Market on Malvern, Prahran
The Overview…
Meal: Brunch
Food: Chilli Scrambled Eggs, Pumpkin and Coconut Pancakes, Ancient Grains Chai Porridge
Ratings:
Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 3.5/5
Value: 4/5
The details…
“Hey I’m a Coeliac, what can I order?” “Our whole menu is gluten free”. This convo we overheard pretty much sums up the vibe at Market on Malvern! The health and well-being element doesn’t just stop with the menu either – there’s a variety of well-being inspired products available and the centre is home to a range of health professionals, from dietitians to psychologists.
Split into two indoor seating areas and a small outdoor terrace, the atmosphere at Market on Malvern – or MOM for short – is very intimate and relaxed. We loved its zen feel and the motivational quotes on the wall, and aside from its obvious dietary advantages, this cafe has a lot going for it. Being in East Prahran, it’s close enough to bustling Chapel Street, but also feels a million miles away. There’s a good take away range to, so ideal to pop past and grab something if you’re in a hurry.
We settled into one of the tables over to the right, as I wanted to have a nosy around the shop while we waited for food, and decided to go for the porridge, chilli scramble and pancakes. As well as having a huge range of gluten free, low FODMAP and dairy free options, each dish has something in brackets that it is good for aiding – such as digestion, sleep or stress. Staff were very friendly and helpful, but we definitely felt the service was a little sparse which was a shame. The cafe wasn’t busy, and they could have really taken the opportunity to wow the customers they had by telling them more of the story of the place and just checking in occasionally throughout the meal.
The porridge arrived first and was a beautiful bowl – so colourful and fresh. There’s so much going on in the bowl it’s almost more like a muesli, and I loved the subtle floral taste running through it. Porridge can occasionally have the downside of being boring after a few mouthfuls but this one was definitely chock full of goodies, very filling and very enjoyable.
The chilli scramble, served with roasted Okinawan sweet potato instead of bread was thick and well loaded with greens. It’s definitely the healthiest chilli scrambled we’ve tried, with a fab smell and a subtle chilli flavour. We liked the sweet potato idea, it made the dish lighter, and it suited me as I’m always trying to avoid bread, we just thought there was a little too much of it, and one or two slices less would have been perfect.
Finally we finished up with the pumpkin and coconut pancakes. They’re a little more stripped back and healthy than some of the pancakes we’ve tried but that didn’t make them any less enjoyable. The pancakes themselves had a nice flavour and were very soft, but they definitely needed the maple syrup to lift the dish. We’d have liked an extra dollop of Coyo or a bit more fruit on there to really perfect this offering, but they’re well on their way to a great little dish with this one.
Everything else…
Website: https://www.beingwellhc.com.au/mom-cafe/
Address: 388 Malvern Road, Prahran
Opening Times:
Mon 7:30am to 4pm
Tue 7:30am to 4pm
Wed 7:30am to 4pm
Thu 7:30am to 4pm
Fri 7:30am to 4pm
Sat 8am to 4pm
Sun 8am to 4pm
Note: The kitchen closes at 3pm
Parking: There is plenty of 2P street parking nearby. You might have a short walk, and a few minutes drive around to find something suitable but you’ll definitely get a spot.
Getting here on PT: Your best option is a 72 tram, alight at Francis Street/Hobson Street. However you can also jump on a 216, 219 or 220 bus and alight at Hobson Street.
Disclaimer: We dined as guests of MOM Cafe, Prahran. Reviews are honest and based on our own personal experiences. We cannot guarantee things at a cafe won’t change including, but not limited to, menu items and opening hours, so please confirm any details with the venue before visiting.