Bonsai Bistro turns 1

IF you build it, they will come. Misquoting ‘Field of Dreams’ (1989) aside, the idea is incredibly apt for Elzaan Nel’s Bonsai Bistro.

Currently celebrating its first birthday after a somewhat apprehensive yet hopeful start, the eatery enters its second year having charmed a self-sustaining stream of locals with fare as beguiling as crunchy Asian salad, raw mango maca tarts with pistachio and almond crust, vegan brownies and Thai peanut chicken with sweet potato noodles.

Though it’s been some serious work to successfully lure Windhoekers weaned on meat, pap and potatoes to her unassuming eatery in Berg Street, over the past year, Nel has happily witnessed locals’ attitudes to health food begin to change.

“People who would normally not even consider having a vegan meal are way more open to trying vegan food after all the vegan documentaries released recently,” she says adding that the bistro’s sugar-free, gluten-free and keto options are also becoming more popular as a variety of Windhoekers begin to lean into contemporary health trends.

“Our keto breakfast is such a hit – poached eggs, avocado, hollandaise and bacon,” says Nel expounding on Bonsai Bistro’s take on food suitable for the high-fat low-carb diet.

“All our gluten-free baked goods are also really popular such as our quiches, vegetarian pies and desserts. We bake everything in-house and freshly every day.”

Popular for their fresh juices and smoothies, Bonsai Bistro is ever evolving and will release a third version of their menu this year while offering discounted or buy one get one free birthday specials every day until the end of January.

Thankful for the support of the health conscious Namibian public and with a 2020 goal of being able to employ another local this year, Nel offers three pieces of advice for anyone thinking of opening a somewhat unconventional eatery.

“Don’t!” she says jokingly before some serious reflection.

“Be prepared to work hard and put in long hours. Be utterly passionate about your product and be consistent. Be true to yourself. You can’t sell something you don’t believe in.”

Bonsai Bistro is located at Elysium Fields, 40 Berg Street. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com

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