Healthful Essence

West Indian, what? - Edit

Posted by Cozyfatkidcooks on 07 Mar 2018.

I decides to venture to this establishment on a whim after finding out about it over the weekend. The building sits off on the side in a lot. The atmosphere inside is fairly simple. If youve ever been to Sevenada in little five points, think that but on a very basic level. This is not a bad thing, what I mean is how they have fliers and such up. This is like the basement version of Seven. The staff were friendly. The selections were simple. The seating is very basic, maybe only serving 10 to 15 maybe. The food, which is the purpose of this review. The options were simple, steamtable cafeteria style servings. The kitchen staff were on it in terms of keeping the table full. I decided to try the rotti. Now being of west indian descent, I am a little biased. It was a basic rotti. I had it filled with the ungoat, which is seitan in a curry soup. To me when you do curry, the flavors should be bold. Now I understand that a lot of "west indian" restaurants in the south cater to the american taste buds, but to me that lacks the authenticity of whats to be considered Caribbean.

You get 3 fillings inside the rotti. I had the curry veg, and lentils. To me the flavors of each should not have been mixed together. The lentils could have come on the side. For dessert I got the carrot cake. I was a little disappointed, by it. When you think of cake especially carrot. You think of moist lightly spiced and sweet. This wasnt that. It was dry, more on the side of a panitone. The flavors were mellow and barely noticable.

Hopefully they improve on the quality. Because I would really like to see black establishments flourish.

Pros: Decent selections to choose from. Friendly staff

Cons: Bland food.

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bland lackluster - Edit

Posted by terrywashere on 07 Dec 2017.

i’ve tried to give this place a chance on numerous occasions but it just does not do it for me. for this to be jamaican spot it lacks flavor. the “duck” dish tasted like rubber. the collard greens are bland. i do not see the hype with this place.

Cons: no flavor. don’t be afraid of salt.

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Contributions +24

Not bad - Edit

Posted by EmilyM on 02 Dec 2017.

We got the unfish, the mac, an eggplant dish with vegan sausage, and another meat replacement- I forget the name but it was a patty made with chickpeas. The eggplant dish was delicious, and the mac was pretty good although a little bland. The unfish was good, but I didn't think it really resembled fish in anyway and my boyfriend didn't like it. The other patties were cold and pretty bland.
The staff was nice and explained pricing and offered recommendations when asked.

Pros: Eggplant, Staff was nice

Cons: Some dishes lacked intense flavor

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awesome!!! - Edit

Posted by SamanthaFlorence on 13 Nov 2017.

Great vegan alternative for food I never thought I would get to eat again as a vegan!!!

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best plantains!!! - Edit

Posted by BaileyConn on 09 Oct 2017.

Love this place. Authentic Jamaican food and the seasoning in all dishes is perfect. They have the best plantains in town because they allow them to ripen fully!

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Awesome - Edit

Posted by lydd on 04 Oct 2017.

The food was great! Took my non-vegan sister-in-law and they were playing Cowspiracy. She is considering a vegan lifestyle now because she didn't know the food could be so delicious.

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Excellent choice - Edit

Posted by blongino on 25 Sep 2017.

Service was great, food, dessert and juice are beyond delicious! You will not be disappointed!

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Contributions +40

So glad I stopped by! - Edit

Posted by truckerlafemme on 19 Sep 2017.

Thanks Happy Cow for steering me right into the door of DELICIOUSNESS! Friendly people. Smiling faces. Great aura in this place! I'll be back very soon!

Pros: Friendly service, great food , great drinks

Cons: they're not closer to where I live.

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Great Restaurant - Edit

Posted by SheltonEchols on 16 Sep 2017.

Great Restaurant, the food was great along with the customer service. Joi was very helpful and courteous and knowledgeable about the food and what's in the food. I'll definitely be back. I had the Collard greens and the Curry Un Goat along with the Mac and Uncheese and Sweet Potato Cornbread.

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pretty good - Edit

Posted by queenchanie78 on 09 Sep 2017.

Jerk is super hot and not enough rice. Service kind of slow.

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Contributions +48

Good food and environment - Edit

Posted by aborig.khalifa on 28 Aug 2017.

Amazing food and cool environment, however I believe the employee should all wear better hairnets

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My Favorite Spot - Edit

Posted by stuckey126 on 03 Aug 2017.

This is a Caribbean style vegan spot. I love the the people who work there and the owner. I always meet nice people while stopping by to pick up some food. I always get a rotti and three items and the hot sauce. The hot sauce isn't hot but extremely flavorful.
The veggies are always fresh and flavored perfectly. I try not to let myself get too hungry but if i do I go straight to Healthful Essence and get full. I met a lady in Healthful Essence that turned me on to Happy Cow. If you enjoy delicious food great service and some reggae music in the background this is for you.

Pros: Fresh Vegetables, Deliciously flavored, Great service

Cons: Not open 24hours a day

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A must! - Edit

Posted by angelaxvx on 12 Jul 2017.

Every time my husband and I are anywhere near Atlanta, we have to stop by this place. The staff is very nice and the food is so good! They have the best cornbread - ever! It is (I think) pumpkin cornbread - so moist and so delicious!

The only negative comment I could give would be that although there is an option to dine in (very limited seating), their computer always asks if you want to leave a tip. Most people get their food to-go, so it can be somewhat uncomfortable when you opt not to leave a tip. Even if you dined in, they don't wait on the tables so I'm not sure what anyone would really be tipping for. The food isn't expensive, but it isn't cheap either so asking for a tip seems like overkill.

Pros: Delicious, Best cornbread, Friendly staff

Cons: Always asks for a tip

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Great Vegan food - Edit

Posted by RonVaisman on 12 Jul 2017.

Great place with great food!

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Food is amazing - Edit

Posted by DreaNichole on 08 Jan 2017.

I haven't tried many vegan/vegetarian restaurants because there aren't many in Houston where I'm from. This has to be some of the best food I've had. The staff there allowed me to taste test the food and I settled on the Bok Choy, rice, and seasonal mix of veggies. That was awesome, but when I ate the samosas stuffed with lentils I KNEW I was coming back. Good good food.

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amazing! - Edit

Posted by TerriLevin on 25 Oct 2016.

Everything was delicious. Customer service was awesome and they give huge portions. Will definitely come back every time I'm in Atlanta. Waiting for them to open one in Savannah already!!

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Contributions +13

Excellent Food & Service - Edit

Posted by Desteeney on 26 Aug 2016.

Great things come in small packages and that is what this restaurant holds. A variety of vegan options including desserts. The Un-Meat choices are delicious. Staff is always pleasant and will offer a sample before you buy. A must try is the Curry Ungoat.

Pros: All vegan options

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Contributions +172

delish - Edit

Posted by Swansonbuns on 23 Aug 2016.

I wasn't attracted by the name but it was around the corner from my non vegan book club. I pulled into this hole in the wall and was greeted by lovely people who let me try samples and I ended up with the most delicious curried meat substitute and plantains . I had some eggplant that needed salt but overall it was amazing!!!

Pros: delicious, lots of options, Carry out or eat in

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Almost all has been said :-) - Edit

Posted by remko on 05 Jul 2016.

I agree 99% and won't bore you with what has been said already. In addition I liked that it was easy to reach from the subway.

Pros: Walking distance from subway., Counter stile buffet., Delicious raw chocolate cake.

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wonderful - Edit

Posted by DanielN.Wetzel on 04 Jun 2016.

Awesome. Great service

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Keep coming back! - Edit

Posted by Valeriya on 26 Apr 2016.

We keep coming back to this place. Easy parking, great food and juices and friendly staff. The only complaint I have is that it always seems to be hot in there, but that doesn't play a big factor when it comes to coming back to a restaurant. :) Would definitely recommend!

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Great - Edit

Posted by yogijay on 22 Apr 2016.

It was my first time visiting there today and the food, staff, and atmosphere was great! I will definitely be back!

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Jerked Vegan - Edit

Posted by Fit_Fathers on 28 Jun 2015.

It's tough finding vegan island food in any city. There are none in DC where I reside for example. So when I make it to Atlanta I head to York Street in the Westend for the finest spiced grub in the city. Not only does this small, eclectic spot play reggae all day, but their culinary philosophy is based on optimal health. Irish moss, raw foods, smoothies and whole foods are the staple foods. Brown rice and peas for example, collards, curry veggies, lentils, black beans, egg plant and string beans are some of my favorites. Snacks include their seasoned popcorn and banana nut bread. Prices are very fare and portions are more than you can ingest.

Pros: Caribbean delight , healthy portions , whole foods

Cons: none

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1 Response

AjJones

AjJones 20 Jul 2017 - This is not true!!!! DC is FULL of vegan and vegetarian restaurants!!!! Full!!!!!!!!!!!! Full!!!!!!!!!!!!! Has been since I moved here 14 years ago. I don't know where this dude lives.

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Delicious Carribean Cuisine! - Edit

Posted by SamanthaWalker on 24 Jun 2015.

The food was extremely delicious! We had the un goat, rice with black beans, curry vegetables, casserole, samosas, and blueberry coconut cake (not all in one sitting!). It was all delicious and very filling. The service was great! Very friendly staff who work hard to provide excellent cuisine! If we ever come through Georgia again we will definitely stop here!

Pros: Vegan, Flavorful, Great service

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Real Carribbean Ital! Delicious! - Edit

Posted by Trishroberts on 07 Jun 2015.

I went here with a pretty large group (about 10 of us) and the restaurant was large enough to accommodate with no problems. Nice Carribbean-style decor, and casual counter service worked out just fine. The food was amazing! I had jerk "duck," BBQ tofu, greens, fried plantains. Next time I go I'll have to order the jerk "chicken". I had a taste from my friend's plate and it was divine. Homemade sorrel was wonderful too! Service was pleasant. They don't accept restaurant.com coupons, though.

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