Despite the lively buzz of Mill Road, its concrete surroundings can often feel a little grey. So, when my mother suggested we try Botany Garden for breakfast, I was immediately drawn to the cheerful, bright yellow shop front. The vivid pink floral display at the door was a delightful pop of colour that promised a break from the ordinary.

The Turkish café boasts a wide variety of breakfast dishes, along with sweet treats, cakes, and coffee. One of the most striking things about it is the outdoor seating, tucked beneath a canopy to shield you from the elements. It’s the perfect spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

A touch of colour

Inside, the cafe is small but full of treasures in the glass cabinet at the till, each one as colourful and vibrant as the flowers that welcome you at the door.

My son’s attention was immediately captured by a colourful chocolate swirl, a beautiful concoction from the owner. He explained that it was his own invention, blending a popular Turkish dessert with a fun, British twist.

As you can see, I have never been the strictest parent 🤣

Coffee

The presentation of the Turkish coffee was exquisite. It was served on a golden metallic tray with a silver cup and saucer, alongside a tray full of Turkish delight. This felt upmarket and a cut above the rest, especially when compared to the coffee outlet chains along Mill Road. Why settle for a generic Americano from Costa Coffee when you could have this luxurious experience?

The coffee was light yet delivered a strong flavour, a delightful contradiction. It was warm, foamy, and absolutely delicious – I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Avocado Breakfast

My mum ordered the Avocado Breakfast, which came with crushed avocado on toast, beans, eggs, hash browns, hummus, and tomato. She requested halloumi instead of egg, and the staff were more than happy to accommodate.
The dish was a vibrant and intriguing feast for the eyes. As someone who is usually indifferent to avocado, I must admit I felt tempted to try it myself. My mum considered the breakfast a triumph, commenting on the generous portion size, particularly of the hummus and the flavour of the tomato. I wasn’t convinced by the mix of baked beans and avocado but she said that it worked well, especially since it was served in a separate pot.

Special Turkish Breakfast

I absolutely love a good Turkish breakfast, so the one listed for £10.99 immediately caught my eye. It comes with Turkish sausage, egg, feta, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, green and black olives, couscous, hummus, cucumber, tomato, and bread. This would normally be my first choice, but I couldn’t help but notice the Special Turkish Breakfast that includes extra dishes for a truly banquet-style experience.

The Special Turkish Breakfast is, unsurprisingly, more expensive at £15.99, but it includes simit (a circular pretzel-like bread covered with sesame seeds) and a bowl of menemen (a tomato-based omelette served with green peppers and herbs).

What I love about a Turkish breakfast is the sheer variety of ingredients, which allows you to create your own unique combinations. I particularly enjoyed putting the cheese, Turkish sausage, tomatoes, and salad into the bread to make a makeshift baguette but the combinations and possibilities are endless.

The hummus was absolutely beautiful and worked wonderfully with the crunchy simit bread.

This was a breakfast fit for a king!

Botany Kofta Special

My son wisely chose the Botany Kofta Special. This simple yet hearty dish featured a ‘special type of bread’ topped with kofta, melted cheese, and a generous amount of chilli sauce. He loved the large portion and the surprising kick of the chilli. The meal was rounded out with a side salad of sweetcorn, leaves, cucumber, and tomatoes, making it a balanced meal.

Borek

I also couldn’t resist trying a freshly made börek. These are a type of thin and flaky pastry from the Middle East, and while there were numerous options available, we opted for the feta cheese. It arrived warm, soft, and delicate. Biting into it, the pastry flaked off, creating a satisfying mess and releasing a warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goods that gave me a fuzzy feeling.

A colourful gem

Our visit to Botany Foodie was a revelation! After walking past dozens of times, I am kicking myself for not going in sooner. It is a vibrant and colourful place full of great food that fits a variety of tastes and moods. The Turkish Breakfast Special was the standout highlight and is now one of my favourite breakfasts in Cambridge. It simply has everything, and the lovely chap who served us was a fantastic host – so friendly, accommodating and brilliant with the kids.

I will definitely be back!

Thanks for reading