Cedele (pronounced ce-deli) snuck into Hong Kong without many bells and whistles, but to a loyal following and audience of frequent diners. They pack out the Hong Kong branches as avidly as they do in Singapore, where the store was first launched in 1997.
Since its inception, Cedele has become a diverse destination for delicious, nutritious food with outlets across the globe. Introduced to Hong Kong in 2013, the bakery-cafés (two in Kowloon) and all day dining cafe (one in Central) serve up classic comfort food with a creative twist, championing naturally healthy ingredients and artisan techniques.
The principled approach means trans-fats and artificial ingredients are never used, and carefully selected ingredients are what account for the nutritional density and exceptional flavour. All recipes are made from scratch each day, guaranteeing morsels that are positive and delicious.
We sat down with one of the owners and founders of the cafe, Ms Cheng, one of two spirited sisters who balance inspiration and business savvy, to discuss her homemade/handmade bakery inspiration:
What is the ethos of Cedele?
Firstly, diseases could be seen as “dis-ease”; ie. one’s state of mind (software) is equally as important to maintain and develop as the (hardware), or our bodies.
Secondly, the 5,000 year old system of natural healing–Ayurveda (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge)–offers the body a form of natural healing. The basis for Cedele’s holistic vision is portrayed in how food by Cedele reminds us that food is thy medicine and one’s health is a balance between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.
Thirdly, Cedele is a way of life–a journey through life–both wholesome and balanced-both in spirit and in conscious eating.
red velvet naturally reddened with beetroot
Why the name
Cedele?
The name Cedele refers to our names – Cheng ( C ), Cathy ( C ), and the fact that we wanted to open a deli….so Cedele.
Who are your role
models and why?
I am most fascinated (and inspired) by the late Anita Roddick and the brand, Nike. I love the spirit of Nike’s Just Do It attitude, and how the brand inspires many to follow their dreams and passions. This brand is not just about selling, but about living.
What inspires you personally?
Ayurveda:
Food is thy medicine. The Ayurveda is entirely holistic. Its adherents strive to create harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, maintaining that this balance prevents illness, treats acute conditions, and contributes to a long and healthy life–that is precisely what our food encompasses.
The Ayurveda is not a “one-size-fits-all” system. Instead, much like our menu options and inclusivity, we follow this Ayurveda approach and ensure we take into account a person’s needs for nutrition, hygiene, social interaction, and holistic food for the mind, body and soul.
Personal encounters with the benefits of healthful eating:
When my mother was diagnosed with a sickness over 10 years ago, I put her on a strict vegan diet and ensured I personally cooked every meal for her, because at that time I had read a lot about food, and knew how food can help to heal us. 8 months later, her condition improved and her medication was cut by half. The health improvement journey she progressed down was a result of careful observations on food preparations, clean protein intake and portion control.
To cook a satisfying meal, the six tastes of sour, sweet, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent (tannin) must be employed. This, in conjunction with the removal of damaging additives, are the foundations of health and taste.
I use this understanding of portion control, nutrition and wholesome food to create each and every one of my Cedele dishes. I use only unrefined sugar, no additives, trans-fats, preservatives or artificial flavouring. It was then we changed the brand positioning from “baked fresh daily” to “eat well be well”, because I truly knew the power of food. My mother and my own health inspired our business.
Cedele
Bakery Cafe
Shop C G/F 58-64 Paterson Street
Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay HK
T: +852 2110 0490
Mon – Thu & Sun : 11am to 11pm
Fri & Sat : 11am to 11:30pm
Sun/PH : 11am to 11pm
All Day Dining
Elements Mall: Shop 1026, 1 Austin Road, West Kowloon
Infinitus Plaza: G-08 Infinitus Plaza, 199 Des Voeux Road, Central
If you want to know more about this wonderful cafe stay tuned next week for the second instalment.