Hale & Hearty Healthy Eatery - Waterloo NSW

Matcha option in pancakes with the frills and a dollop of coconut ice cream.   The pancakes were only slightly sweet.  The side servings of ice cream and Lychee contrasted with the nut offerings.

The protein boost, free range, gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegetarian, vegan, diary liberated, grain salad preferred  - the health booster dream is actually here, all within a cafe experience.  In line with food and drink outlets centring around a barista, you can dine in or buy prepackaged products.  Hale & Hearty Healthy Eatery has opted to be located in the burgeoning residential suburb of Waterloo in inner south Sydney.

The more boisterous young man at the counter gives a flourishing hello and smile.   He breaks the possible ice - and any hesitancy by the customer like me in wondering how to approach this different place with different offerings.    The other wait staff looks tired out, possibly from an early start to a busy day, but breaks out of his apparent shell when I chat with him.  

I sensed vibes of potential and actual camaraderie between staff and customers.  Is there an evolving brotherhood and sisterhood?   I am not to be distracted from the food on display on the counter, for importantly is the message to consider quality proteins and amino-acids as part of our regular intake, especially if  you are a gym frequenter and are into toning or buffing up your body.   This latter vibe is not pushed in my face, but I do see interested customers walking in and exercising their choices in this space.

The cafe is not big but with outdoor seating as well. Open throughout the day, I view it as being on the quiet side of Danks Street, in proximity to Coles.   My first instinct was to try the pancakes - and they have at least five varieties here, with bananas and walnuts, blueberries and coconut, Tiramisu, Carrot Cake and grass fed crispy Bacon.   The pancakes by HAH are made with the three coconut bases - oil, sugar and milk - with rice flour.  When served they are drizzled with either coconut yoghurt or Canadian maple syrup.

Four breakfast bowls were the centre piece of breakfast - two of them Paleo Granolas, one with Cacao; with the others being Acai and Hulk Breakkie.  What caught my attention more was the diverse array of boost additions, if you please, offered by HAH:

Yacon root is from the Peruvian ground apple tree and the tubers are composed mostly of water and Fructooligosaccharide, which implies a very low calorie level when consumed and a prevention of build up of excess sugar in the blood stream.  It is said to also offer prebiotic elements and have high levels of potassium.


Wakame or edible seaweed is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially vital for vegetarians, with high proportions of Thiamine, Iodine, Niacin, calcium and sodium.  Traditions in east Asian medicine look upon this weed to promote menstrual regularity, reproductive organ health, blood purification, promotion of good skin and hair and intestinal strength.   Some quarters claim that it also helps reduce fatty tissue in the body.


Flex seed cannot be consumed much by themselves, but are noted to be rich in magnesium, phosphorus, Thiamine, dietary fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids.


Hemp powder is very digestible, does not contain Phytic acid (like in soy)  and said to have all nine of the essential amino-acids for the body. It also has Vitamin E, trace minerals, fibre and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids beneficial to the body.    Some see this as an alternative to protein powders.   It is said to thereby promote cardio-vascular health, strengthen the immune system, skin, tissues and bloodstream of the body.


Maca does have high natural sugar levels in its calories but otherwise is a rich source of potassium, manganese, Vitamin B6, iron, copper and Vitamin C.   It has low levels of saturated fat and sodium.


Camu Camu fruit from the Amazonian region is also utilised for medicinal purposes; contains heaps of Vitamin C, Flavonoids and Potassium; offers amino-acids like Serine (breaks down bonds in proteins and Polypeptides) , Valine ( enhances health of nervous system and cognitive functions);  and Leucine (promotes muscle and bone tissue growth) ; plus containing two acids - the antioxidants Gallic and Ellagic.

Yes, there are burgers, blokes - slow cooked pork, beef, grilled chicken, Argentinian steak, vegetarian.....

Favourite ingredients here are avocado, shredded carrots, mushrooms, spinach, Holoumi, pulled pork, poached salmon, coconut yoghurt, crushed walnuts  and Chia seed pudding.  These are all used by HAH.

 Many trendy cafes are offering similar items for brunches and breakfasts.   They add flavour, they enhance the experience and much is local produce to reflect the slow food movement.  In line with these trends, there is the inevitable coffee...

HAH is aligned with beans from Di Bella Coffee from Brisbane.  Its choice for the cafe customers is the Nero Di Bella, a full bodied and thereby robust in sensations dark roast.
The strength shows even in my iced latte, an optimal selection I reckon for still warm afternoons when a final pick me up for the day may be necessary.

Now what is the 7.2 Greens smoothie?   It is a star offering by HAH to underline the alkaline diet, in the understanding that such a more slightly alkaline proportion in our body pH contributes to better well being and better health.  I am explained to that this incorporates going for moderation as well, especially in the intake of alcohol, meats and fats; avoiding salt and sugar laden foods; eating more veg and fruits  (especially in our contemporary society) ; and ensuring one's body is well hydrated.    Well, it does make sense....I note that there is crispy bacon sourced from grass fed animals at HAH.

A significant focus by HAH is in adopting naturally sweetened stuff only and nothing more. 

I reckon the HAH philosophy can be adopted in our own home routine and regime in the kitchen and shopping habits.

The message we took away from HAH is perhaps surmised as "You can have your healthy cake....and enjoy eating it too."


My impressions of the Hale & Hearty Healthy Eatery:
Ambiance: 3 out of 5
Customer Engagement: 3.5 out of 5
Culinary Delight:  3.5 out of 5
X Factor:  3 out of 5
Overall:   3.25 out of 5


Recommended menu choices:
Hulk Breakkie Bowl with Goji berries, coconut, yoghurt, avacadoo puree, protein powder and blue berries.
Acai Bowl with Cacao nibs, almond milk, frozen banana, Paleo Granola and Goji berries. 
French toast on sourdough with blueberries, pumpkin seeds and grilled banana, drizzled with Canadian maple syrup
Marinated Avocado





The Hale & Hearty Healthy Eatery is located at 24 Danks Street, Waterloo NSW, nearer the junction with the main highway.
Dine in or takeaway.
Opening hours are from 7am to 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 4pm on weekends.
Contact +61 2 8399 0255