We all have at least one friend who is a vegetarian or vegan. As a matter of fact, I’m that friend. So I know how it can be tricky sometimes finding a restaurant with diverse food options that my omnivore friends will enjoy, but also has plant based options more exciting than a salad. Here are my 5 personal favorite hidden spots to go to in Auckland for gatherings, with amazing meatless options that will impress even the most staunch carnivore.
CHOP CHOP NOODLE HOUSE
Hidden inside Ponsonby Central, Chop Chop Noodle House is an asian street food style shop that boasts a vibrant menu with Japanese, Chinese and Korean influences. Their Miso Ramen is undoubtedly the best vegetarian ramen I have ever tasted in Auckland - a flavorful ramen broth that is so rich in umami it’s hard to believe that it was made without any meat, topped with a medley of corn, smoked eggplant, mushrooms and beansprouts. Their special addition of kombu smoked butter adds another dimension of flavor to the entire dish that will keep you wanting more.
For rice lovers, they also have a hearty Vegetable Rice Bowl that is bursting with vibrant flavors yet feels healthy at the same time, served with tempura pumpkin, baby spinach, kimchi and courgette.
Address: 140 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Central Auckland 1011
CAFE HANOI
Tucked away in a little corner of Britomart, Cafe Hanoi is a stylish restaurant known for their classy twist on Vietnamese street food and is frequently packed for dinner service. When I first brought my parents here, we were pleasantly surprised to see quite a few vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. A particular standout was the crispy turmeric rice pancake with tofu strips, shiitake, cos lettuce, soft herbs and soy lime dip which was so refreshing and light that we had to order seconds. I was also impressed by the aromatic vegetable curry made with potato, lotus root, eggplant and beans - an incredibly comforting meal that will warm your body from the inside out, best served with freshly steamed jasmine rice. Address: 27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland Halfway down Tuawhiti Lane (accessible from Galway Street)
MALI THAI Mali Thai is a small eatery located in an unassuming corner of Auckland CBD. This place came highly recommended by a Thai friend for having authentic dishes that hit home for him. But what really impressed me was the fact that they had vegetarian options available for almost every dish on their menu by substituting meat with tofu or egg. Image credits to Restaurant Guru I particularly enjoyed their Vegetable Pad Thai and Pad Kapow - both classic dishes cooked with smoky wok perfection and served flavors reminiscent of my last trip to Bangkok. Address: 8/18 Darby Street Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
KUAI DIAN EATERY
I stumbled upon Kuai Dian Eatery when searching for affordable dining options in Newmarket and now return regularly with friends for their $10 special meals. A favorite I always order is their Vegetarian Mapo Tofu Rice Set - a satisfying dish cooked with the right amount of fiery spice that packs a punch in every bite but still keeps you coming back for more. Image credits to Kuai Dian Eatery For those in the mood for something with a bit more texture, try their Vegetarian Sauce Noodles - chewy noodles dressed in a hearty tomato gravy of egg, tofu and black fungus. It sounds simple but you will be amazed by the sweet and savory flavors that will leave you feeling nourished afterwards. Address: 473 Khyber Pass Road Newmarket Auckland 1023
BELLY WORSHIP Belly Worship has already garnered a following from fellow vegans as half their menu is meatless, making it a popular meeting spot for people with different dietary needs. They have a plethora of creative plant based options that will amaze even the most seasoned vegan, such as a Chinese Burrito with Spicy Sliced Potatoes and Sizzling Vegan Beef Hot Plate. My personal favorite is the Vegan Lychee Pork that delivers a tangy, sweet and sour kick that nicely compliments the crispy battered plant based pork - this is a dish you must have with rice to fully enjoy. For sharing plates, the Vegan Chicken Popcorn has impressed my friends for its well seasoned flavors and texture similar to its actual meat counterpart, plus a mouth watering crunch that is so addictive that the plate is empty before you even notice. Address: 547 Dominion Road Mount Eden Auckland 1041
