With the vegetarian population expanding and the demand for 1kg steaks decreasing, we’ve witnessed a been a boom in vegetarian cuisine options in our beloved Canberra. Whether you’re a legume-loving activist or a rampant meat enthusiast these five eateries are sure to satisfy all your cravings and leave you feeling completely satisfied.
- Sweet Bones Bakery – 18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Open since 2011 Sweet Bones is a favourite for many Canberra vegetarians and vegans. With an entirely organic vegan menu and an impressive all day breakfast menu, you can’t go past this welcoming little hive in the popular hub of Braddon. If you’re after something sweet the Short Stack pancakes are a must while the savoury Braddon Burrito is sure to please. Sweet Bones also provides baked goods (the Cinnabuns are highly recommended) and nutritious fruit-filled and dairy-free smoothies. They’re also the first, and only cafe (that we know of) that serves the amazing Cocowhip. With only the best quality ingredients and the friendliest of staff, Sweet Bones Bakery is definitely numero uno for filling and fantastic vegan food.
- Malaysian Chapter – 8 Weedon Close, Belconnen
Not only does this restaurant provide outstanding service but the food will leave you wanting more every time. The vegetarian menu spoils you for choice with an eclectic range of curries, noodle and stir-fry dishes as well as an impressive selection of soy-based ‘meats’. The staff are more than happy to discuss what’s on offer and make recommendations for less adventurous diners. The Sayur Lodeh (traditional Malaysian vegetable curry) is a particular favourite with its warm galangal and lemongrass based sauce. This gem is tucked away in Belconnen but if you don’t live close by it’s well worth the trip.
- Au Lac – 4/35-39 Woolley St, Dickson
What if I said you could have beef, chicken, fish, pork and duck without touching one morsel of animal meat? Located in the heart of Dickson, Au Lac provides just this. The ‘meat’ options (made from soybean proteins) are tender and flavoursome and the accompanying homemade sauces boost the flavour of each dish perfectly. Open since 2000, this restaurant has a booming trade with many loyal customers. Go on any night and you’ll find the cosy little place bursting at the seams with eager foodies.
- My Rainbow Dreams – Shop G1, Dickson Chambers, Dickson Place
My Rainbow Dreams caters to all your needs with their tasty selection of burgers, curries, soups and sweets. The rich Masoor Dhal curry is sure to warm you up on a cold Canberra winter night while their selection of fruit-packed juices and smoothies will cool you down during the February heat. Their impressive sweets menu boasts warm homemade banana bread, a mouth-watering choc-berry brownie and tempting house-made gelato. This relaxed little cafe will have vegetarians grinning from ear to ear.
- Old Bus Depot Markets – 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston
If you feel like filling yourself up with some of Canberra’s best vegetarian cuisine but don’t feel like a sit-down meal, the Old Bus Depot Markets are a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday. Stop by the Veganarchy stall for a mid-morning vegan cake or seek out a life-changing vegan Peanut Buddha Cup or a bagel from Buddha’s Kitchen. For lunch you can settle down near Ferkete’s Ethopian Cuisine to indulge in some delicious vegan or vegetarian curry. If you want to take a slice of this busy market home you can purchase homemade dips, cheeses, fudge or wood-fired bread to enjoy at your leisure. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful spot near the trendy Kingston Foreshore.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan meal to satisfy your cravings then check out some of the places we’ve mentioned.
About the author
Clare is a 23 year-old Canberra foodie who is passionate about the best food, music and events our city has to offer. Graduating from University of Canberra in April 2016 with a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism, Clare has managed to delve into some of Canberra’s best kept secrets and is aspiring to share these wonders with the public through her writing. Clare’s journalistic passions include food, music, film, comedy, literature, travel and event coverage.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.