Crumbs, the much-loved restaurant/café in Cardiff’s beautiful Morgan Arcade, is approaching its 50th year and so, to celebrate, owner Paul has given what was the capital’s very first vegetarian/vegan restaurant a little makeover to celebrate.
Paul is keen to remind me that virtually nothing has changed since it opened back in the early seventies. We agree the subtle change of décor, chairs, and tables may, for the most part, go unnoticed. “It was a little tired,” he says. It wasn’t. It always looked, and still is, exceptionally clean and beautifully presented. In fact, it looks and feels much the same as it did when I walked through its door for the first time back in the early eighties. Even the menu is almost as it was then. As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
I must confess, I generally hate veggie food but Crumbs won me over those many years ago (I just love their cheese and potato pie). These days, it’s a favourite for a breakfast with a friend or business lunch. The Crumbs breakfast is served up to 11.30am, given the customer plenty of time to enjoy a healthy and wholesome fuel stop before hitting the shops. But what to choose?
It all looks so good. You could go for a cereal bowl of either brans or mueslis (gluten free option available) served with fresh fruit and yoghurt, but you may fancy something a bit more substantial so perhaps the vegan porridge with mixed fruit and a drizzle of local honey, eggs Florentine, scrambled eggs on toast with spinach or the homemade American-style hash browns topped with fried eggs (I’m honestly salivating writing this).
There are an excellent selection of teas, coffees, soft drinks and choice of freshly squeezed carrot, apple and orange juice to choose from but I can’t resist their cappuccinos at the moment – fortunately the cups aren’t buckets like so many of the chains.
Crumbs has always been a firm favourite for lunch due to its plentiful, super healthy salad bowls, Mediterranean Falafels, sweet potato pakoras, seeds and olives, homemade quiches, lasagnes and pies (remember my favourite, the cheese and potato). Not forgetting the gluten free and vegan soups, vegetarian curry and chilli. For those just wanting a coffee there’s a to-die-for selection of vegan, gluten free and organic cakes to tempt should your resolve weaken. If you happen on Crumbs mid-afternoon, you must try the afternoon tea; home-made scones with clotted cream and jam and a cup of tea (traditional or speciality), it’s to die for.
Why is the food so good at Crumbs? The produce is fresh and locally sourced, so it’s full of flavour and goodness. Also, no meat is stored on the premises, which, for vegetarians or vegans, is of paramount importance.
The restaurant is bigger than it looks from outside. If it looks busy inside, take the stairs to the first floor where you’ll find two more rooms with even more seating and table space – a different vibe to downstairs (in one you can look over the arcade below! Great for people watching.
Don’t just take our word on how good Crumbs is. A quick visit to TripAdvisor will reassure you that this shrine to all things veggie is a must visit. It’s amazing that Crumbs has made it to fifty – testament to how good this little foodie gem really is. If you’ve never tried it, you must. Trust me, like myself and thousands of Crumbs fans, you won’t be disappointed.
TESTIMONIALS
“Amazing for vegans!” *****
My sister and I went to Crumbs for lunch after hearing good things about it. We are both vegans and were really impressed with the range of vegan options. We had the spiced chickpea and spinach pie with salad and hummus – it was amazing! There was also a large selection of vegan cakes, brownies and shortbreads. We had one piece of chocolate cake and one piece of carrot cake – both were delicious. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming. I’ll definitely be going back!
“Great for veggies, vegans and other humans too!” *****
Had a lovely breakfast here yesterday followed by the best vegan cake I’ve ever had – Morello cherry and vanilla! Breakfast section is small but great quality. Lunch looked lovely with vegan and gluten free falafels and a very tasty looking chickpea pie also vegan and GF – also great selection of salads. Make sure you leave room for cake though – all vegan and lots of choice!
“Superb curries!” *****
I adore the Farrow & Ball interior. Taste is what sets Crumbs apart. Their curries are so packed full of flavour. I’m not vegetarian but they’re so good, I don’t notice the missing meat. Their soups are to die for too. If I’m shopping in town, Crumbs is my go-to for lunch.
Crumbs
33 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF
029 2039 5007
www.crumbskitchencardiff.co.uk
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