Around London in 50 Breakfasts: OSHUN, Old Street

Today's breakfast review is a truly healthy choice; OSHUN cafe in Old Street. Dedicated to bringing the world of Brazillian Acai (a-say-ee), OSHUN is a one-month pop-up in Old Street that provides healthy breakfast to London hipsters. Oh, and me. I visited on a very rainy Saturday morning with my fitness buddy Sophie to enjoy delicious bowls of acai smoothies. 

The Açaí berry is a rich purple fruit indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. For hundreds of years, the small dark berries have been integral to the diet of native Amazonian people. The berries have an entirely unique flavour - a fusion between dark chocolate, blueberries and earth. The large seed from each berry is removed and the remaining Açaí pulp (along with its nutrients) is frozen within 24 hours of being harvested, due to the fresh berry’s short lifespan.

You can chose from a selection of four different freshly made Açaí berry bowls to eat in or takeaway at £6.00. The signature bowl is called the Oshun Native which is a classic blend of Açaí, banana and honey. The Oshun Tang – which as the name suggests is a zesty and refreshing pick me-up- features sour cherries, courgette, lime juice and honey. The Oshun Kong is filled with flavours from the orient including banana, lemongrass, ginger, coriander and honey. The Kong is a really interesting blend with quite a unique sweet and savoury flavour. My favourite, however was the Oshun Maya, which features a blend of Açaí berries, raw cacao, cinnamon, orange and avocado.

To make your bowl truly your own, OSHUN has a variety of toppings to chose from, including cocoa nibs, fresh fruit, bee pollen, coyo, granola and ground nuts. The acai bowls are perfect for breakfast, post-gym boosts or as an alternative to cakes in the afternoon. In Brazil, Açaí berry bowls are eaten around the clock, so there is never a wrong time to satisfy your craving for something sweet but healthy.

For me, the acai bowl experience was lovely, healthy and unique. Though a touch expensive for the portion size you get, the flavour was really refreshing and exciting to eat, and makes a nice alternative to porridge or smoothie.  Best of all was the texture - smooth and easy to eat, but when topped with granola even better. The cafe is in a great location with a relaxed vibe and fun team. 

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