The 5 best places to go for vegan food on the Gold Coast
Having a plant-based diet doesn’t mean having to go hungry, especially in the vegan haven of South East Queensland. Nutella honeycomb vegan pancakes, anyone?
- December 2019
Whether you’re an ethical vegan or just trying to avoid animal products there are plenty of options for vegan dining on the glorious Gold Coast opens in new window.
Best for vegan Mexican: Goodness Gracias
This cheery yellow Palm Beach burrito joint switched to 100 per cent vegan in November 2018, serving up re-imagined classics including a cacao mole burrito (made with plant-based shredded chicken), alongside street corn, tacos, quesadillas and mocktails. It’s as much fun as you can have this side of the border.
Best for conscious eating: The Cardamom Pod
Keep your footprint light as you dance through the plant-based menu at this vegetarian favourite (they keep cow milk in the mix for those who think milk from nuts is, well, nuts). Starving? Order the Buddha bowl with rainbow rice paper rolls.
Best for vegan cocktails: Greenhouse Canteen & Bar.
Since Greenhouse first opened in Kirra in 2014, the Gold Coast vegan scene has boomed. A new home (Miami), two franchises (Coolangatta, South Brisbane), ready-made dinners, a deli and a spa have all been added to the line-up. Drop in for Small Eats and Big Eats with a Mexican bend (hello, smoked jackfruit enchilada).
Best for Instagram: The Milkman’s Daughter
Ok, this restaurant is not strictly vegan but at this vegetarian café you will find slow roasted mushrooms and, on request, a vegan version of lemon ricotta pancakes. Concrete arches frame cushion-filled nooks in this Mermaid Beach haunt, competing with the food for best Instagram fodder.
Best for vegan desserts: Nude Sisters.
As the motto scrawled on the wall in this Mermaid Waters café reads, “Life’s too short, eat the cake”. Even if you come for the savoury, such as vegan cheesy fries, save room for the Nutella honeycomb vegan pancakes. The coffee is Allpress, the sourdough is from Burleigh Baker and the décor is minimalist Scandi-chic.
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