The Charly’s Bakery tagline is “mucking afazing“. I am going to be so bold as to say that their decision to start a vegan range of treats is fucking amazing. Let’s be honest.
Address: 38 Canterbury St, City Centre
Hours: closed Mon, 8am-5pm Tue-Fri, 8:30am-2pm Sat, closed Sun
I remember reading somewhere online that someone had seen or heard of a vegan option at Charly’s Bakery and a fair amount of time passed until I decided to contact them to find out what it was all about. The owner, Jacqui Biess, was quick to invite me over to have a chat about what was on offer, and boy, was I in for a treat!
Before I get into all of that, Charly’s Bakery is famous for a few reasons: Firstly, this family-run business has been around for 30 odd years creating designer cakes for all occasions. Secondly, the reality TV series, Charly’s Cake Angels catapulted them into fame (with another season being rumoured to be shot soon). And lastly, they make Cookie Monster Cupcakes which used to be my absolute favourite treat before I became vegan.
So what exactly are the new vegan options? Well truthfully – it depends on what you specifically order as they can make anything your heart desires. The in-store offerings are a little more specific:
A vegan red velvet cupcake and a chocolate coconut cupcake (poop emoji!) are available at their counter every single day! I’m not supposed to say too much, but there will be a third option soon and I’ll keep you posted once it has been perfected and it’s available!
The beauty about these two new vegan options – you’d never guess that were vegan, so it’s a perfect treat to slip to your non-vegan mates in the hopes of converting them just a little!
What is a good cupcake without a little accompaniment on the side though? To solve this problem, Charly’s Bakery also offers a vegan hot chocolate filled with almond milk and chocolate ganache!
Bespoke creations are their absolute speciality as they are artists after all! Just when I thought my experience couldn’t get any better they presented me with a cupcake featuring my logo! It’s actually the first bespoke gift anyone has presented me with since starting Cape Town Vegan – so I had a little moment!
For those of you who are gluten-intolerant: Charly’s Bakery offers gluten-free options too (if you phone ahead, or if you are patient upon arrival) and if you are gluten-free and sugar-free and vegan and full of kak – then best you stay at home. Kidding. Not kidding. No really, I’m kidding. Nope.
I LOVE that Charly’s Bakery has provided yet ANOTHER option for the vegan community in Cape Town, and I sincerely wish them all the best for this new avenue that they are delving into and the strength to cope with the Vegan Mafia.
Peace xx
