MRKT first began in late 2014 on the local farmers market circuit. As the demand for Tomas and Hanah’s colourful raw slices and cakes began to grow, the duo unintentionally fell into the wholesale game, and quickly found themselves filling the cabinets of cafes across the Gold Coast with their goodness. In a logical next step, they decided to set up their own coffee and wholefoods space, called MRKT strEAT Cafe, which opened its doors this week – and it comes much to the delight of local ‘wholefoodies’, people with intolerances, and those who flat-out give a damn about what they put in their mouth. Whilst the new space has allowed MRKT to expand on its range of sweet treats (mind you, there are already about 15 different slices and cakes to choose from), you’ll also find savouries like fresh salads topped with chicken or salmon, wraps, giant dairy-free chia puddings, granola cups, fruit salads and healthy baked goods. It’s not completely vegan and raw here – rather, it’s all about fresh wholefood.

Let’s be frank. There’s a fine line when it comes to raw treats – it can be hard to nail the balance between being raw and tasting great, especially when there are some pretty discerning palettes out there to appease. Hana and Tomas (a pastry chef by trade) hand-make each of the treats individually. Each item takes about a dozen trials before the recipe is perfected and the taste is bang-on. Take one look at the display cabinet, and you’ll appreciate the time, relentless effort and passion that goes into each little treat. These intricate cakes and slices are free from gluten, dairy, soy and additives. There is nothing processed, no preservatives and, yes, they taste damn good. You’ll find Pomeroy’s coffee running through the machine on weekdays from 7:00 am, as well as acai bowls topped with fresh fruit and house-made granola, acai smoothies, kombucha, bottled cold-pressed juices, and plenty of morning sun. If you’re on the lookout for a new local hang where you can have a healthy meal, a great coffee and a sweet dessert under one roof, then MRKT strEAT Cafe could be your new best bud.

Head over to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and location.