Plant-based Comfort Fare Awaits at these 6 Restaurants

We all crave a certain comfort food when we are feeling down, under the weather or just looking for a pick-me-up. It is food that provides a nostalgic or sentimental value and is quite often characterised by its high-caloric nature and association to childhood or home cooking.

Where do vegans and vegetarians head for comfort fare with flair? Here are six venues to head for a plant-based comfort food fix:

Those seeking the tantalising flavours of Thai fare, head along Perouse Road in Randwick to find Ummarin Thai Restaurant. A relaxing vibe of moody lighting, traditional ornaments and polished wood floors set the scene for memorable dining with family and friends over an authentic menu of everyone’s favourites.

 

Pair an icy glass of wine with a starter of vegan exotic prawns, or crispy fish and steamed vegetables; before a hearty and spicy plate of delicious basil fried rice, topped with a fried egg, or a yellow curry with vegan chicken, steamed jasmine rice and roti. Finish sweetly with grilled sticky rice, banana and coconut cream. 

For more than a decade, Stand by Me on Lyons Place has been delivering quality coffee and plant-based comfort fare with flair to discerning Weston Creek foodies. Step into a rustic vibe of recycled timber, banquette and cosy table settings, polished concrete floors and an eclectic mix of artwork, setting the scene for lingering over dishes designed to refuel and recharge for the day ahead.

 

Wrap your hands around a cheese, roast vegetable and hummus toasted sandwich, paired with seasoned wedges, sour cream and sweet chilli sauce; while burger lovers chow down on plant-based chicken schnitzel with coleslaw, avocado and cheese. Perhaps a vegetable curry entices with cauliflower, pumpkin and potato, served with steamed rice, or pumpkin roti with poached eggs, harissa-roasted pumpkin, herbed yoghurt, spiced and roasted pine nuts.

Soak up stunning views of Ross Creek along with the flavours of Indian cuisine at Aalishan on Palmer Street in Townsville. With a name meaning ‘grand’, expect to be impressed by the ambience of this restaurant, where water views abound from large glass windows and the sounds of gurgling water from an outdoor fountain add a soothing touch.

 

 

Vegetarian starters like aaloo tikki chaat – potato cutlets, chaat spice, yoghurt and chutney - entice to begin an Indian feast; before classic curries like mixed vegetables in creamy cashew sauce, or vegetarian koftas stir-fried with onions, capsicum, garlic, soy and chilli sauce with sides of steamed rice, naan and tandoori roti.

To fulfil cravings for the tantalising spices of Indian cuisine when in Bendigo, join locals heading to Food O’Clock Cafe & Indian Restaurant on Mollison Street. Diners are welcomed inside and invited to venture through a red chiffon curtain draped across an archway and into a family-friendly dining room, where artwork adorning the walls adds warmth and an extra splash of colour to a clean design.

 

Whether longing for the comfort of your favourite vegetarian curry or yearning for an adventurous dish to transport you across the globe with just a bite, the menu is sure to set mouths watering at first sight. Begin with spicy potato and pea samosas served with tamarind chutney, before fried eggplant slices cooked in creamy coconut sauce, with green coriander, saffron rice and papadums.

For more than 25 years, GurTaj Indian restaurant on Pittwater Road has been bringing the best of North Indian cuisine to Collaroy diners. Owned and operated by the same family since 1996, GurTaj exudes a vibe of polished wood floors, traditionally set tables, along with banquette seating, while potted greenery and authentic accents add to the warm and welcoming ambience.

 

Find comfort with entrées of crispy onion bhaji and dipping sauce, or mixed vegetables pakoras; then devour mains such as vegetarian saag paneer with cottage cheese and spinach, best enjoyed with garlic naan, or malai kofta – the vegetarian version of butter chicken with thick cashew and almond nut gravy, coriander and fresh cream. Finish with a dessert of mango kulfi and gulab jamun.

Born out of a love of good vegan food, Veggie Vie Cafe on McHenry Street in the heart of Adelaide city was created with the vision to entice people of all walks of life to eat, drink and relax in a humble, warm and accepting atmosphere. Step into an oasis of green with plant wallpaper covering the walls, recycled timber and trailing plants, setting the ideal vibe for 100% plant-based dining from a menu that is always veggie-centric; along with low processing techniques and wherever possible, housemade over packaged and pre-bought.

 

Expect simple, honest and uncomplicated choices like brunch plates of tofu scrambled egg on toast with tomatoes and vegan bacon; while the lunch crowd delves into a whole food bowl of grilled tofu, salad, nuts, pickles, avocado and dressing, or wrap your hands around a lentil and chickpea patty burger with hot tomato chutney, caramelised onion and salad.