Going Vego at The Bodhi Tree

I admit – I’m no vegetarian. I am of the carnivorous type; a meat eater. Picture a grotty fat caveman hunched over a campfire, tearing apart a chateaubriand steak with his bedrock teeth, with goose egg in one hand, and a large Brachiosaurus drumstick in the other. That would be me.

So why did I go to The Bodhi Tree, a book cafe largely known for its array of vegetarian meals? I wanted to try something new…

Would The Bodhi Tree be that ray of sunshine bright enough to turn me into a vegetarian convert, or would I be running out the door looking for a juicy piece of steak?

The Bodhi Tree is a “sanctuary” situated on the corner of the busy Scarborough Beach Road and Oxford Street in Mount Hawthorn. It is a bookstore, meeting lounge, gifthouse, cafe, and a place to chill out. Soft soothing music penetrated the air – it seemed to have emanated from speakers in the bookstore. I followed the music trail, walk past a huge collection of books on display ranging from aromatherapy to eastern philosophy, inspiration & motivation to psychology & healthy mind, yoga, and also self esteem. In the front corner of the store was an electronic keyboard – anyone could go up and play if they wanted to channel their inner musician, and near the window were some comfy couches.

Inside the book cafe

Window lounge seating

As I had come for lunch a little too late (3.00pm in the afternoon), there were very few options to be had – a pumpkin salad, or vegetarian pizza. With much umming and aaahing, I chose the Pizza with fresh seasonal vegetables ($11.50) from the display window. The pizza was already pre-made and it just needed a quick blast in the oven to heat up. The topping consisted of mushrooms, zucchini, red capsicum, yellow capsicum, olives, and leaves of basil. It was a good pizza but for $11.50 I had hoped for a little more.

Pizza with fresh seasonal vegetables

Mushrooms, zucchini, capsicum, olives, and basil

Vegetarian pizza served on a circular wooden chopping board

Flat white and cute little bowl of sugar

My flat white ($4.00) was made from a Bonissimo Peruvian Fairtrade Organic coffee blend. It was presented nicely – a cute white semi-rosetta standing out from a dense brown-caramel colour. Unfortunately the coffee left much to be desired – piping hot, lacking body, and watery. I waited five minutes for the coffee to cool down before it was drinkable. I scratched my head wondering why this was “the BEST coffee in Perth“, as quoted on the website.

The Bodhi Tree reminded me of my experience at The Greenhouse – expensive pizza for a such a small serving. Mind you, I did only try one dish. Another visit is in order so that I can form a better opinion on their menu as a whole. Regardless, the coffee failed to live up to my expectations. I have had better coffee elsewhere at cheaper prices. I left the Bodhi Tree disappointed and still a little hungry. I required a meal more substantial and at a cheap price. The outcome? I went home and ate a bowl of cereal.

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore Cafe

Address: Unit 1, 416-418 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Tel: +61 8 9444 9884
Web: www.bodhitree.net.au

Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday (9:00am – 5:00pm)
Sunday (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Closed on public holidays

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