The Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Review of Soul Food Cafe on train station platform

Soul Food Cafe’s position at the Geraldton Platform Markets should make it perfect for anyone looking for a quick brunch or lunch while picking through the quirky and out-of-the-ordinary wares for sale.

I must admit, with all the construction going on around the markets and the confusion over parking, it may not have been the best time to pay them a visit. The markets themselves and the surrounding area were a lot less busy than usual, with the carpark only a third of its usual capacity.

We opted for the classic smashed avo with an iced chai and a cappuccino. With an extra two eggs with the avo, the bill came to $29. This is on the pricey side, but in line with Soul Food’s main competition in Geraldton.

I will start with the negatives and unfortunately, on this occasion there is a bit to go over.

The cafe was not particularly busy, with most people inside either waiting for their orders or working there.

However, our order took more than 25 minutes to arrive, with the avo arriving well before our drinks. The service was polite, with both servers acknowledging the wait, and a “thank you” was offered for our patience.

The smashed avo was, sadly, underwhelming, lacking seasoning and flavour. The portion size was average, with the toast cut very thinly. The eggs were perfect, however. Not many cafes can get sunny side up spot-on, but Soul Food certainly managed it. Smashed avocado is such a common dish now, it would have been great to see Soul Food put their own spin on it.

The addition of crumbled feta was a nice touch but the uncooked cherry tomatoes were not needed. A much better option would have been lightly grilled or roasted.

The iced chai was simple but full of flavour — no cream or ice-cream like other cafes — but the price did reflect its simplicity. The cappuccino was mellow and hot, pretty much what you would want and expect from your morning cup of Joe.

I was disappointed by this visit, given I have been before and had much quicker service, and I know other people have been more than pleased with the food.

I can see what Soul Food Cafe is going for, tapping into the quirkiness of the area and the clientele. I am hopeful they will continue to find their flavour and maybe improve their wait times as time goes on.