By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The restaurant formerly known as 'I Should Be Souvlaki' is on a mission to prove that plant-based eating no longer means a life of lettuce leaves and lentils.
From Mediterranean favourites to British classics and a sweet Parisian treat to top it all off, here are six things on the new European-inspired menu from Mina Maria on King Street in Newtown that are so brilliant you’ll barely believe they’re plant-based:
Salt and Pepper Calamari
Transport yourself to a Sicilian Summer with Mina Maria’s salt and pepper calamari. While it wouldn’t look out of place on a classic antipasto platter served on the Italian Isles, this version swaps out traditional squid for konjac calamari, delivering that same tender oceanic bite - sans any fishy seafood. Paired with a zesty plant-based tartar sauce, it’s a Mediterranean escape on a plate - no plane ticket required.
Ultimate Lamb Souvlaki Wrap
Don’t tell Yia Yia, but Mina Maria’s ultimate lamb souvlaki wrap may be just as juicy as the real deal. Packed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato and red onion, all wrapped up in pillowy pita bread, it’s the quintessential souvlaki experience - minus the meat. The vegan tzatziki is rich, creamy and tangy, while the plant-based lamb brings all the smoky, herby flavours you’d expect from the real deal. One bite and you’ll be shouting ‘Opa’!
Pork-style Koftas
The age-old debate about whether Greeks, Turks or Lebanese can claim credit for the invention of kofta may never reach a unanimous verdict, but Mina Maria’s pork-style koftas are sure to settle the argument on taste. Juicy, spiced and tender, these koftas are served with dairy-free feta and a dollop of vegan tzatziki - they may not resolve international food rivalries, but they sure taste good!
Schnitzel with Russian Potato Salad
Mina Maria flips the script on schnitty, with a perfectly crispy, golden slab of seitan, served alongside a creamy Russian potato salad - with a fresh, herby dairy-free dressing that keeps it light yet indulgent - this hearty dish will satisfy the meat-and-potatoes crowd without missing a beat, err…meat!
Beef-style Wellington
A British Sunday roast staple gets a bold, vegan makeover with Mina Maria’s signature beef-style Wellington. This show-stopping dish features garlic and thyme-infused plant-based mince, encased in buttery puff pastry. Mushroom duxelle adds a rich umami kick, while hand-cut fries and vegan peppercorn sauce round out the plate.
Crème Brûlée
No meal at Mina Maria is complete without dessert and crème brûlée is the perfect sweet treat. A plant-based spin on the Parisian classic, this dessert boasts a perfectly caramelised sugar crust that cracks like a dream, revealing a luscious, creamy custard beneath. It’s indulgence in every spoonful and proof that plant-based dining can truly be très bien!
