Healthy cakes, fresh salads, coffee specialties, juices, cookies, and more all await people in Buda who want to try something novel and nutritious. We visit the most health-conscious confectionery of Fény Street Market, Mahalo – meaning “thank you” in Hawaiian.
We like to visit places that are honest, free of clichés, and do not over-explain their goods or wares. In the case of Mahalo, which we recently visited amid the motley shops of Fény Street Market near Széll Kálmán Square, the proprietors of this small eatery could have bombarded us with reasons why paleo, vegan, or raw diets are good, or why processed foods are bad for our health. Instead, however, we enjoyed a pleasant conversation about the superb alternatives that already exist in the capital and nationwide for those who follow special diets, or voluntarily decides to never touch powdered sugar again. We are talking about a genuine family business – at the moment, the confectionery has no employees who aren’t kinfolk, and even the smallest family member helps out from time to time.
Three and a half years ago, Mahalo was operating as a store specializing in catering to people with a paleo lifestyle, but with the passage of time, they decided not to side with any one special diet, but transform the shop into a place where vegan, lactose intolerant, diabetic, or even “omnivorous” guests can find foods and ingredients they like. They have a little of everything, further proving that the store is not specifically intended for followers of any specific diet. It is for everyone who like to eat, but who would also choose healthy alternatives to takeaway coffee and junk food.
Mahalo mainly deals with products that have been carefully selected, but are not made on-site, and instead are brought by suppliers. We think this is a superb policy, since it allows only the best products to fill the coolers. A small sign under all cakes and sandwiches list the components, so we cannot make any mistake that is too big.
The coffee is great as well, and can be ordered with any kind of alternative milk. We can also request superfoods (e.g. maca, acai, chia) for anything – Mahalo would like to especially promote these, since only a few people know about their taste and physiological effects. For example, we drank a matcha-infused latte, and we would return anytime to enjoy the the silky taste and aroma of that again. Their smoothies, made from seasonal fruits, cost 790 forints, and can be ordered with alternative milk and whipped cream, as well.
The selection and prices of their cakes occupy a rather wide spectrum: customer favorites are frequently restocked here, since Mahalo pays special attention to its customers’ needs and requests. We tasted their chia pudding, which was impeccable both in texture and taste, and a delicious mango salad with coriander, which was piquant with a bit of an Asian accent.We were impressed by Mahalo, and would return anytime that we crave something healthy but delicious – we will definitely drop by sometimes after pigging out during Christmastime.
