Mandala Café Bethnal Green - London

No Harm In Trying

When London becomes too much and simplicity is all you seek, Mandala Café delivers in all the ways. This is a lovely air-conditioned space in a relaxed part of East London. Here you'll mostly find patrons on their laptops or immersed in a good book - it's a good quiet space away from the traffic of Roman Road.

They do tea, coffee and various soft drinks. The food menu is compact but includes everything you see on the counter. Everything is vegan which makes life considerably easier for a plant-based visitor.

I ordered a slice of tofu quiche which arrived warm, accompanied by fresh green salad. It was a tasty meal and I'd be back for more. I complemented it with a Karma Cola, which seems to have disappeared from the shops, but thankfully is available here.

Service is quick and the prices are okay. Everything is neat and clean and I was happy to be supporting an independent establishment. I'll likely be back to sample their breakfast items.

Overall, recommended.

Chiho Sharp

It was my first time to go in after the refurbishment and change of management. The place is much nicer with white paint on the walls. It looked more spacious. Love the tables.

We went for lunch about 1pm and it was packed. There is a poster saying “laptops are welcome after 2pm”, which makes sense as it became quieter after 2pm.

It would have been nice to sit outside, but it was raining.

All dishes are vegetarian! It could be all vegan. We had main dishes and desserts. Vegan cheese cake was really good.

I highly recommend this place.

Tia

Firstly, I have to mention that the ambiance is a much needed upgrade from the previous cafe.
Carefully selected pallets of colours has made the cafe a real gem upon it's opening.
Secondly, I am a big fan of the Dahl entree, which has a wholesome, morish taste that would please most lovers of food. The attention to colors on the plate is aesthetically pleasing alongside the flavors.
I have given 4 stars for service, as their is one staff member who has a disconcerting gaze that I cannot place. I'm not sure if he is just scarastic, or I am reading into it. I overheard him make a negative remark under his breath regarding a customer's remarks once he turned his back.
I travel around the world and have eaten at many cafe's. I am not here to reprimand staff, just to give transparency to what I saw.
Otherwise, the business has a very promising future and I will continue to support.

W

I found my experience at this cafe disappointing. The coffee was of poor quality, the chairs and tables were uncomfortable, and the staff weren’t particularly friendly. One staff member accidentally bumped into my table, spilling coffee on me, the chair, and the table—though thankfully not on my laptop. Despite more than half the coffee spilling, they didn’t replace it. Additionally, the internet wasn’t working.

Significant improvements are needed.

Imogen

New favourite spot - everyone is so friendly. I had a tofu & kimchi roll and a coffee, both of which were 10/10. Can't wait to go back 🙂

Rainbow E Wilcox

A special cafe, opened after a year of fundraising at the Buddhist centre next door! All vegan, with gluten free options, and a tasty changing menu (love the crunchy potatoes). Appreciate the sweet finishing touches like flowers on the tables, and the friendliest staff 🙂

Thomas Valderrama

A lovely vegan cafe with a great garden. The people are extremely friendly, and the food is delicious. The focaccia miso aubergine sandwich is a killer. This will definitely become a regular place for me!

Amar Lodhia

My second time here, all I can say is that this place is the epitome of love, beautiful nutritious and "satvic" food. The energy is amazing. I am always met with a smile, the staff and volunteers take an interest in you. I wish I lived opposite it, I would be here all day everyday. Also, Ben is amazing, I think he is a supervisor, but I wouldn't know, because everyone works together.