In September 2018, Brothers Alex and Oliver Santoro opened the doors of Genesis in Spitafields, a 100% plant-based restaurant serving vegan food in a cool, fast-casual atmosphere.

The menu is inspired by international travels and features dishes from all over the world including Israel, Mexico, Malaysia, India, and New York. All are made from high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and certified organic by The Soil Association, promoting health and sustainability.

The space

The décor of Genesis really sets this space apart.

Think plush pink benches, rose-tiled tables and beautiful pastel dishes.

Potted plants and cacti dot the area, and the walls are illuminated by neon signs. The vibe is cool and casual. The food is ordered at the counter. It was quite busy while we were there, and the queue at the counter became long at times. But the line moved quickly, and our food came in good time.

The little things

The friendly staff immediately made me feel relaxed and welcome. We sat down at a shared table adding a communal feel to the place. The menu also had many small touches that took the food to the next level. It made the best of the organic ingredients with healthy superfoods sprinkled throughout.

The fresh juice test

The juice menu was changing at the time of our visit, and so my friend and I decided to go for the ‘Love is Green’ tea. This herbal and non-caffeinated tea was made from carrot, spinach, pear, and apple and had the most wonderful smell and subtle flavour. Genesis’ drinks menu also includes milkshakes with added superfoods and flavoured kombucha.

What we ate

The Kimchi Fries were the stand-out dish for us.

Combining fries with kimchi is honestly genius, and this plate is delicious! The flavourful and crunchy kimchi contrasting perfectly with salty fries and spicy sriracha mayo with just the right amount of kick.

Next, we had the vibrantly coloured Turmeric Cauliflower. The chargrilled cauliflower’s bright yellow colour provided a dramatic backdrop for the green tahini sauce, which also added a lovely creaminess. The flaked almonds, ruby pomegranate seeds and sultanas gave even more texture and sweetness to the whole ensemble.

Our Char Kway Teow Malaysian Street Noodle dish was another winner. The brown rice noodles were beautifully cooked and topped with stir-fried vegetables with a tasty, spicy black bean sauce to finish.

We’d go back for…

The menu! Genesis’ menu had so many incredibly unique options.

I had such a difficult time ultimately choosing which dishes to order as everything sounded amazing. I would definitely go back to try a new combination of dishes…and for the kimchi fries.

The bill

Love is Green Tea £3.00
Kimchi Fries  £6.00
Turmeric Cauliflower  £7.75
Char Kway Teow  £9.50

Genesis

144 Commercial St
London
E1 6NU

0207 059 0138
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