Top 5 Vegan-Friendly Eateries to Try in 2025

If you’ve been exploring Auckland’s plant-based food scene for a while, you’ve probably already checked off the big players— the likes of East, Khu Khu and Wise Boys. But if you’re looking to spice things up this year, it’s time to step off the beaten path and discover some fresh, flavour-packed gems! 

From soul-warming ramen on the North Shore to vegan fried chicken that’ll fool even the biggest KFC fan, here are five must-visit eateries to add to your foodie bucket list in 2025.  

1. Joyve Cafe (Auckland CBD)  

Located in the heart of Auckland CBD, Joyve Cafe is a hidden gem serving delicious 100% vegan Asian cuisine. This cozy spot on Anzac Ave serves up affordable, generously portioned plant-based meals that pack a ton of flavour. 

I always find Joyve’s laksa noodle soup to be a soul-satisfying experience — a massive bowl of flavourful, coconut-infused broth, loaded with noodles and fresh toppings. Joyve Cafe’s fennel and tofu dumplings are another must-try. Each bite packs a ton of umami-rich flavours (and the portion sizes keep my broke university student wallet happy!) If you’re after more steamed delights, their fluffy vegan bao buns—stuffed with flavourful plant-based fillings—are another excellent choice for a light yet satisfying bite. 

Joyve Cafe is a fantastic choice for both vegans and anyone looking to enjoy delicious, meat-free dining in Auckland. Whether you’re looking for a lunchtime fix near your office or university, or a casual dinner spot, Joyve Cafe should be on your list of vegan places to try this year!  

📍 Where? 49 Anzac Avenue, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 ⭐ Must-Try: Laska noodle soup 

2. Yawara Ramen Bar (Orewa)  

Nestled up in Orewa, this cozy Japanese spot is proof that plant-based ramen can be just as rich, creamy, and umami-packed as the original—no pork broth needed. 

Whether you choose the vegan miso ramen or vegan shoyu (soy-based) ramen, Yawara offers a hearty and authentic experience of Japanese flavour (no meat or dairy needed!). Both of their signature vegan ramen dishes come with generous portions of chewy noodles, fresh vegetables, and flavourful plant-based proteins. Trust me, once you’ve slurped your way through these masterpieces, you’ll be making excuses to drive to Orewa just to have them again. 

📍 Where? 10 Cammish Lane, Orewa, Auckland 0931 ⭐ Must-Try: Vegan Miso Ramen & Vegan Shoyu Ramen 

3. Mudita (Takapuna)  

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, get yourself to Mudita ASAP. Cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, brownies, you name it and Mudita probably has a vegan version of it. 

I don’t often have sweet cravings, but Mudita’s plant-based cupcakes – in particular their salted caramel and biscoff and vanilla – have made me return…again and again. But there is more to Mudita than just their sweet goodness. As a frequent visitor of Takapuna, Mudita has also been the perfect brunch spot for me with their 100% vegan range of toasties and sandwiches as well as barista-made coffees. Their chicken rendang and smashed burger toasties are my go-to and never disappoint. 

‘Mudita’ is the Sanskrit term for ‘Joy’, and boy does it live up to its name! Each delectable hand-crafted dish speaks to the passion and love of the owners for their dream of spreading vegan joy. 

📍 Where? Shop 3, 56-60 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 ⭐ Must-Try: Chicken Rendang Toastie & Salted caramel cupcake. 

4. Swagat The Veggie Delight (Dominion Road)  

Dominion Road is packed with some of the best Asian and Indian eateries in Auckland, and Swagat The Veggie Delight is firmly among the best on Dominion Road. Their diverse 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu ranges from authentic South Indian street food, to Indo-Chinese fusion dishes and hearty Punjabi curries. 

Among my favourite is the Vegan Manchurian Sizzler, a sizzling platter of crispy, spiced balls tossed in Manchurian sauce and served with fried rice and hot chips. If you’re a fan of Indian street food, Swagat also nails the classics. In particular, their masala pani puri and masala dosa are an absolute veggie delight (yes, pun intended). I found both to be authentic and provide an explosion of flavour. 

📍 Where? 639 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1041 ⭐ Must-Try: Vegan Manchurian Sizzler 

5. Hello Rosie (Hamilton)  

You may wonder why Hamilton is often labelled the "city of the future". Well, the answer might be: Hello Rosie’s vegan KFC! Hello Rosie is a must-visit pit-stop on your next trip south of Auckland with a smorgasbord of veganised versions of many classic hits: ranging from creamy mac ‘n cheese Bites to its spicy buffalo “chicken” Burger (Warning: packs some serious heat!).  

However, perhaps the biggest star of the show is their ‘dinner box’ which is the ultimate comfort meal, featuring crispy fried "chickun", golden fries, rich gravy, tangy coleslaw, and a soft bread roll. If you have ever wanted to go vegan but just cannot forgo the pleasures of KFC, well… meet Hello Rosie. 

But why stop the food coma there? Make sure to also try Hello Rosie’s mouth-watering selection of vegan donuts and milkshakes! 

(In my humble opinion) this little pink store may well be the #1 reason to visit Hamilton!  

📍 Where? 307 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204 ⭐ Must-Try: Dinner Box, donuts. 

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