Veganism was never on Paul McMaster’s mind. As an avid meat eater, he didn’t imagine being converted to a diet of vegetables and fruit, which his wife had taken up to help her type-1 diabetes. But what started out as a supportive two-week trial soon turned into a full lifestyle change and a shop to match.
Presentation clickbait is nothing new, but Cocomama’s takes it to a whole new level. Instagram personality sobeautifullyraw helped design and decorate the menu.
Banana coins cut into little stars top the smoothie bowls, and heart-shaped strawberries line the inside. The PB&J version is layered with chunks of cacao “rawnola” and swirled with housemade raspberry chia jam.
A fridge glows with takeaway cold-pressed juices every colour of the rainbow. The pre-packed lunch options include raw vegan tacos with walnut “meat”, capsicum, cucumber, avocado and cashew “sour cream”.
Order a superfood smoothie, or hot vegan nachos topped with Tex-Mex bean mix, nacho cheese sauce, salsa and guacamole. If it’s dessert you’re after, choose from giant Ferrero “rawchers” and sparkly raw-vegan “galaxy” doughnuts
Being in a predominantly Jewish area, McMaster chose to become kosher certified. As a result, everything is made inhouse, from the peanut butter that tops the açaí bowls to the almond milk in the coffee. While the focus is takeaway, a few seats are available inside, or out on the footpath in the sun.
