Get ready for an explosion of flavors at Christiansted’s newest vegan restaurant Café Roots-N-Kulchah! Chef Kimba Kabaka has been whipping up delicious plant-based dishes on St. Croix for over six years. Born and raised on St. Croix, Chef Kimba’s restaurant originally opened in Summer 2016 in the Frederiksted historic district on St. Croix’s west end. In October 2021, he relocated his popular eatery to Christiansted. “I was ready for a new chapter in my career, a change of pace and energy,” said Kimba. “Christiansted offered that to my business and so far, it has been really great.”
Kimba’s passion for opening his business back in 2016 was rooted in a longtime vision he’s had as it relates to vegan food. “I wanted to give people a different option in the vegan and vegetarian style on island and truly educate others about plant-based food and eating.” While vegan and vegetarian food is a big deal here on St. Croix, Kimba felt like it wasn’t something that many people were exposed to. At Café Roots-N-Kulchah, guests are introduced to vegan food in what Kimba describes as an elevated dining experience. Menu items include a variety of dishes such as vegan patés, stuffed plantains, grilled vegan burgers, vegan chili and stuffed mushrooms. The drinks are equally delicious and refreshing with options like citrus basil iced tea, seamoss, guava and lime ginger beer.
For those with an aversion to vegan food due to past experiences, Kimba assured that anyone eating at Café Roots-N-Kulchah will be blown away. He revealed that eighty percent of his customers are non-vegan/vegetarians and become regulars after one or two visits. Dinner service is offered on Fridays and Saturdays with live music in the courtyard on Saturday nights. Local musicians play a blend of reggae, jazz and other mellow type tunes that adds to the allure of Café Roots-N-Kulchah. “Between the ambience and outdoor setting combined with the food, music and overall vibe, you never know what you’re going to get and that’s the wow factor of the space.”
Café Roots-N-Kulchah is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30am to 6pm; Friday lunch hours are 11:30am to 2pm and reopens for dinner from 6pm to 10pm; Saturdays are dinner only from 6pm to 10pm. It is located at 5 King Street in the courtyard behind Walcott Real Estate next to Lord God of Saboath Lutheran Church. Visit their Facebook page to see the day’s specials at www.facebook.com/Cafe-Roots- N-Kulchah-1495601960728251.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
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