It’s heart-warming to know that Australia is one the fastest-growing vegan populations in the world. In 2018 and around Melbourne alone, vegan food is sprouting up everywhere. Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs – traditionally with prominent meat-based menus – are now crafting separate vegan menus to better cater for Melbourne’s growing vegan demands.
What’s actually punctuating Melbourne’s culinary scene is the steady rise of all-vegan locations for those vegans who prefer to eat in all-vegan establishments. Here are just a handful of the newest places I’ve experienced this year alone. It’s a clear and determined sign that the need for all-vegan businesses are in high demand, a demand that’s rising now more than ever.
Soulful Vegan Food in Mornington
In their words: “Soulful Vegan Food is about exactly that! Food that feels right to eat, food that is made by someone who truly cares about other people’s health, animal welfare and our environment.”
My observations: Their Fritz fritters are delicious, not to mention gluten-free. Lunch is best served at a table in the sun out the front of the café in the warmer months. Simply sit back and relax.
Soulful Vegan Food, 175 Main Street, Mornington, Victoria, Australia 3931. Phone: 0478 187 055.
Conscious Cravings Co. in Moorooduc
In their words: “Organic. Raw. Vegan. Sugar free. Handmade cakes. Specialty coffee, plant-based lunches. Acai bowls. Gluten free and fodmap friendly.”
My observations: A perfect stop to eat, rest from the drive and revive on the Moorooduc Highway. Healthy, plant-based vegan meals are served with a hint of luxuriousness. Try the avocado on toast with almond feta and hemp seeds with a latte or a sweet treat afterwards. Arrive early to grab a seat.
Conscious Cravings Co., 8/475 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc, Victoria, Australia 3933. Phone: 0409 742 695.
Back2Nature Vegan Café and Grocery in Brighton East
In their words: “An organic vegan café and grocery serving a variety of delicious meals ranging from pizza and sandwiches to smoothies and desserts.”
My observations: Their veggie patty burger with a gluten-free sweet potato bun is a fulfilling lunch choice. Instead of a coffee, try a cacao chai. All vegan, of course. Separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are now up and running. Vegan food supplies can be purchased here, too.
Back2Nature Vegan Café and Grocery, 395 Bay Street, Brighton East, Victoria, Australia 3187. Phone: 0450 911 711.
Soulpod Foods in Croydon South
In their words: “Welcome to SoulPod Foods, where our mission is simple. To bring the best organic, plant based foods to the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. SoulPod Foods was born out of a need to encourage people to eat more plant based food, to educate them on the why and how, and to show them how simple eating organic and plant based can be.”
My observations: Soulpod Foods offers wholesome and fulfilling dishes made with organic, plant-based ingredients in a laid-back space. The ultimate brunch here is Green Bruschetta (on gluten-free toast) with a house-made fudge hot chocolate. Try one of their special dinner nights or visit during their new Sunday opening hours.
Soulpod Foods, 43 The Mall, Croydon South, Victoria, Australia 3136. Phone: 03 8201 8710.
Café 435 in Pascoe Vale
In their words: “100% plant based café.”
My observations: Enjoy the warmer weather and kick back at a table in the backyard. To start, order a Turkish coffee. Choose some meals from their full-vegan menu which has a Mediterranean flair. The vegan dolmades, lightly heated, are a delicious starting point.
Café 435, 104 Kent Road, Pascoe Vale, Victoria, Australia 3044.
One For The Crow in Maidstone
In their words: “One For The Crow is a venue in Melbourne’s west serving plant based/vegan foods, coffee and a world of plant paraphernalia.”
My observations: A strip-shop café with a difference: a café that doubles up as a nursery. A weekend isn’t a weekend without eating a vegan big breakfast. Order it here. Make it even bigger with a soy latte.
One for the Crow, 9 Commercial Street, Maidstone, Victoria, Australia 3012. Phone: 03 9080 1806.
