Hertfordshire, HitchinChia Naturally Healthy, pancake stacks in Hitchin

By Amy Lanza @nourishing.amy
16 October '18

Are you heading for Hitchin? My favourite plant-based food spot, Chia Naturally Healthy, is located in the old churchyard in Hitchin. Since September 2015, Chia, led by founder Lucy Fisher, has been offering nourishing, healthy and nutritious superfoods.

The space

Chia Naturally Healthy feels like a home from home. With wooden beams across the ceiling, a narrow staircase leading to the first floor and cosy corners stacked with vegan lifestyle magazines it’s a perfect spot any time of day. Being dog friendly also means you’ll often find a well-behaved pooch nibbling at their doggy biscuits, too. White walls allow their artwork and quotes to stand out, and the natural light to burst through the old-style windows.

The fresh juice test

With three green juices to choose from and many others on the menu, I chose the Antioxidant Juice which was so refreshing. A mix of apple, pear, lemon, lime and spirulina.

It was quite sweet because of the apple and pear, and so is a great option for someone not seeking anything “too green”. We also had a make-your-own smoothie of banana, raw cacao, coffee, maca, vanilla protein and hazelnut mylk. It tasted like a dessert, it was so thick and creamy!

What we ate

Choosing what to eat at Chia Naturally Healthy is always a mission in itself, even though I have tried most of the dishes on the menu. It also offers an all day breakfast alongside a packed brunch menu which means visitors are spoilt for choice.

We shared two portions of the Organic Blueberry Cinnamon Pancakes and the Superfood Protein Porridge. The pancakes are stacked high with fluffy gluten-free batter topped with warm blueberry compote, a healthy dose of almond mixed with cashew butter , a wedge of lemon and a sprinkling of cinnamon.  We added some granola on top, too, as it’s so crunchy and sweet. Think lots of caramelised nuts and seeds!

The superfood porridge is exactly what everyone needs on a cold winter’s morning.

With a choice of mylk, I chose oat and the thick, hearty and chewy oats were topped with a dusting of mixed nuts, seeds and other superfoods with blueberries.

What we’d go back for

Everything! The pancakes are the best stacks I’ve eaten out and I also love their avocado toast. But then there is also their fresh salad bar and daily array of raw and baked sweet treats. As of Spring 2019, Chia will boast a much larger space which is good news as their food is always in high demand.

The bill

Pancakes £9.00 
Superfood Protein Porridge £6.00
Smoothie £5.00
Antioxidant Juice £4.85

 

 

 

 

 

Chia Naturally Healthy

25 Churchyard,
Hitchin,
Hertfordshire, SG5 1HP

01462 457777
visit website
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