soy cafe

soy cafe
630 n. 2nd st.
(215) 922 1003

type of cuisine: coffee shop fare
culinary excellence: 7
vegan friendliness: 8
*recommended*

the soy cafe is a gem of a coffeeshop in northern liberties, or what i like to think of as the cobble hill of philadelphia. they offer a lengthy list of soy-based smoothies, interesting coffee drinks, salads, wraps, sandwiches and snacks. i thought there would be more vegan offerings and felt disappointed to learn that their soy cheese is not casein-free, but my t'n'a (tomato and avacado) sandwich on toasted wheat bread with soy mayo was fantastic - so much better than i ever would have imagined. it came with a side salad and a dollop of that carrot-ginger dressing that you find in all the new york macro restaurants like souen. my smoothie of choice was a "milli vanilli," a combination of peaches, bananas, vanilla, soy milk and honey. they served this delightful blend up in a ginormous martini-style ice cream glass. after working for a couple hours (not a place that's conducive to intense concentration with the blender whirring every 15 minutes or so...), i got a vegan chocolate chocolate chip cookie and headed on my way. i would love to come back to this place for lunch some time and explore the neighborhood. oh yes, there's also a clothing boutique in the back.

update: i've since tried a few more of soy's smoothies. the "betty boop", made with strawberries, bananas and honey, is pleasing and straight to the point. the "mango mama" is a little sugary sweet, probably cause it's made with mango juice. the "funky monkey", with peanut butter and oatmeal, is really great. apparently they use home made soy milk in all their smoothies!