A new vegan cafe, Fressh, has popped up next to Tilt and it serves really good fast food. Nope, I didn’t think I’d be saying that anytime soon either, but here we are.
Fressh offers plant-based food in the heart of the city centre, and joins the growing list of vegan-friendly venues (such as Natural Healthy Food) in Birmingham.
I’m always up for trying something new, especially when it involves lunch, so after seeing some tasty looking photos on Instagram I took myself off to City Arcade to see what the menu had to offer. The good news? The food actually exceeded my (somewhat limited) expectations and proved to be a highlight of my week. I know, VEGAN FOOD ISN’T THAT BAD – who knew?
The food
Firstly I was surprised by the choice; aside from a concise breakfast menu there’s a pretty varied selection of lunch hot and cold options. Obviously you’ll find kale and salads (it is plant-based after all) but you’ll see most customers scoffing fat burgers, colourful pastas and sauce covered subs. My kinda place.
Speaking to a member of the team it was also reassuring to hear they make everything from scratch daily and in-house; there are popular Brum restaurants that could learn a thing or two from these guys..
Being lunchtime I wasn’t surprised to find Fressh filling up, and props to the staff for being helpful and patient with customers unfamiliar with vegan food that had questions. Everything is made fresh to order in front of you and customers can take the food away or grab a seat inside although space is limited.
The Sun of a Bun Burger (£4.25) proved to be a hit, the tasty patty made with black bean, sweet potato and chia seeds. Lovely texture and flavour, with the naturally sweet potato shining through. It’s also huge and filling, which is what I personally want from my lunch.
Red onion rings, chunks of gherkin, vegan cheese and a dollop of the pink Fressh Saucce (tastes a lot like burger sauce) ensure the patty hits the spot and the mild vegan cheese is pleasant. The seeded sourdough bun provides a sturdy base for the veggie patty and overall its an enjoyable lunch choice.
I added skin on fries to my burger (decent; crispy) as well as a Peanut Butter Smoothie (£3.95) that was creamy, delicious and calorie free… jokes, but two out of three ain’t bad. Will be back to try the wraps soon.
Are you a fan of Fressh? Let me know in the comments
Fressh, 5 City Arcade, Birmingham, B2 4TX
Disclosure: I paid in full. All opinions and new respect for plant based lunches belong to me