Bio Buffet Brunch at Soya Cantine - This Aint No Mungbean

Soya Cantine Bio is a small and relatively unknown bio haunt in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Frequented by the local yoga crowd after a session at the Ashtanga Yoga Centre just around the corner (which for shoestring budget yogi's holds a few 5 euro community classes every week).

Unlike many bio joints where you seem to feel strangely inferior for not knowing what to do with algae, mirin, tamari, agave soy "cream", agar agar, avocado "mousse" - eat it or perform exotic body wrap? Bio Cantine is down to earth and refreshingly non patronising. In a similar vein of comfort, you can actually sit here and have 20th serves if you please without anyone batting an eyelid! - C'est Normale! I know from experience having paid this wholesome little hottie a visit on Sunday for brunch. Well, what I call a visit some others may call overstaying the welcome but not the staff here who, after us being there for 4 1/2 hrs grazing away thought we may also like to try a bit of an exclusive kitchen creation (see chocolate brownie pic).



We tried our best to refuse as we had 'undone the button' 2 hrs prior but they managed to twist our arms.

The first bit of advice is book a table for brunch (24 euro for full buffet, fresh juice and tea) on the weekend (we did not and just so happened to be lucky enough to nab Celeste's table who was far too late - you snooze you loose Celeste!) and turn up on time so as to avoid the circling non-bookers lurking in the dark corners. The place really packs out around 1pm and there is a great vibe as people hustle in a clockwise direction around the buffet sampling the unlimited supply of hummus, and many other vegetarian (some vegan) goodies.

Really close to the bustling Rue Oberkampff, where you will find an array of cool bars (Aux Des Amis) and laid back restaurants (Ave Maria) - hosting a super relaxed mix of the artsiest people in Paris.

Wholesomeness - the perfect word to describe this little gem, even if you do eat your way through a trough worth of (bio) chocolate cake, after your not so wholesome (bio?) Saturday night.

Soya Cantine Bio

20 Rue de la Pierre Levee
75011 Paris
Metro: Goncourt or Oberkampff