It’s party thyme for vegans around the globe on Tuesday, November 1 – lettuce get together to celebrate World Vegan Day.
What is veganism? It’s a way of living that seeks to abstain, as much as possible, from the use of animal products – vegans don’t eat animal-derived foods such as meat, milk and dairy. Many vegans also boycott clothing and other products that involve animal exploitation, like leather and fur.
The top three reasons why people make this choice are improving their health, saving animal lives and helping the planet.
Here are four of our favourite vegan venues to get your plant-based fix:
Find your own tranquil hideaway at vegetarian and vegan café Bamboo Buddha on Wattle Tree Road in Holgate. Nestled in a tropical plant nursery, this pet-friendly eatery also holds yoga and wellness events along with exhibitions from local artists, as guests catch up with family and friends over wholesome fare with flair.
Drop by early for spicy organic tofu scramble, with kasundi spices, baby spinach, mushrooms, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, char-grilled capsicum and toasted sourdough; or devour a Bamboo Buddha burger, with sunflower mince patty, apple slaw, dill pickle and housemade wedges.
Vegetarian and vegan fare with flair awaits Maroochydore diners at Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian on Ocean Street. On balmy days sit alfresco streetside and soak up the Sunshine Coast’s enviable climate, or dine indoors where a light, bright and breezy vibe of white walls, blond wood table settings, neon signage and a stunning wall mural invite lingering over a coffee catch up with friends.
With a daily changing menu of dishes such as vegetable curry, lentil soup, stir-fried wheat noodles and potato Gauranga bake, there is something here to tempt all tastes; perhaps opt for paneer curry with housemade cheese, rice, salad, kofta balls, papadums and halava pudding.
Grab-and-go food that is 100% plant-based, good for the planet and your well-being is on the menu at Feast Geelong on Ormond Road. Dine in on fresh salad bowls, smoothies, soups, stews and curries; check out the warmer for housemade pies and pastries, or counter cabinet where ready-to-toast focaccias, muffins and pizzas await.
Perhaps gluten-free crumpets hit the mark, topped with sautéed mushrooms, yay feta and herbs; or wrap your hands around a chick’n pattie burger, with avocado, tomato, onion, cheese and relish on a charcoal bun.
Looking for delicious food that’ll do some good? Swing by Flave on Hall Street in Bondi for plant-based fare and drinks that help create a better world – plus enjoy mouth-watering, mind-blowing flavour in burgers and bowls to satisfy all tastes. Shiny black subway tiles, neon signage and wood panelling invite lingering over nourishing burgers and bowls from lunch to dinner; while you are munching, crunching, sipping and slurping from a menu celebrating multi-cultural Australia.
Delve into a So Su Me bowl with tangy and spicy tartar, carrot and cucumber ribbons, pickled ginger, wasabi and tempura nori for crunch; or chow down on a Southern Fry burger – spicy, crunchy American cauli burger with baconnaise, peri peri, pickles and slaw.
For more vegan venues near you, click here.
