Mia Cane Juicery and Acai Bar adds something fresh to Worcester's bustling food scene
A popular stop along Park Avenue in Worcester is Mia Cane Juicery and Acai Bar, a new startup from owners husband and wife Tuan and Tiki Nguyen and Tuan Lam. The business opened in August and is home to a variety of delicious fresh-pressed sugarcane juice drinks and build-your-own bowls featuring the superfruit acai berry and special toppings eaten with a spoon.
Located at 261 Park Ave. in the building that formerly housed the photography shop L.B. Wheaton (now on Suffolk Street in Worcester) and the Neil Rosenblum Goldsmiths Gallery (closed), Mia Cane’s owners believe the business is a good fit in the city, attracting not only sugarcane devotees but also first-time customers. Despite its cultlike stature in Southeast Asian cultures, beloved for its subtly sweet flavor and natural health benefits, fresh sugarcane juice hasn’t become a mainstream drink in the U.S. Tuan Nguyen of Worcester and Lam, formerly of Worcester, hope to franchise Mia Cane Juicery on the East Coast.
Nguyen and his wife said customers who grew up on the juice drink have told them they are happy the business is in the city because they haven’t had the drink since growing up in their home country. “Some people haven’t had it for 20 years,” said Tuan Nguyen. “They tell us the drink brings back many memories.” Sugarcane juice reportedly contains calcium, iron and vitamin C, with no added sugar. Also, there are people who believe it aids in digestion and boosts immunity, said Nguyen.
At Mia Cane, the juice is made to order, feeding sugarcane stalks through an industrial machine to extract the juice. It’s enhanced by the flavor of juices such as passion fruit and can be mixed with coconut water or milk, lychee, dragon fruit or strawberry juices, depending on personal taste. The business offers 12 different sugarcane-based juice drinks. A customer favorite combines sugarcane and calamansi, a citrus fruit with a tart flavor combination of lemon, lime and orange. Nguyen and his partner source sugarcane from their own farm located outside the U.S.
In Vietnam, sugarcane juice is a popular and refreshing drink sold at street stalls, said Nguyen, who described it as “like drinking lemonade in the U.S.”
Customers who prefer acai bowls can choose to add toppings, such as organic house granola, roasted coconut, honey oat granola, roasted sunflower seeds, peanut butter crumbs, peanut butter, blueberry, strawberry, banana, honey, or condensed milk. Almond butter or Nutella toppings cost extra. “Acai is organic, natural and gluten-free,” according to Mia Cane’s owners, who said the bowls are especially popular with college students.
The business seats 16 at tables and window counter. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Takeout and delivery; telephone: (508) 304-6755. Connect on Facebook for menu and special promos.
The Nguyens, who live in Worcester, are self-described “foodies who love to travel and try new restaurants.” Tuan Nguyen graduated from Worcester State University. Tiki Nguyen is originally from Boston.
Mia Cane Juicery and Acai Bar is a welcoming space with a good vibe. Check it out!
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: The Dish: Mia Cane Juicery an exciting addition to Park Avenue
