Vegan
Take-out
Caribbean
Southern American

Caribbean style vegan cuisine. Menu features jerk un-chicken, curry vegetables, tofu cutlets, marinated kale salad, iris moss drinks, and more. Reggae music played in the background; has Wi-Fi. Black-owned. Reported open May 2020. Note that hours are reported to be unreliable, even when checked ahead. Open Mon-Thu 11:00am-8:00pm, Fri-Sat 12:00pm-8:00pm.


Venue map for Healthful Essence
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63 Reviews

First Review by HoneydewBliss

StephyAdams

Points +16

Vegan
11 Sep 2018

The app won’t allow a 1 star.

I don’t usually write reviews unless it is a pretty good review. We travel a lot and we try out Vegan Restaurants all over the world. We never complain, however we ordered Black beans, rice and peas, barbecue tofu, curry un chicken, collards, unfish patties, blueberry cake, a moss drink and water. For Caribbean food it didn’t have a taste. I waited until everyone was seated and there wasn’t anyone in line before I told them about the food. We spent a lot of money and I couldn’t just let that go to waste. The food didn’t look touched by us, and my husband is a big eater. I write this review because a lady from the back that stated she was part owner was Very Loud and Boisterous about the ordeal. She stated that something has to be wrong with us. Then she went on to ask us do we eat meat..... “No ma’am “... she said something has to be wrong with us. I said “ma’am I’m not trying to cause a commotion about this that is the reason I am whispering to you. She then stated, “ I am part owner here and this is crazy and I am a strong woman and this is how I talk”. I said ma’am I also own a business and am a strong woman but I wouldn’t ever act like this. Her actions were quite disgusting just as the food was. She yelled from in the back for us not to come back. Mind you....I hadn’t planned on it. You can’t tell them if you dislike something, if it was one thing I would care but it was all of the food except for the unfish patties. A young man that worked there took a small tasting cup and tasted the curry and the black beans (I guess to see if he agree). I’ve never seen people in a restaurant act in this way. They don’t refund food, which is fine with me because I preferred to get a cleanse for my hubby and some shea butter for me and let them keep the rest of the money. I’m very appalled that this lady was yelling at me like this even with my calm demeanor. Blessings to them, I hope that they will take reviews and use them for the good. I understand her, I don’t like bad reviews either, but the way that we handle them is what counts. This review wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t acted out the way that she did......... we drove 30 minutes away to a different restaurant and loved it. I won’t mention their name out of respect of the company that I am reviewing.

Soup3

Points +52

Vegan
18 Jul 2018

Not very good

Please forgive me for this because I don’t like to slam vegan restaurants, but I cannot and would not ever recommend this place. Location is a dump, fine, I’ve been to vegan spots that are in terrible buildings. But on top the food is not good and super expensive. Also felt dirty. It’s a short cafeteria style line. I had ungoat (cold and old), rice, collards, unfish (cold and old) and water. The fish thing was more like a fried pancake thing. Flavor was actually good but I was afraid to eat it because I was worried about getting sick since I felt like it had probably been sitting out for hours in the danger zone temperatures. Same with the ungoat. It was $18. I had tap water. They get 2 stars for being vegan, but any other regular restaurant would get zero if possible.

Pros: vegan

Cons: bad food, dirty feeling

WesleySwanzy

Points +22

Vegan
20 May 2018

Must Try!

The entire menu is Vegan. Definitely try the homemade juices and ginger beer!

Pros: Everything is Vegan.

pttheot

Points +38

Vegan
17 Mar 2018

Great place for a quick Lunch

This place exceeding our expectations!! The food was wonderful! Lots of options. We had the medium size plate that including 3 choices and it was perfect for lunch! We also had a green lemonade fresh juice that was so good! Best of all it has no sugar! Definitely get dessert! The cookies are really good and not too sweet. Everything is healthy and made in house, prices are good, atmosphere good, and the staff is so helpful and nice! We will definitely go here again when back in Atlanta!

Pros: selections, price , quick

Cons: none

Cozyfatkidcooks

Points +20

Vegan
07 Mar 2018

West Indian, what?

I decides to venture to this establishment on a whim after finding out about it over the weekend. The building sits off on the side in a lot. The atmosphere inside is fairly simple. If youve ever been to Sevenada in little five points, think that but on a very basic level. This is not a bad thing, what I mean is how they have fliers and such up. This is like the basement version of Seven. The staff were friendly. The selections were simple. The seating is very basic, maybe only serving 10 to 15 maybe. The food, which is the purpose of this review. The options were simple, steamtable cafeteria style servings. The kitchen staff were on it in terms of keeping the table full. I decided to try the rotti. Now being of west indian descent, I am a little biased. It was a basic rotti. I had it filled with the ungoat, which is seitan in a curry soup. To me when you do curry, the flavors should be bold. Now I understand that a lot of "west indian" restaurants in the south cater to the american taste buds, but to me that lacks the authenticity of whats to be considered Caribbean.

You get 3 fillings inside the rotti. I had the curry veg, and lentils. To me the flavors of each should not have been mixed together. The lentils could have come on the side. For dessert I got the carrot cake. I was a little disappointed, by it. When you think of cake especially carrot. You think of moist lightly spiced and sweet. This wasnt that. It was dry, more on the side of a panitone. The flavors were mellow and barely noticable.

Hopefully they improve on the quality. Because I would really like to see black establishments flourish.

Pros: Decent selections to choose from. Friendly staff

Cons: Bland food.

terrywashere

Points +175

Vegan
07 Dec 2017

bland lackluster

i’ve tried to give this place a chance on numerous occasions but it just does not do it for me. for this to be jamaican spot it lacks flavor. the “duck” dish tasted like rubber. the collard greens are bland. i do not see the hype with this place.

Cons: no flavor. don’t be afraid of salt.

EmilyM

Points +132

Vegan
02 Dec 2017

Not bad

We got the unfish, the mac, an eggplant dish with vegan sausage, and another meat replacement- I forget the name but it was a patty made with chickpeas. The eggplant dish was delicious, and the mac was pretty good although a little bland. The unfish was good, but I didn't think it really resembled fish in anyway and my boyfriend didn't like it. The other patties were cold and pretty bland.
The staff was nice and explained pricing and offered recommendations when asked.

Pros: Eggplant, Staff was nice

Cons: Some dishes lacked intense flavor

SamanthaFlorence

Points +42

Vegan
13 Nov 2017

awesome!!!

Great vegan alternative for food I never thought I would get to eat again as a vegan!!!

BaileyConn

Points +26

Vegan
09 Oct 2017

best plantains!!!

Love this place. Authentic Jamaican food and the seasoning in all dishes is perfect. They have the best plantains in town because they allow them to ripen fully!

blongino

Points +30

Vegan
25 Sep 2017

Excellent choice

Service was great, food, dessert and juice are beyond delicious! You will not be disappointed!

truckerlafemme

Points +40

Vegan
19 Sep 2017

So glad I stopped by!

Thanks Happy Cow for steering me right into the door of DELICIOUSNESS! Friendly people. Smiling faces. Great aura in this place! I'll be back very soon!

Pros: Friendly service, great food , great drinks

Cons: they're not closer to where I live.

SheltonEchols

Points +24

Vegan
16 Sep 2017

Great Restaurant

Great Restaurant, the food was great along with the customer service. Joi was very helpful and courteous and knowledgeable about the food and what's in the food. I'll definitely be back. I had the Collard greens and the Curry Un Goat along with the Mac and Uncheese and Sweet Potato Cornbread.

queenchanie78

Points +13

Vegetarian
09 Sep 2017

pretty good

Jerk is super hot and not enough rice. Service kind of slow.

aborig.khalifa

Points +48

Vegan
28 Aug 2017

Good food and environment

Amazing food and cool environment, however I believe the employee should all wear better hairnets

stuckey126

Points +25

Vegan
03 Aug 2017

My Favorite Spot

This is a Caribbean style vegan spot. I love the the people who work there and the owner. I always meet nice people while stopping by to pick up some food. I always get a rotti and three items and the hot sauce. The hot sauce isn't hot but extremely flavorful.
The veggies are always fresh and flavored perfectly. I try not to let myself get too hungry but if i do I go straight to Healthful Essence and get full. I met a lady in Healthful Essence that turned me on to Happy Cow. If you enjoy delicious food great service and some reggae music in the background this is for you.

Pros: Fresh Vegetables, Deliciously flavored, Great service

Cons: Not open 24hours a day

angelaxvx

Points +163

Vegan
12 Jul 2017

A must!

Every time my husband and I are anywhere near Atlanta, we have to stop by this place. The staff is very nice and the food is so good! They have the best cornbread - ever! It is (I think) pumpkin cornbread - so moist and so delicious!

The only negative comment I could give would be that although there is an option to dine in (very limited seating), their computer always asks if you want to leave a tip. Most people get their food to-go, so it can be somewhat uncomfortable when you opt not to leave a tip. Even if you dined in, they don't wait on the tables so I'm not sure what anyone would really be tipping for. The food isn't expensive, but it isn't cheap either so asking for a tip seems like overkill.

Pros: Delicious, Best cornbread, Friendly staff

Cons: Always asks for a tip

RonVaisman

Points +75

Vegan
12 Jul 2017

Great Vegan food

Great place with great food!

DreaNichole

Points +20

Vegetarian
08 Jan 2017

Food is amazing

I haven't tried many vegan/vegetarian restaurants because there aren't many in Houston where I'm from. This has to be some of the best food I've had. The staff there allowed me to taste test the food and I settled on the Bok Choy, rice, and seasonal mix of veggies. That was awesome, but when I ate the samosas stuffed with lentils I KNEW I was coming back. Good good food.

TerriLevin

Points +20

Vegan
25 Oct 2016

amazing!

Everything was delicious. Customer service was awesome and they give huge portions. Will definitely come back every time I'm in Atlanta. Waiting for them to open one in Savannah already!!

Desteeney

Points +13

Vegetarian
26 Aug 2016

Excellent Food & Service

Great things come in small packages and that is what this restaurant holds. A variety of vegan options including desserts. The Un-Meat choices are delicious. Staff is always pleasant and will offer a sample before you buy. A must try is the Curry Ungoat.

Pros: All vegan options

Swansonbuns

Points +172

Vegan
23 Aug 2016

delish

I wasn't attracted by the name but it was around the corner from my non vegan book club. I pulled into this hole in the wall and was greeted by lovely people who let me try samples and I ended up with the most delicious curried meat substitute and plantains . I had some eggplant that needed salt but overall it was amazing!!!

Pros: delicious, lots of options, Carry out or eat in

remko

Points +124

Vegan
05 Jul 2016

Almost all has been said :-)

I agree 99% and won't bore you with what has been said already. In addition I liked that it was easy to reach from the subway.

Pros: Walking distance from subway., Counter stile buffet., Delicious raw chocolate cake.

DanielN.Wetzel

Points +18

Vegan
04 Jun 2016

wonderful

Awesome. Great service

Valeriya

Points +28

Vegan
26 Apr 2016

Keep coming back!

We keep coming back to this place. Easy parking, great food and juices and friendly staff. The only complaint I have is that it always seems to be hot in there, but that doesn't play a big factor when it comes to coming back to a restaurant. :) Would definitely recommend!

yogijay

Points +13

Vegetarian
22 Apr 2016

Great

It was my first time visiting there today and the food, staff, and atmosphere was great! I will definitely be back!

Fit_Fathers

Points +307

Vegan
28 Jun 2015

Jerked Vegan

It's tough finding vegan island food in any city. There are none in DC where I reside for example. So when I make it to Atlanta I head to York Street in the Westend for the finest spiced grub in the city. Not only does this small, eclectic spot play reggae all day, but their culinary philosophy is based on optimal health. Irish moss, raw foods, smoothies and whole foods are the staple foods. Brown rice and peas for example, collards, curry veggies, lentils, black beans, egg plant and string beans are some of my favorites. Snacks include their seasoned popcorn and banana nut bread. Prices are very fare and portions are more than you can ingest.

Pros: Caribbean delight , healthy portions , whole foods

Cons: none

AjJones

20 Jul 2017

This is not true!!!! DC is FULL of vegan and vegetarian restaurants!!!! Full!!!!!!!!!!!! Full!!!!!!!!!!!!! Has been since I moved here 14 years ago. I don't know where this dude lives.

SamanthaWalker

Points +16

Vegan
24 Jun 2015

Delicious Carribean Cuisine!

The food was extremely delicious! We had the un goat, rice with black beans, curry vegetables, casserole, samosas, and blueberry coconut cake (not all in one sitting!). It was all delicious and very filling. The service was great! Very friendly staff who work hard to provide excellent cuisine! If we ever come through Georgia again we will definitely stop here!

Pros: Vegan, Flavorful, Great service




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