Vegetarian, Raw & Vegan: Under The Bodhi Tree in Waimea

Under the what? Under the Bodhi Tree in Waimea, that’s what’s up! A fine Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw food establishment is found far and few between, and this one is possibly one of the best new additions to Hawai‘i’s sustainable food culture movement.

With a deep respect for the ‘aina and the environment, Bodhi Tree’s conscious minded restauranteurs maintain direct relationships with their local organic vendors providing their guests with food that’s not only good for the mind and body, but great for the soul! Almost all menu ingredients are grown on the Big Island, and they are the only, yes, the only certified locally sourced and organic restaurant in the entire State of Hawai‘i. (Yes, I was shocked to find that out too!)

When casually dining at Under the Bodhi Tree, you don’t have to be on a Vegetarian diet, although that’s pretty much all that you’ll be served here with the exception of a few dairy products. Lacto-Vegetarians will be happy to know this… With a Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner menu, guests can choose from a whole assortment of healthy and delicious offerings.

For Breakfast, try the Gluten-free Pancakes, Banana Bread French Toast, Acai Banana Bowl, and the Egg or Vegan Scramble served with your choosing of veggie ingredients, toast, home fries, fruit or salad.

The Lunch and Dinner menus are the same, but they do rotate according to the time of year, because of ingredient availability varying throughout Hawai‘i’s annual seasons. The Winter menu is full of an abundance of foodie yum with Salads, Sandwiches (Gluten-free bread is available), Soups and Plates. Off the Salad menu, guests should definitely taste the Fungus Humungus (Vegan & Gluten-free), Poseidon’s Paka (Raw, Vegan & Gluten-free), the Avo-Curry Salad (Vegan & Gluten-free), and the Tropical Collision: raw coconut dusted papaya, macadamia nuts, spinach, and a ginger-papaya dressing (Raw, Vegan & Gluten-free). For Sandwich selections, try the Vegetarian Avocado Vegetable Wrap, or Reuben’s Garden: a Vegetarian-style classic with Rye bread, sauerkraut, kale, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and a tofu-based thousand island sauce. The Chilled Vegetable Gazpacho, Avocado, Cucumber Soup (Raw, Vegan & Gluten-free) is a no-brainer for those that crave something from the homeland, and Plate favorites include inventive offerings, especially the Korean Cousins (Vegan & Gluten-free), and Squash Island (Vegan & Gluten-free): spaghetti squash, spinach, zucchini, pumpkin seeds, and red peppers with a super ono coconut sauce.

Under the Bodhi Tree in Waimea also offers Daily Specials, delicious Desserts, and fresh Beverages. You’ll be happy to know that this joint has Hawai‘i Kombucha on tap, and you can also enjoy fresh juices, or a 100% organic Kona coffee. There’s Live Music every Sunday at 2 p.m., and Happy Hour Specials are available every day from 2 ̶ 5 p.m.

For more information about Under the Bodhi Tree, please visit www.underthebodhi.net/home.html