Personal experience led Al Zahlawi to start Alkalime when seeking a resolution for her own digestive issues. After growing up in Abu Dhabi she moved to Europe to study where she discovered that organic, locally farmed produce helped in her battle against health issues. This led her on a voyage of personal discovery and once she returned to the capital she began her mission to find cafes and restaurants that fulfilled her dietary and health requirements. When no such place existed to fulfill all of her needs, she devised her own tailor-made solution.
As part of her health journey Al Zahlawi also discovered many herbal remedies to relieve acne, stress and stomach pain so wanted to combine all her new found dietary and health knowledge to create a place where visitors could also benefit. Along with a nutritionist and a chef consultant she has designed a menu to debunk unhealthy dishes and turn them into healthy options, dishes like their cauli-pizza and banana nice cream. The concept is that anything can become healthy when using the right ingredients and cooking methods without compromising on taste and ingredients. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, Alkalime uses avocado oil for cooking (a costly and imported ingredient) as well as Himalayn salt, nut mylks and all the butters, sauces, dips, paste and crackers are homemade.
The cafe’s interior, designed by local duo Shell + Core, is inspired by nature and is full of aesthetically pleasing elements with oodles of personality. A bright, modern natural space with Bali-esq vibes that combines pale wood with rattan, pastel shades, contemporary artwork, plenty of botanicals and on trend vases filled with pampas grasses. It’s a tranquil space that’s the perfect place to relax, dine or work. Lemon essential oil is used to stimulate the senses, a calming and mood enhancing aroma that’s considered more effective at relieving stress than the commonly used lavender and rose scents.
The small retail corner offers homemade items to enjoy at home. Key cafe staples such as almond butter, almond mylk, peanut butter, Alkalime’s own version of nutella – Alkatella, own brand ketchup Alka-tchup and and Alka-Mayo, their plant based mayo are available to purchase alongside handmade soaps. Watch this space as future plans involve the selling of baked goods such as cookies, cakes and macaroons. Other brands that aline with Alkalime’s ethics can also be purchased.
Alongside promoting a healthier lifestyle and encouraging people to switch their perspective on health, Alkalime is a feel good concept in every sense of the word. Al Zahlawi strongly believes health is holistic, it’s about your environment, social surrounding and mental health as well as your food intake. With that in mind over the course of one meal, Alkalime will try to support that vision of holistic health in the hope that guests will leave inspired, relaxed and ready to make a change.
Alkalime
Location: Turquoise 7, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Click HERE for more information
Opening Times: Weekdays 8am – 10pm and weekends 9am – 10pm
All views are my own based on my experience. Additional information courtesy of Nagham al Zahlawi. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2021. All rights reserved.
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