What's For Lunch? Maloko, Camberwell

SallyB2
By SallyB2 Last edited 128 months ago
What's For Lunch? Maloko, Camberwell

Galette
Camberwell is spoilt for good eateries, but the relatively new Maloko offers something different: it is a vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free haven.

Set in what used to be Paul's Continental — a landmark (albeit slightly shambolic) Greek Cypriot deli — this creperie has an odd layout, but its nooks and crannies only add to the appeal. It boasts charmingly mismatched furniture, art-bedecked walls and a sackcloth-coated ceiling — a combo that would not be out of place in Totnes. Its perma-smiley Cameroonian owner Evagle is anxious to mix with the local art community, and encourages visitors to express themselves on his blackboard-painted chimney breast.

A delightfully informal system means that customers are invariably drawn into the little kitchen at the back to place their orders, which is a treat in itself as it enables the curious to observe the not-as-easy-as-it-looks art of crepe cookery. The menu comprises sweet crepes and savoury galettes: the latter are made from buckwheat, which is not wheat at all but rather a cousin of the rhubarb (but y'all knew that, yes?), rendering them eminently snackable for those with food intolerances.

We ordered a sweet potato, quinoa, spinach, mushroom and cheese (vegan cheese is available) galette: it was large, perfectly crispy on the outside, beautifully garnished and drizzled with a grape must sauce. It was, frankly, utterly awesome: we'll be going back for sure. The only thing lacking was perhaps a freshly squeezed juice, but we hear that these are in the pipeline.

Our lunch, including coffee, came to just £6.50.

Maloko is at 65, Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8QZ; tel: 020 3305 8913. It is open from 8.30am ish through 'til 10pm ish 7 days a week.

More lunch reviews

Disclaimer: We review anonymously and pay for all our meals/drinks.

Last Updated 02 July 2013