Don’t let the gaudy-looking orange, blue and yellow sign fool you. Maya Café is far more charming than the eyesore at the front lets on. Beyond it is a delightful little café, all coated in simple white, with green foliage dangling from the corners. The restaurant seats about 20, with a small outdoor dining area for those in the mood for some air. The vegetarian menu offers a bit of everything. Breakfast specialties include orange muffins and brown rice pudding. Fresh-made smoothies, coffees and chai teas quench the thirst of the parched.
We try the lunch sets ($128) and fall in love with the hearty mushroom soup in all its chunky slickness. It’s salted just right and is homey and comforting all at once. The spinach fueillete is also well-made, though the flaky crust comes off a little dry and the spinach a bit over-cooked and soggy. The potato croquettes fare better and the punchy packed potato patties hold the pieces of corn, carrots and beans well, the fried surface landing a nice crunch with every bite. Both meals come with a side salad doused with salt, pepper and organic extra virgin olive oil. The oil’s quality shines through in this simple mixture.
For those with a sweet tooth, give either the chewy baklava (the restaurant owner proclaims it ‘the world’s best’) or the silky smooth banana tart a try. The baklava is not terribly sweet and the pistachio hits high notes in the treat. The banana tart is scrumptious and cool, with a packed centre that could rival the taste of seriously good ice cream. Both are happy endings.
The portions here aren’t grand but the quality of the light Mediterranean meals should grant this spot a steady stream of returning customers. Janice Jann
Maya Cafe, 173, Des Veoux Road Central, Nan Fung Tower, Ground Floor , G/7, Central. Meal for two: around $300.