A Taste of Wildsprout Cafe, Constantia. A True HIdden Gem
Wildsprout in Constantia is the kind of place where health-conscious dining meets a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great spot to grab a bite, shop for unique healthy products, or even get some work done thanks to their reliable WiFi. The inside space is clean, airy, and bright, with a little shop selling their own products as well as other thoughtfully curated health food items. I visit often, and the friendly staff always make me feel like family. It’s that kind of place.
Coffee
I always go for their almond cortado, and it’s consistently excellent. Creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced. It’s a must if you’re looking for a good, well-made coffee.
The Food
The menu offers a mix of nourishing, healthy dishes, though for me, the experience has been a mix of hits and misses.
Shakshuka (R135)
Described as poached eggs in a Turkish tomato and red pepper sauce, topped with coconut yogurt and chives (with the option of 100% rye bread), this sounded promising. Unfortunately, it fell completely flat for me. The sauce lacked depth and seasoning, tasting bland and one-dimensional no matter how much salt I added. The coconut yogurt didn’t help. It added a strange, tangy flavor that didn’t complement the dish. I’ve since noticed they now top it with feta instead, which might improve the flavor by adding a necessary saltiness and creaminess. For now, though, it’s not a dish I’d order again.
Sweetcorn Fritters (R118)
This is where Wildsprout shines, absolutely delicious. Three thick, doughy fritters that strike the perfect balance between soft and crispy, with just the right amount of sweetcorn folded in (they taste like the ones my mom used to make, and I mean that in the best way). They’re topped with roasted red pepper and tomato salsa, guacamole, and a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander. The salsa is sweet and slightly spicy, the guacamole creamy and fresh, and everything comes together beautifully. I recommend ordering the eggs soft poached. The silky yolks add that extra sauce that takes this dish over the top. Comforting, flavorful, and well-executed.
Smashed Avo on Sourdough (R85 + R16 per egg)
I chose sourdough as the base for this dish, and it didn’t disappoint. Crispy, golden, and just the right amount of chewiness. The smashed avo is generous, zesty with lemon, and topped with pickled red onion, mixed seeds, and a touch of chili flakes. The pickled onion is the standout element here, adding a tangy contrast that brightens up the creaminess of the avo. I did add two poached eggs, though I must say R16 for a single egg feels a bit steep. That said, the eggs were perfectly cooked, and the yolks spilled beautifully over the toast, making the dish satisfying and delicious overall.
Ultimate Roast Veg with Falafels (R135 + R40)
This dish, unfortunately, was a miss for me. The plate featured roasted sweet potato, beetroot, butternut, peppers, and zucchini, along with artichokes, cashews, and a mustard vinaigrette. While the roasted veg portion was generous, it lacked any standout flavor. I couldn’t really taste the mustard vinaigrette, which should have been the element tying everything together. The falafels were the biggest letdown. They were incredibly dry and crumbly, almost to the point of being a choking hazard. If there was any moisture or seasoning in them, I couldn’t tell. The cashews added a nice crunch, but they weren’t enough to save the dish. I wanted this to be fresh, vibrant, and hearty, but it ended up feeling flat and uninspired.
Carrot Cake Square (R50)
The carrot cake square was good, though it definitely leans toward the “healthy” side of things. It’s dense, not too sweet, and has that wholesome taste you expect from a cake made with natural ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert that feels guilt-free, though if you’re looking for a rich, indulgent treat, this isn’t it.
Final Thoughts
Wildsprout is a lovely space, perfect for working remotely, catching up with friends, or enjoying a moment of calm in Constantia. The sweetcorn fritters are a clear standout for me, and their coffee is excellent. Both reasons I’ll keep coming back. That said, some dishes fall short on flavor and seasoning, which is disappointing given the care they put into sourcing quality, healthy ingredients.