“I think that the Earth is the best source for health” Rula Liddawi says as we settle into our comfortable seats and she glances around appreciatively at her brand new baby, wholesome café SUPER/FOODS. “When I get sick, I don’t even take meds anymore, I just take an immunity shot! You truly are what you eat.”
To Rula, owning and running a health food bar wasn’t expected, as she never had any particular interest or held a background in the Food and Beverage industry. But during her days working in marketing and brand management for fashion and retail, something shifted within her. “When I started doing yoga five years ago, I became conscious of what I put into my body, because I had a newfound respect for my body being able to push itself to limitless options.” This gratitude led her to clean eating, which was no easy feat on a hunter-gatherer and economical level. “I came to realize that finding natural food was difficult, because with the exception of produce, most food items in the supermarket are filled with unidentifiable ingredients that you can’t even pronounce.”
This seems to be a recurring issue for many who, like Rula, value clean-eating ethics, as healthier foods on the market are often less accessible and are more expensive, as opposed to the quick-fixes at fast food chains that you can get for not more than KD 1. So along with the support of two partners, the vision was created and this wholesome Mom and Pop concept was born, in the heart of Shuwaikh Industrial’s stunning Mayar Complex.
We visit with Rula while she takes a break from her newfound profession as resident waitress to serve us some of SUPER/FOODS’ yummiest items, including their Super Bites: a trio of truffles containing all-natural gifts of the earth concocted into something sweet for your palate to enjoy. That’s the admirable thing about this establishment: everything is made in-house and fresh, from flours to nut milks, it’s all vegetarian, and the lot of it is vegan. “But we don’t discriminate – we have whey for those who need their dairy!” Rula assures us.
If being vegan tastes anything like their Super Bites, looks like the beautifully packaged and hilariously branded juices, and is as fun as making your own Smoothie Bowl and topping it with all the fruits your heart desires, we’re in. “I know that the whole health movement may be a hype here,” Rula says with a smile over a steaming Matcha Latte, “but I don’t care. This is a cause that I really believe in, and if it’s being done for the greater good, then why the heck not?”
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Genuine.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Poised.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
“Do you go to school on camels?” (Canadians, eh?!)
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I say a lot of spontaneous things, (and get in trouble for them), but my actions are a little more calculated.
What is your theme song?
I’d like to think that I’m a little more complex than to have a single song describe my entire life! But at this stage in my life, it would have to be the theme song for 20th Century Fox.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Rambunctious!
Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?
Tuscany, Italy.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.” –Thich Nhat Hanh I
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
An elephant: Strong yet gentle.
What do you miss about your childhood?
Nonconforming. Not having to live up to anyone’s expectations, except my own.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock! Come on! No?
How would you describe your handshake in one word?
Confident.
What is the toughest part of your character?
My stance on feminism and women’s rights.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
My grandfather – the most interesting person I know.
What in the world do you least desire?
Restraint.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?
Compassion.
Why do you think most girls/guys like you?
I’m real, and really friendly.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
My yoga mat.
SUPER/FOODS is now open at Mayar Complex in Shuwaikh Industrial. Follow them on Instagram @superfoodskw.
