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Keeping it healthy, casual and distinctive
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MOKA Bros gained its popularity from its first venue in Beijing at Nali Patio, where cool people come and grab easy food and drinks at any time of the day for its relaxed vibe.
The Beijing-born healthy fast-casual restaurant finally came to Shanghai and chose its first location at the center of town, opposite Xiangyang Park on Xiangyang Road N.
The 150-square-meter restaurant plus a 200-square-meter Latin inspired terrace is where one can sip away on its famous, healthy smoothies and cocktails all year round. Since its grand opening, Moka Bros has been frequented by nearby office people who come for a healthy lunch or for longer stays, making it their office away from the office.
Moka Bros has a smart, modern and hip interior.
The 150-seat indoor-outdoor space combines modern and vintage materials such as white subway tiles, plywood, concrete and metal. Bean bags are placed in the corner for those who love to simply take their time to unwind here with delicious drinks.
The wholesome menu revolves around eating well and feeling good. “We understand that leading a healthier lifestyle means different things to different people,” said chef Daniel Urdaneta, who studied at the Caracas Culinary School and the Hoffman Institute of Culinary Arts in Barcelona.
“We believe in a balanced approach to eating well, with healthy dishes and menus that focus on taste, variety and freshness. Moka Bros is not about diet food. It is about the fresh produce that we carefully craft upon order, without any additives or preservatives, without any deep-frying, and with reduced salt and sugar.”
He has cooked his way through Venezuela, Miami and Barcelona, and finally Beijing. His inspiration is clearly South American and Mediterranean yet you can also discover local touches incorporated into the menu.
Urdaneta believes the real ability of a chef should consist of translating his skills and influences into his own style — a style that defies categories.
The menu is based on the chef’s fine dining background and deep knowledge of global cuisines, comprising wraps, salads, sandwiches, rice and noodle bowls.
The rice and noodle-based “power bowls” are the signatures here, with the choice of alternative staple bases, such as red, brown and black rice, quinoa or noodles. I’ve tried the Mexican Bowl (68 yuan/US$10.28) that includes Paprika marinated chicken fillet, brown rice, tomato, avocado, roasted onion, Jalapeno, black beans, corn and cilantro — healthy and flavorsome, with a strong Mexican influence on the textures and tastes.
Moka Bros prepare all the food from scratch, avoiding preservatives and additives, with power-foods such as protein-rich wholegrains and anti-oxidant veggies for smoothies and salads.
The beverage list offers a wide range of choices to accompany dining and snacking, from breakfast until late dinner. They offer their own Colombian coffee roast, Papp’s funky tea blend, healthy smoothies, milkshakes, wines and cocktails.
The service is fast thanks to the dynamic counter-ordering. A large and central open counter displays house-made cakes and stage juicers in action.
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