We tend to shy away from places where there is a suggestion that they are "wellness" focused. Not that wellness is terrible, but it so often leads to woo and talk of superfoods and prebiotics and probiotics and GMO-free and gluten-free and OMG it is all so unnecessary! Unless you have a specific condition and are under a doctor's care and are instructed to eat or avoid certain things, then balance is the key to health and wellness. Stop reading prevention magazines! I worry that the whole vegan thing tends to attract the crazies and I don't want to be associated with that. Happily, we came with the Plant-Based Coupon Book but left knowing that Wela is not overly woo-leaning (despite the plaques about superfoods on the wall) and actually provides some pretty good plant-based eats (healthy food despite my rant!). Admittedly, it is the name "Wela" that threw me but I didn't even ask where it really came from. This is not even a fully vegan place but just has some good vegan options.
Located at 980 Howe Street, Wela would be a healthy and tasty lunch option for the law courts folks and many others here in the downtown core. We arrived on Saturday afternoon which is clearly not their busiest time.
So we ordered a couple of bowls, a wrap and a smoothie and ended up taking most of the wrap home with us (lots of food). There are 4 vegan bowls on the menu or you can put together your own. The Bangkok Bowl is a pleasant dish of rice, romaine, chickpeas etc. and a Thai peanut dressing. Crispy onions on top were our choice of a few things that they will add for you. Not shocking but just fine and I would gladly eat this for lunch everyday!
The Chilango was our second choice and had all the stuff you would expect from a Mexican-inspired dish including a red pepper chipotle dressing. Just a very small touch of heat. The pickled red onions were our choice as a topping and there is hot sauce available as well. Another perfectly serviceable lunch item for vegans and others working in the area.
We tried the Falamus Wrap which starts with falafel and hummus. Add some fresh veggies and a spinach tortilla and you have a tasty item. Surprisingly creamy and quite substantial, I don't do wraps at home but this has me thinking about it.
Wellness rears its ugly head as some of the smoothies are labelled as cleansers and immune boosters but I am going to ignore that and declare this mango smoothie delicious. Thick and cold with just the occasional small chunk of mango, I have no problem paying $7 for this even though I am usually grumpy about smoothie prices.
Wela is mostly about take out although there are about 8 bar stools. These folks were very friendly and were open to offering suggestions. Prices are reasonable, and the food is fresh, tasty and satisfying. And the woo was kept to a minimum!
Food 4 out of 5
Vegan Options 4 out of 5
Comfort 3 out of 5
Service 4 out of 5
Value 4 out of 5
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