New in Town: Gu-í

There’s a new plant-based concept in town! When you’re craving a refreshing fruity smoothie bowl on the go, think about Gu-í! I recently had a chat with Svante Renneboog about the inspiration behind this new healthy locale up the hill on near the Vooruit. Her cozy, Scandinavian designed spot really encourages take-away but is also good for sitting at the sunny window and watching cyclists whiz down the hill. Here’s what she had to say!

Where did your inspiration – the spark – for plant-based food start?

I became a vegetarian when I was 9 years old. Nobody in my environment was a vegetarian so it wasn’t simple but I believed in my choices, Through the years, I became more and more interested in where our food comes from. I learned what consequences our food choices have on our health, on the planet and the creatures who live on it. When I began to eat more pure, plant-based foods, the idea grew to make healthy and plant-based foods more accessible. It always seemed unrealistic to make my profession of my passion…

but here I am, opening my own healthy, plant-based take-away!

You chose such a unique name. Can you tell me what it means?

Gu-í is Esperanto for ‘to enjoy’.

We want people to discover how delicious, surprising and varied healthy, plant-based foods can be. Shortly said: At Gu-í people can enjoy without having to worry! All products are free from refined sugars, animal products, chemical preservatives or flavorings. Only the best of what nature has to offer…Amen to that!

As for the choice for Esperanto: Esperanto is an easy language, created to facilitate the connection between people of different countries. Like Esperanto, we want to unite and connect people – people who are interested in healthy and responsible food.

What can people expect when they walk into Gu-í ?

I’ve chosen for breakfast, lunch, and snacks since these are the meals that are most accessible to ‘veganize’. With these options, I am convinced that people won’t miss animal products. I’ve tried to create appealing and delicious dishes, which people can’t resist!

 

On the menu: juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, toast guacamole, hummus toast, soup, healthy desserts, homemade lemonades, refined sugar-free hot- and cold drinks.

1) Holy Guacamoly

Toast with guacamole, cherry tomatoes, red onion, red pepper, roasted sesame seeds and dried onion flakes.

Oh did I mention our bread is from the social bakery ‘Compaan’ in Ghent?!

2) Sweet remedy (smoothie bowl)

Strawberry, raspberry, açai, banana, coconut yogurt, coconut milk and a bit of agave. Topped with homemade granola, chia seeds, coconut flakes, banana, mango and goji berries

3) The glow (smoothie)

Smoothie made of Orange, Pineapple, Mango, Mandarin and Ginger!

4) Bliss balls of Ike Uwa

Energy balls that give you that extra kick to survive your afternoon dip ;)!

So much more than just a healthy take-away!

I am convinced that everything in an organization has to match. At Gu-í we try our very best to make it a total experience in which everything is in its place.

We also applied our vision to our packaging policy. All the packages in Gu-í are biodegradable. We try to reduce our food waste as much as possible by processing food surpluses: e.g. by making nicecream from overripe bananas), chocolate mousse from aquafaba (needed for our hummus), … We will keep looking for ways to reduce our food waste.

Last but not least, we only hire employees who believe in the mission of Gu-í. They have to be passionate about healthy and responsible food ☺!

What concepts do you wish would stay in Ghent?

Concepts like Madam Bakster: concepts that make a healthy lifestyle more accessible. Showing people that healthy, pure food doesn’t has to be boring, monotone and unappetizing.

Trends you’re tired of?

Plant-based concepts that are unhealthy. I hope they become healthier in the future.

🌵 Don’t forget to buy mini succulents and plants on your way out (they’re for sale)!

Open weekdays!

Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 97, 9000 Gent

Phone: 0494 71 44 81

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