Note: Organica Lifestyle is now closed.
If you’re tired of the Telawi area, here’s a change of pace. Overlooking the busy Jalan Maarof, Organica Lifestyle is not exactly secluded but proves to be a nice and calming hideout. The founders, nutritionist Shantini Ingkaran and physician Anjana Arunachalam, see the place as an urban sanctuary. 'I love it when people come here and tell me they feel relaxed for a while', Shantini explains.
To achieve a calming aesthetic the café uses wood furnishings and pastel colours. Shantini and Anjana don’t try to overclutter the space – which explains the limited tables – but there are plans for an outdoor seating area.
As much as Organica is all about eating clean, don’t expect bland greens and salads. In fact, one of the café’s most popular dishes so far is the chocolate pancakes with caramelised bananas, honey ricotta and fresh berries (RM28.50). Of course, these aren’t just ordinary pancakes – they’re mixed with raw cacao and maca, a Peruvian superfood.
Another highlight is Veggie Goodness: zucchini and carrot fritters with smashed avocado and feta cheese served with a side salad (RM29) – think of it as a healthier version of hash browns. To wrap things up, go for the black rice with mango, coconut yoghurt and chia seeds (RM30.50). The menu is still in its trial stages and may see some changes, but Shantini assures us that everything is vegetarian and gluten-free. Be sure to also check out Organica’s experimental weekly specials (it was Quinoa Lemak on our visit, a healthier take on the nasi lemak).
As for drinks, cold-pressed juices are made in-house and are tailored to benefit the chakras, adapted from Ayurvedic principles. For example, the blueberry, ginger, lemon, and pear juice represents the throat chakra, and is supposed to help you speak for yourself more effectively. If you still need your coffee, Organica also serves pour overs using beans from the Melbourne-based Proud Mary Coffee Roasters.
There’s more than just food at Organica. The space hosts yoga and pilates classes and also serves as a shop where you can get Chai Walli tea, nutraceuticals, natural beauty products from Claire Organics, as well as various health and wellness books.