Yes, Melbourne is still in lockdown but we can still travel within five kilometres from home. Also, we can meet with up to four other people from another household in an outdoor setting. With the weather starting to get sunnier, our parks are the perfect place for a weekend vegan picnic.
Let’s have a look at some of the best spots across Melbourne for a weekend vegan picnic where you don’t have to BYO lunch. Instead, you can support a local vegan business and order a packed lunch from them instead. Then, it’s just a matter of walking to a park nearby.
Bay City Burrito in St Kilda
There’s no other food that sings the song of a sunny day than Mexican food. In particular, jackfruit burritos are one of those perfect vegan picnic foods. Eating with your hands never tasted so good when you order a serve or two from Bay City Burrito in St Kilda. Though, the vegan picnic fare doesn’t end there. This vegetarian spot has a huge amount of vegan options from grilled corn on the cob, loaded vegan nachos or even pulled jackfruit tacos. Then, partner the order with a drink from a selection of soft drinks, sangria, beers or ciders. A short walk nearby is St Kilda Beach which sets the summery scene for this vegan picnic with wide-ranging views of Port Philip Bay.
Bay City Burrito: 4 Shakespeare Grove St Kilda. Open every day from 12 noon to 8.00pm.
Little Mylkbar in Aberfeldie
Little Mylkbar is perfectly located on the Maribyrnong River. It’s a street food caravan that serves up short order items to give you a tasty picnic lunch. You can choose from a delicious list of toasties (their Pesto one is a favourite) as well as smoothies (their Stick in the Mud is anything but), chai, coffees, hot chocolate and teas as well as a selection of single-serve cakes and cinnamon doughnuts. Simply order what you desire then pick a spot to sit on the banks of the river to enjoy your vegan picnic. Plus, there’s an ample exercise trail around the river if you need a walk for your exercise afterwards.
Little Mylkbar: Maribyrnong River in Aberfeldie between Poyntons Nursery and the Rowing Club. Open Saturdays and Sundays.
Smith & Deli in Fitzroy
Smith & Deli is a New York-style deli that’s complete with a breakfast menu, cold, freshly cut sandwiches, toasted sandwiches plus freshly baked sweets and cakes, hot and cold drinks. You can choose from an array of mock meats, vegan cheeses and condiments plus side salads that will bulk up your vegan picnic. Vegan egg scramble or a vegan egg and bacon muffin are popular breakfast favourites, while a vegan meatball sandwich with Napoli sauce will make for a filling lunch. Smith & Deli’s hot chai to takeaway is another favourite, though their coffee is pretty awesome, too. If you can order a pecan tart, you won’t regret it! Once you’ve received your vegan picnic, walk up the street towards Napier Street where there is a quaint park called Menzies Place. A larger spot – Atherton Reserve – is also nearby, a lengthier walk away.
Smith & Deli: 111 Moor Street Fitzroy. Open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9.00am to 4.00pm
Soulpod Foods in Croydon South
If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, then Soulpod Foods has a selection of filling short order meals. Tasty choices including Mexi beans, fried cauliflower wings, burgers with house-made chips and their signature Soul Bowl are all worthy choices to fill a hungry belly. In the cabinet, you can try a ready-made sandwich or roll, or even their vegan tarts. To accompany lunch, there are smoothies, fresh juice blends and hot and cold drinks. Soulpod’s coffee is on point, as too their hot chocolate. Also, there’s a bevy of cakes to try. Adjoining Soulpod Foods is a large parkland area with a picnic table, though you can cross the road and head to Cheong Park. Or, in the opposite direction, there’s Eastfield Dog Park further afield and only a 10-minute walk away if you have your furbaby in tow.
Soulpod Foods: 43 The Mall, Croydon South. Open every day 8.00am to 3.00pm.
Be sure to keep up to date with all of Melbourne’s COVID-19 restrictions via the Victorian Government website. Remember, you still need your mask and antibacterial gel, plus observe the 1.5 metre social distancing rule when you head outdoors.
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