Everyone's busy as a bee now that Christmas is bouncing back in town. Gift-shopping, party-hopping, Kris Kringle gift exchanging... and oh, don't forget: calorie packing. Yes, it's that time of the year where foodies and even non-foodies alike have reasons to eat more and more, and without a doubt regretting the calories they have consumed come 2008.



But hey, don't fret! We always have different choices when eating out. There's always a healthier option and guess what? It doesn't have to cost that much. Plus, it tastes pretty good too. A fine and dandy example of such is my little new discovery: Chickpea Deli.

Deli-cious!

I discovered the deli on its opening day, actually, as my friend and I were doing some shopping - I was scouting Robinson's Galleria for some Halloween costume ideas. A brightly colored and cheerful little nook by the East Wing greeted us, urging us to taste the little nibblers they had prepared for passers-by.

What is interesting about ChickPea Deli is that one can have a fill of the Mediterranean - guilt-free, wallet-friendly and on the go. All items in their menu are guilt-free because of their falafel patties made with chickpea - a legume that we also commonly know as garbanzo.

Chickpea is commonly used by vegetarians in their diet as it is a wonderful source of protein. Chickpeas prepared the Middle Eastern way is seen in the falafel, where the mature peas are ground and shaped into balls. One favorite dish I love which uses chickpeas is the pasty, flavorful hummus, which I devour together with a soft and freshly made pita bread.

I visited Chickpea Deli another time, and had the pleasure of chatting up the team behind ChickPea Deli.

The Chickpea Deli is the brainchild of a team of Ateneo students taking up the School of Management Business Accelerator Program. The program aims to identify great innovative business ventures, and aids the students to bring their business ideas into the real world.

Good Mood Food

Belli Jalbuena, Anna Tantuico, Jaime Paraiso, Neil Ching, and David Del Rosario are eager to spread the chickpea craze in the city. "Our patties are a great substitute for burgers," says David, as they explain to me that firstly, their products do not have meat. Secondly, all items in the menu are reasonably priced. It's like fast food gone healthy, or healthy 'sophisticated' food gone mainstream. Either way, this new deli's falafel patties are awesomely guilt-free for the tummy and for the wallet!

"That's why we call it 'Good Mood Food'", says Belli.

Making Going Healthy Easy

One concern about 'going healthy' with one's diet is that healthier food costs more, and will probably end up not tasting good. Chickpea Deli will prove you wrong. Check out their menu and you will notice that everything is less than P100. Also, all products are fresh and the patties are homemade.

Their menu also offers Mediterranean falafel patties in wraps, salads and stacks, and with various dressings for you to choose from. For my late lunch that afternoon, I had the White Cheese Wrap (P80), currently their best-selling item.

The wraps at Chickpea Deli are just about the same size as your friendly shawarma kiosk. My wrap was stuffed with falafel pattie, fresh lettuce and tomato slices, sun-dried tomatoes (which I love), olives, and the very savory white cheese dressing. It was my first time to try falafel patties, and it is interesting to note its similarity to the flavor of meat, yet it has nuances in its texture - a bit smoother or 'mushier' - that makes the wraps at Chickpea Deli unique. You can easily tell it is not meat, but the difference is actually good.

Their hearty and tasty salads are served in a plastic container, ready for take-out orders and perfect for bringing them with you as baon. I ordered the Garlic Aioli Salad (P85) to go, and I had it for dinner later that evening.

The salad is very colorful-looking: fresh greens, red tomato slices, chunks of falafel patties, a sprinkling of grated cheese, and drizzled with garlic aioli vinaigrette. A zesty salad that was filling enough for dinner, without emptying your wallet.

Oh, and you can also use the salad as filling for a your pita! I heard someone requested for their order of salad to be prepared as a wrap, and the ChickPea Deli team was happy to oblige. I should try that some time, seems delish!

And since it's Christmas season, Chickpea Deli offers yummy Baklava in boxes with festive colors. The sweet Mediterranean dessert bars are priced P250 per box.

Chickpea Deli offers something really good: no frills dining, food items good for on-the-go customers, all at very friendly prices - all served to you without compromise in quality and flavor. Now you can have a little less guilt in eating out with this new deli in town. Good mood food, indeed!

Chickpea Deli is located at the 3rd Level East Wing of Robinson's Galleria. E-mail info@chickpeadeli.com or visit www.chickpeadeli.com for more information.