July 11, 2023
- Anonymous
The first day of July was supposed to be the perfect day to travel since it was a public holiday here, particularly Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. I had plans in mind, which I mentioned in my LOH entry and there was free travel on any transportation. Unfortunately, the weather ruined my plans again which I mentioned in my recent article about The Mills.
The island is just below that bridge. Seems near, yet far. And by that time, it was only 11 in the morning, but the next trip was at 1:35 in the afternoon. So I decided to leave the pier because the rain poured heavily.
photo taken before the rain fall
And since I traveled far to the pier, I decided to visit a place nearby to kill time so my effort wouldn't be wasted. Although I knew the probability of rain was high that day, I was hoping that it would change in the afternoon, just like last Friday. Unfortunately, it didn't. The weather became better, probably at three in the afternoon, which was quite late to visit the island.
I opted to go to The Mills where the exhibition I want to visit was located. And while searching for the exhibition hall, I came across ROOOT cafe that caught my attention. After visiting the exhibition hall, I went back to the cafe and dined in.
The ROOOT, with three 'Os' 😅, is a place that promotes healthy living and was grown in Hong Kong, as stated in its name. It was the cafe's concept, decorations, good food sets, and soothing music that invited me to enter the place. I may have failed to visit an island that day, but I was still able to get close to nature in this cafe.
The cafe was exactly what I was looking for, to be closer to nature, and be relaxed after feeling disappointed that day. From the outside to the inside, all corners are decorated with potted and hanging plants. Who won't be enticed to enter this place?
As I stepped inside, I was even more delighted by what I saw. The place is filled with positive vibes and relaxing music. It's not just nature-friendly, but animal and kid-friendly as well. Customers can bring their furbabies, and kids were definitely enjoying the place. There was a local live band singing chill music to make the experience more enjoyable. Customers seem satisfied with the band's performance, and they get applause at the end of every song. What attracted me more were the positive quotes painted on all the walls of the place, such as Peaceful, Smile, Enjoy Life, Keep Calm and Save the Earth, Our World Needs Love, and others. All inflect positive thoughts into customers' minds. Feel free to zoom out on all photos to find positive quotes.
It truly makes you feel like you are in nature. The cafe's concept is more like a combination of festival and jungle, which would give customers a more unique and happy experience. Suspended from the ceiling are colorful triangular fabric garlands and jungle nets with hanging stuffed bears. On the side of the stage is a white statue of a giant monkey with its headphones on. All corners have green plants, vines, flowers, and other decorations related to nature.
This side of the cafe makes you feel like there is a disco with those lights on the walls and ceiling and suspended disco balls. But as I looked intently at them, I realized that those disco balls were creatively turned into pots with plants.
The longer I stayed, the more I loved the place. It isn't just nature-inspired, it is full of creativity and art as well. You'll see them at both the order and food counters. This is a self-service cafe, so customers have to queue at the order counter to place orders. They will be given a table number that will beep once orders are ready to be picked up at the drink and food counter.
The food menu has meal sets for one person and groups. I chose a meal set that consists of a salad that can be replaced with soup, a main dish, a drink, and dessert. I was given the table number and then headed to an available seat located near the food counter. It was overlooking the outer side, so I felt like I was sitting by the window in a high chair. On both sides were different potted plants.
While waiting for my orders, I enjoyed listening to the live band and taking photos of the place. A few minutes later, the table number beeped, and my tea was ready to be picked up. This is hot rose tea with dried pear and wild honey. They also have coffee, vegan juices, and cold drinks.
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It was followed by the main dish, which is Japanese curry gillette fried shrimp with quinoa rice and a salad side dish. I didn't know that there was a salad side dish for this rice dish. I ordered a salad instead of soup, so it was doubled. They should have told me, though. Aside from rice sets, they also have kinds of pasta, pizzas, salads, desserts, fried finger foods and snacks, and Western cuisine.
Did you notice something?
As mentioned above, this cafe promotes healthy living and is also environmentally friendly. From plates, cutlery, cups, and tissue paper, they are made less carbon footprint and are recyclable. I wondered though if they have dishwashers because they can simply recycle the used dishware and cutlery sets.
The last food to serve was dessert. This is ice cream mochi and I so loved it. It's so cold and melted in my mouth. Now I'm wondering where I can buy ice cream mochi, as I craved it again. Two pieces weren't enough for me, lol.
This cafe also serving dog food for furbabies so they wouldn't be left behind.
This place is definitely recommendable to those looking for a unique cafe with a positive ambiance. Families, groups, and couples would love this place. I kept looking at this couple, who seemed to be in a love booth. They are both beautiful and sweet. Meanwhile, the tree trunks and branches were bent to form an arch. Truly creative. I've seen bangles and a heart-shaped key dangling from the branches.
The cafe also has items and food for sale, such as garments, apparel, accessories, souvenir items, wines, teas, cookies, and other packed food, even pet accessories and apparel, and pet food.
Meanwhile, outside are displays of the album Where Our Rhythm Echoes of the live band performing in this cafe, alongside some magazines and pamphlets about rescuing pets and the spinning factory situated in this building. Did you notice the huge cactus with a vintage sombrero and shades? Cute, isn't it?
This board contains photos of different Chinese celebrities who visited the cafe. This shows how popular it is to be visited by famous people.
As a nature lover, my ideal coffee shop experience is to be closer to nature to relax. I've been yearning to find cafes nestled in the middle of the woods, on top of the mountain overlooking the vast greenery, or situated by the lake, but I couldn't find one here. The ROOOT Cafe exceeded my expectations and there was even a bonus live band performance which made my experience more enjoyable while tuning into soothing music.
The supposed-to-be island hopping ended up chilling in this nature-inspired cafe. The HK$158 or US$20.16 I spent on my food was so worth it. It isn't just the food I consider when visiting cafes, but the unique concept, relaxing ambiance, and positive vibe. Nature, food, music, art, all of my favorites are packed in one place which gave me a truly worth it experience.
You can check my short FB Reel taken in this cafe here. To prove that I've been to the place and my photos are original.
If you are in Hong Kong or will visit here someday, I recommend you to visit ROOOT Cafe located at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. It's easy to find the place through Google Maps.
Did you like the place too? Share your thoughts about your ideal coffee shop experience below.
Thanks for stopping by.
(All photos are mine)
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