Unconventional vegan dishes at this seaside gem

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Last updated: 21 December 2022

Situated in the hub of Hermanus overlooking the sea, this little eatery brings something different to the table that you won’t find anywhere else – vegan foods with a huge twist. From crunchy tostadas and kombucha cocktails to theatrical desserts, here are our team’s favourite unconventional dishes at Pear Tree Bistro. 

Pear Tree is covered with trees wrapped in fairy lights. Image: Pear Tree

TRY THE TOASTY TOSTADA

Packed with flavour, the tofu tostada takes your palette on a journey. It’s crunchy, saucy, soft – and then a hint of the ocean washes over your mouth, with the nori powder sprinkled on top of the dish.

Other exciting vegan dishes include a harvest bowl, tacos and more. Image: Lara van Zyl

ORDER A KOMBUCHA COCKTAIL

Not your ordinary cocktails either –  Pear Tree serves a Berry Blast and Detox Delight kombucha cocktail, made with wild dagga and ginger kombucha. Not only is it refreshing, it’s guilt-free and great for your gut health.

Non-alcoholic kombucha is also available. Image: Pear Tree

BE BOLD WITH SUSHI CALAMARI

Seafood lovers – you’re going to freak when you try this. Two oceans meet when stuffing a salmon sushi roll into Patagonian calamari tubes. The bite-sized starter hits just the spot for your seafood craving. 

There’s also normal calamari, fresh oysters and hake and chips on the menu. Image: Pear Tree

GET MESSY WITH STICKY RIBS

Pear Tree has some sensational meaty options too. The 500g sticky pork belly ribs dish is a real crowd favourite. It’s topped with crispy onion flakes, sesame seeds and served with a side of chips or sweet potato fries.

The truffle fries are a surprise and delight, too. Image: Lara van Zyl

DON’T FORGET DESSERT

Pear Tree’s desserts are like something from a MasterChef masterclass. The Big Bang, made with charcoal aquafaba (liquid from chickpeas), looks like Star Wars meets Wakanda. It’s both refreshing with the citrus ice-cream and just the right amount of sweet with the coconut choc brownie. Plus, it’s a real treat when you get to crack it open (hint: you have to drop it).

The entire dish is 100% vegan. Image: Pear Tree

And the classic Pear Panna Cotta is a must. Shaped like a pear with bright green gel on the outside and a sweet soft centre, the dish really comes together with the apple snow and chocolate crunch (also 100% vegan). 

The Pear Panna Cotta is the signature dessert at Pear Tree. Image: Pear Tree

WHEN + WHERE TO GO 

Pear Tree Bistro open: Daily from 10.30am - 9pm
Find it: No. 2 Godfrey Cottages, Village Square, Hermanus
Contact on: 028 313 1224, info@pear-tree.co.za, Instagram: @peartreehermanus

By Lara van Zyl

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