By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The Harbour City has moved beyond Buddha bowls and cauliflower curries (delicious as they might be) to offer a delicious range of no-meat meals. Here is our pick of 6 of Sydney’s best vegetarian dishes - plus a couple of completely plant-based vegan plates to try too!
Vegan Tartare at Bottega Coco, Barangaroo
Bottega Coco’s vegan tartare is a stunning presentation of seasonal vegetables, including a velvety pumpkin purée and a hint of fresh mint. This dish is almost too pretty to eat, combining elegance, enchanting colours and an explosion of flavours in every bite.
Cast Iron Truffle Mac & Cheese at Sax Cafe and Lounge Bar, Barangaroo
Every single dish at sophisticated Sax (cool cafe by day and Euro lounge bar by night), is delicious - but, both vegetarians and carnivores will agree that the cast iron truffle mac & cheese - think freshly made gnocchi coated with creamy sauce and topped with freshly grated truffle - is top tier.
The Zinga Burger at Chippo Hotel, Chippendale
When the KFC craving hits, but you’re all about the vegan life, head to Australia's First 100% vegan pub and order a juicy Zinga burger. Made with Southern fried faux chicken, 11 herbs and spicy and creamy vegan sauce, this will quell your fast-food cravings without compromising on taste. * Disclaimer: This dish is made for vegan purposes and all its content is plant-based. Any resemblance to real-life takeaway tucker is purely coincidental.
Zucchini flower with plant-based ricotta and sweet chilli at Nico, Cammeray
Think Italian fare is all meat, cheese and creamy sauces? Think again with Nico’s zucchini flower - a delightful vegan treat, featuring a fresh, crisp zucchini flower filled with rich plant-based ricotta and drizzled with sweet chilli, that embodies Chef Nicola Rinconi’s take on doing Italian dining a little differently.
Smoked Mozzarella at Folly’s at Cammeray
Whoever declared burrata overrated had likely not tried the smoked mozzarella at Folly’s bar and bistro - an artful treat that pairs creamy cheese and creme fraîche with the sweet tang of fig and persimmon, all drizzled with aromatic tarragon oil. A visual and culinary delight well deserving of its status as one of Sydney’s best vegetarian dishes, it is only challenged by the restaurant’s honey and truffle drizzled sweet potatoes. If in doubt, order both.
Vegan Pad Thai at Jackalberry, Sydney
Swap your greasy midday takeaway meal for this version of pad Thai in the Jackalberry cocktail bar at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Made with wok-fried noodles, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, shallots, fried tofu and crushed peanuts, it’s so good you may never order a chicken variety again.
