Tootsie roller is a modern indian inspired cafe serving a full vegan and vegetarian menu jammed full of authentic flavour. The small humble cafe located in Fitzroy has only a few seats out the front on busy St Georges road but the main attraction is discovered within, not in the cafe area itself but out the back to the gorgeous relaxing courtyard featuring umbrellas and a mishmash of furniture. 

On a sunny lazy Sunday afternoon and a morning picnic at Edinburgh gardens, Tootsie Roller caught our eye as it wasn’t too busy due to it almost being 2.30 in the afternoon so we popped in to see what the go was. There wasn’t a soul sitting inside the cafe though we where greeted by a friendly waiter who gestured us to sit out the back. It was like entering a secret garden where we snagged a seat under the metal arches draped in flowering vines. We where given menus and where left to enjoy the quite, tranquil atmosphere along with only two other customers sipping on cocktails in the afternoon sun. 

The menu was mouthwatering with numerous options to feast on, from sweet coconut waffles to curries galore, deciding what to eat was a mighty challenge. We started with drinks ordering a long black along with a coconut milk mocha until we could narrow down what dishes we where going to try. 
The drinks arrived quickly and after much discussion we went big ordering the exquisite Thali plate and old favourite granola.The long black was pungent and acidic with a rosewater flavour profile bringing out the subtle tartness of the brew. The iced coconut mocha was huge and was lusciously creamy with plenty of sweet chocolate sauce that paired well with the nutty coconut milk. Slightly on the weaker side an extra shot of coffee would have been preferred but it was still enjoyable. 

Time flew by as we sipped on our drinks chatting and enjoying the lazy Sunday vibes when our jaws dropped and our food was brought out. Both dishes where presented with care and utter respect to the fresh produce. The Thali plate was a meal fit for a king featuring a Hara Masala curry of pumpkin and kale, a spinach and green bean curry with chickpea panner, cold activated cashew and sprouted chickpea curry with pickled cauliflower and apricots and if they wasn’t enough sides of basmati rice a spiced salad, nanna bread, papadums and lime where on deck as well. The Hare Masala was flavoursome with cardamom and earthy aromatics, although sadly it wasn’t spicy as it. The green bean curry was delicious and the chickpea panner was soft and creamy. The chickpea curry was surprisingly better than expected with sweetness provided by the stewed apricot. The fluffy naan was the highlight taking on all the flavours of each curry as we dipped and and scooped our way throughout the meal. The rice ensured the dish was filling and the papadums added just the right amount of crunchy. This dish certainly won’t leave you hungry enabling your palate to try multiple flavours and dishes in one well crafter meal. 

The granola with toasted oats , buckwheat clusters, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, orange blossom, strawberries, blueberries coconut yoghurt and my preferred choice of almond milk was a soothing filling bowl of goodness, The coconut yoghurt was light and plentiful. The chewy oats absorbed the almond milk well combining into a thick nutty paste that was perfect. The fresh berries added sweetness and the toasted coconut flakes and nuts added a crispy aspect, with a slight bitterness through the almost overly roasted clusters. Overall it was a perfect simple dish served with pride and passion.

Tootsie Roller is a marvellous cafe run by friendly staff serving up meals of utter class with a heavy Indian influence. The environment is supper chill and the coffee is decent. I can see this cafe becoming a very popular spot quickly as the menu is unique and outrageously tasty.

At my recent experience at Tootsie Roller with friends and family, we were enjoying some great meals with a friendly and efficient service. We sat outside in the courtyard in a cosy rustic setting.

I ordered the Thali plate that was beautifully presented and enjoyed the Indian spices of the generous meal.

I would like to recommend the waffles as a special treat. They were a mouthwatering way to round off a perfectly great lunch.
Next time I'm in the area I intend to try out some of the other dishes.
Keep it up Tootsie Roller!