Lockdown Meals for Mates or Dates in Melbourne

Lockdown Meals

For Mates or Dates in Melbourne

Don’t let Delta ruin all the FUN! Have yourself a very merry MATE or DATE night from the comfort of your couch by ordering takeaway from some of our favourite small businesses. Here are our top 10 suggestions:

Neko Neko
WEEKEND SORTED! Neko Neko Fitzroy has created the vegan sushi platter of your dreams. It’s got Quinoa Gyoza, Mushroom Tempura, Smoked Tofu Katsu, Sushi Rolls, Croquettes, Agadeshi Tofu, and Miso Shepherd’s Pie. Honestly, what more could you want. Pre-order for pick up on Fridays and Saturdays by calling 0438043333! PS: They’ve also got vegan MAKE IT AT HOME RAMEN available every day.

Shiworae
Send some lockdown love to your friends and fam by ordering them a Home KBBQ set from Shiworae. It includes 2 choices of marinated ‘meat’, rice, a variety of 10 different banchan (traditional side dishes), and lots more! They’ve also got the sweetest dessert boxes of their Hwa Gwa Ja (Bean flower cake) which are all specially crafted by hand. DM them with any enquiries or to make an order.

Marko
Get dinner sorted this weekend with a Marko at home feast! Keep your eyes on their page for their weekly menu that has featured past hits including melted chickpeas with harissa and sage, or stuffed vegetable bellies with warm rice. Order via the link in their bio and check to see if you can get delivery to your suburb (otherwise pick up is available).

Rice Paper Scissors
WFH = WOK From Home. Rice Paper Scissors At Home Experiences are everything you could want right now and more. Their delivery radiuses are updated weekly so they can spread the joy of licking sticky peanut satay sauce off your hands far and wide. Order via the link in their bio.

Lona Misa
PSA: Time to get your orders in… Due to popular demand, Lona Misa is now offering At Home takeaway from Mon-Sat. Patatas bravos, peri peri cauliflower, chocolate tart…bring it on! Place your order online for pick-up or delivery.

Good Love
Treat the boredom and treat yourself in lockdown with a comforting meal pack from Good Love. Their latest weekend delivery pack included a Mac n cheese bake, Garlic flat bread,, Dessert, Wine, and even some merch! All delivered to your door so your only job is to eat it all up! Watch their page to see their next release and DM them to make an order.

Bio by Doc
Known for their unpretentious, uncomplicated, all GF and VEG menu, Bio by Doc dinner packs are something you should be very excited about.⁠⁠ Build your own feast including Italian classics like arancini and tiramisu, or let the chefs take care of you with a set menu. Order via Providoor.

Ballards
A feast fit for a king or queen. Ballards have created the ultimate Mexican fiesta for you to enjoy at home. Nachos, enchiladas, salsa, salad and dessert if you fancy. Watch their page to see when pre-orders open and look forward to having a GUACin’ good night!

Hochi Mama
From Mama’s kitchen to your LD 6.0 tables! Hochi Mama are here to get you through the weekend with their Hochi Hampers. Dish on all the comfort food you need like Mama’s vegan duck wraps, cashew tofu curry, and lycheezy DIY cocktail. Hit the link in their bio to pre-order for either curbside pick-up or FREE delivery within 5km. They’re also on UberEats.

Too Good Talker
Thing to do in Melbourne right now: order an Asian Street Food Feed Me Box from Too Good Talker (+ some takeaway cocktails). Their Vegan Box includes the likes of Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Roti Bread w/ Peanut Satay, Edamame, Mushroom Dumplings, Tofu Bao Buns, Mushroom + Tofu Mapo, and Coconut Sago. Follow their page to see where they’ll be popping up next!

Green Acre
Have the ultimate Mate or Date night with a pizza party from our friends at Green Acre. They’ve got a special deal every Thursday where you can snag any 2 pizzas, a starter, and alcohol for a bloody good price! Ring 9381 5763 to order.

SECONDARY TITLE

Living Your Best Life in Melbourne Lockdown

Living Your Best Life in Lockdown

Melbourne

Strap in Melbourne, we’ve got some epic suggestions to help you get through this snap lockdown! From workouts to date nights, here are 12 ways to live your best lockdown life.

Eat Like Royalty with the Best Takeaway Vegan Food
Supporting small businesses has never been more important! Eat like a king or queen this lockdown by ordering delivery from your favourite local cafe or restaurant. Token Toasties are doing wild lockdown deals over the next 5 days (check their IG to find out the daily deal), Conscious Cravings Co is open from 9am‑2pm with a special takeaway menu, and Master Jack Cafe is open 8:30‑2pm to pick up a quick bowl or wrap. We can’t wait to see what you order!

Send Your Friends A Surprise From Crumbs
Lockdown can be a pretty challenging and isolating time for some. Show those you love that you care and are thinking about them by sending them a care package or some delicious vegan treats. We recommend ordering some baked sourdough goods from Crumbs Bakehouse. They’ve got donuts, muffins, croissants, and all things bread. Everything is organic and vegan and can be delivered to your door (or picked up). PS: Don’t forget to send yourself some too!

Make Cocktails at Home with Hazel Jacksons
Who said cocktails couldn’t be a hobby? Experience the products of Melbourne bars at home by ordering a beautifully crafted cocktail kit from Hazel Jacksons. Get mocktails, gin & tonics, watermelon margaritas, cosmopolitans, the list goes on… Delivery is free during lockdown and the kit will be delivered to your door along with instructions on how to create your masterpiece. All you need to do is find yourself a glass and let the cocktail kit do the rest!

Exercise with Our Momager Emily’s IG Workouts
Put your stretchy pants on because it’s time to work up a sweat. Our World Vegan Guides’ momager and qualified PT Emily Wolter is running two live IG workouts on Saturday at 9am and Tuesday at 7am. No equipment needed ‑ just bring yourself, some big energy, and a towel (because you’ll be working up a sweat). We love EM and we know you will too!

Clay At Home with Its Claytime
It’s o’CLAY, lockdown won’t be forever. Whilst you’re stuck at home, why not make use of your time and get creative. Order one of Clay Time’s Clay At Home Kits and make your own mug, bowl, or vase from the comfort of your couch. They’ve got lots of tutorials and ideas to help you get inspired. Go seize the clay!

Support a Small Business and Get Food Delivered
If you’re anything like us, then lunch and dinner time are the best times of the day. Make your next meal magical by ordering one of The Green Chef’s ready-made meals. Choose from options such as crumbed za’atar cauliflower and BBQ jackfruit, all made with seasonal ingredients and packed in sustainable boxes.

Send Some Snail Mail
There’s nothing quite like receiving a handwritten note in the mail. Surprise your friends with some snail mail by writing them a beautiful heartfelt note. Let them know you’re thinking about them and looking forward to the days when you can be reunited. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even sign up to The Letterbox Project where you can volunteer to write notes for those in need of connection. The littlest things really do make a world of difference.

Listen to our Founder Renee’s Podcast
Comfort can sometimes be found in just listening to another person’s voice. That’s why listening to a podcast is the perfect lockdown cure. Tune in to our founder Renee Buckinham’s new podcast Do You Even Influence and binge on the latest 10 episodes where she chats to some of the biggest and best talent in the influencer industry. New episodes drop every Tuesday so mark your calendars!

Have a Date from Home
Just because we’re in lockdown, doesn’t mean you can’t have a special meal with those you love. Spice up your weekend by organising a virtual or backyard date with your loved one. Pick up some food and drinks from the legends Good Love to enjoy, such as buckwheat berry pancakes or sticky bao buns. They’re open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am‑3pm and would love your support!

Attend a Virtual Cooking Class with Drool
Stop scrolling, start drooling… The legends Drool are all about connecting people through food experiences. Meet, learn from, and be inspired by the community as you take part in an interactive virtual cooking class. There are vegan pizza masterclasses, carbonara nights, and even Sri Lankan street food classes. All you need is the ingredients, and they’ll take care of the rest… Bon appétit

Bake for Friends and Family
These COVID times are definitely history in the baking. Make use of those extra hours at home by getting your hands a lil’ dirty. Why not bake yourself a batch of Rainbow Nourishments jam donut cinnamon scrolls? The ultimate combo of two all-time favourite desserts. You can even drop a few of these lockdown treats to your neighbours and friends (if you don’t eat them all yourself).

Join a Virtual Cross Stitching Class
Become a master of the stitch with Craft Club’s Craft At Home kits. Via Class Bento, you can sign up for a virtual Cross Club workshop that will empower anyone from craft newbies to frequent embroiderers to hand stitch a masterpiece they can be proud of! You’ll be sent all the materials so all that’s left for you to do is unleash your

SECONDARY TITLE

5 Avo Dishes To Try in Melbourne

5 Avo Dishes To Try in Melbourne

Get it in ya

Avocado on toast has long been a staple vegan breakfast. However, there are now so many fun and exciting ways to enjoy this magical ingredient. Here are five avocado dishes you have to go try in Melbourne:

Health Self Co – signature avo smash
It’s time to get smashed! Hit up Healthy Self Co for a serve of their signature edamame, pea, and lemon zest AVO smash. It’s got all your favourites made vegan including marinated feta, a fried egg and lemon cashew drizzle. You’ll be licking the plate, it’s just that good.

Conscious Cravings Co. – NOM-lette with guacamole
This next dish is about to GUAC your world. Introducing Conscious Cravings Co famous NOM-elette! This cruelty-free classic is stuffed with mushies, spinach, broccolini, tomatoes, and cheese and served with a generous side of fresh guacamole. Just AVO look at that.

Wombat Cafe – breaky bowl
You know you’re gonna AVO good weekend after a trip to Wombat Cafe. Their breaky bowl is packed with goodies including tofu scramble, crispy potatoes, fermented veg, vegan sausages, crispy kale, mushrooms, and of course, a hunky chunk of avo. This is one smashing good feed!

Admiral Cheng Ho – smashed avo
Say HASS queen because we’ve found another epic avo dish to add to your list. This smashed avo dish from Admiral Cheng Ho is out of this world. It’s got some much green goodness and the avocado is stacked nice and high. Holy guacamole, we need this now!

Token Toasties – cheese and avo toastie
All you need is LOAF…and a serving of Token Toasties’ 3 cheese and avo toastie with a side of crispy onion rings. Picture two pieces of bread packed with truffle oil, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and avocado. Trust us, it really is as good as it sounds. This week’s lunch plans are now sorted.

SECONDARY TITLE

6 Best Felafels in Melbourne

Top Tier Felafs

Our Melbourne Picks

Falafels are a staple in our vegan diets. We love them, live for them, and could eat them all day long. Here are the seven best places to get falafels in Melbourne:

The Pita Man, Caulfield North
It’s always time for a pita party at The Pita Man. These guys have been killing the falafel game for years with their next-level, fresh-baked falafels. There are so many tempting bowls, pita pockets, and mezzes to try but we recommended ordering their OG Green Falafel Wrap. PS: They’ve even got a DIY Falafel Kit. GO GO GO!

Half Moon Cafe, Coburg
We have FALA-fallen in love with the team at Half Moon Café. This old-school cafe serves up authentic Egyptian food that is too tempting to pass up. Their Falafel Plate is heavenly, served with crunchy broad bean falafels, pita bread, salad, pickles, and dips. What more could you want?

Tahina, Northcote and Fitzroy
Say chick-please to falafels for brunch, lunch, and dinner from Tahina Bar. These legends are serving up Middle Eastern food with a plant-based twist and we are slightly obsessed. Go for gold with their Green Tahini Pita and why not order an extra side of falafels just for fun. PS: They also have vegan baklava!

Just Falafs, Fitzroy North
There’s no time to falaf around when there are falafels to be eaten. Just Falafs know how to make a seriously good falafel and are absolutely smashing it with their epic menu of bowls, pitas, salads, and share plates. Their Charred Broccoli Falafel Plate is out of this world. However, we also wouldn’t mind an order of their Vegan Date Night Pack. This place really is no joke and makes for a great go-to.

Very Good Falafel, Brunswick
The future is falafels at Very Good Falafels. The name says it all but their falafels really are very, very good. Be sure to grab one of their legendary falafel pitas or plates served with a generous dollop of hummus. Insider tip: You can add individual falafels for $1.50 extra. How good!

A1 Bakery, Brunswick
Wanna pita this? Head to A1 Bakery to get your daily falafel fix and order up a serve of their authentic Lebanese falafel platters with four crunchy nuggets of goodness. They’ve also got a Middle Eastern grocery in-store so you can stock up on their frozen falafels for later. The ultimate feel-good food!

SECONDARY TITLE

Cheap Eats in Melbourne

Vegan on a Budget

Melbourne's top five

Cheap eats are our guilty pleasure, and we know they’re probably yours too. It can be hard to find a good vegan feed in Melbourne for under $10 so we’re here to help with our top five suggestions. We promise these ones won’t break the bank.

Union Kiosk, Brunswick – $9
When in need of a decent yet delicious feed, head to Union Kiosk and order up one of their vegan jaffles. There are heaps of exciting flavour combos to try from including the epic mushroom, basil, spinach, and mozzarella. They’re equally as tasty as they are filling and make the ultimate nostalgia snack.

Ballard’s, Thornbury – $3
Let’s tacobout Ballard’s $3 TACO TUESDAYS! You’re spoilt for choice with so many epic fillings including cauli bhaji, shiitake bulgogi, black bean and roast capsicum chilli, and KFC eggplant to name a few. You can enjoy these bad boys in their beer garden with live music and good vibes. But be sure to book.

The B.EAST, Brunswick East – $1
Give your friends a w(r)ing and hit up The B.East for $1 Wing Wednesdays! Hawt damn, you heard that right. Sticky fried chicken wings tossed in dark beer buffalo or hickory smoke BBQ sauce for only one buckeroo. Your wallet will be thanking you later!

Radhey Chai Bar, Fitzroy – $9
A good burger feed never has to break the bank, especially when you can get your hands on one of Radhey Chai Bar’s epic tandoori tofu burgers. These bad buns are out of this world and dripping with glorious creamy vegan mayo. Who said good food has to be expensive?

Tammy’s Borek, Preston Market – $7
Borek is always a good idea, especially when its homemade with love from Tammy’s Borek. Tammy’s traditional Turkish pastries come in an array of funky flavours, such as vegan spicy lamb and potato or a classic mushroom and cheese. They’re best eaten fresh out of the oven and taste that much better knowing you’re not breaking the bank!

Melbourne Eats for Your Non-Vegan Friends

Places to Take Your Friends Who Aren’t Vegan

Melbourne's top five

The Melbourne vegan food scene is flourishing right now. Cafes are serving up vegan options that are just as good as all the originals on their menu. It’s easier than ever to eat out with friends and even impress them by showing them some groovy new places with epic vegan options. Here are our top five places to take your friends who aren’t vegan:

Rice Paper Scissors, CBD and Fitzroy
Pick up your scissors and get down to Rice Paper Scissors for some well-loved Asian street food. Their menu caters to all tastes and accommodates nearly all dietary requirements. There are no rules at this funky joint, apart from sitting back, having fun, and sharing lots of good food. Oh, and you are only allowed to eat with your hands!

Green Acre Pizza, Brunswick
Want to steal a pizza your friend’s heart? Take them for some sustainable pizzas and cocktails at Green Acre Pizza. They’ve got so many mouth-watering options, with more vegan cheeses than you can count on one hand. We’ve got our eyes on the vegan pepperoni or the classic vegan Margherita. Fire up the group chat and head there now!

Shop 225, Pascoe Vale
Some say shop til you drop, we say EAT til you’re beat! Shop 225 is the home of authentic Italian pasta and wood fired pizza. They were the first GF pizza accredited in OZ and also specialise in vegan offerings. You better believe they have so many vegan substitutes, you won’t feel like your options are limited for even a second. This pizza (and killer dessert) has us coming back for more and more!

The Cornish Arms, Brunswick
Want to know where to find Melbourne’s best vegan pub meals? The Cornish Arms is what you’re looking for. This place is so much more than your average pub. They’ve got dedicated vegan food and snacks menus to go alongside their classic pub menu so everyone will find something to love. There’s also a beer garden and rooftop bar to kick on at afterward where you can order any of the 12 all vegan craft beer taps. What’s not to love?

Lucy Liu, CBD
What do you get when you cross Asian share plates and a buzzy street food environment? Lucy Liu of course! This Asian eatery is the perfect place to catch up with your vegan and non-vegan friends. They’ve got so many buns, dumplings, bites, and larger plates to please everyone’s tastes. Why not even go for gold by ordering their Let Lucy Choose tasting menu, for which there’s a dedicated vegan option. The more food, the merrier, right?

5 Best Vegan Burgers in Melbourne

Vegan Burgers

Melbourne's Top Five

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a fat, juicy burger. With so many innovative burger combos to try in Melbourne, you’ll be eating burgers for days. Chomp your way through our list of Melbourne’s top five vegan burgers!

Pollys, Collingwood
Life is always better with a burger on hand. Especially when it’s from our wholesome veggie pals at Polly’s. These guys are all about good food, made with love! We could 10/10 smash one of their bean, zucchini, or tofu burgers right now! Catch them at the Tote in Collingwood or popping up at events around Melbourne.

Burger Boys, CBD
We can’t stop thinking about the Vegan Burger from Burger Boys, the kings of the Melbourne burger scene. This burger has got all the fillings you know and love – we’re talking vegan cheese, American mustard, ketchup, red onion, pickled, lettuce, and vegan mayo, plus it’s served on a toasted pumpkin bun! Oh, the things we would do for a bite.

L’Burger, Hawthorn
We know where the burgers are better…and it’s at L’Burger. Their L’Vegan Burger is bun in a million served on a toasted Pain de Mie brioche with a pea and spinach patty, grilled veg, and special vegan mayo. They’ve also got this in a rockin’ spiced version withhouse-madee jalapeno salsa! PS: Don’t forget a side of fries.

Greenburger, Collingwood
‘Bad ass, deliciously dirty burgers fries n’ shakes made from plants’ – that’s the motto here at Greenburger. These legends are serving up so many plant-based burgers, it makes it hard to pick just one! We’re talking everything from pulled plant-meat, BBQ bacon, katsu, crispy fried tenders, and smokehouse patties – all vegan. You burger believe it!

The B.East, Brunswick
One burger won’t make you fat, it’ll only increase your happiness levels. Therefore, you’ve got no excuse but to get yourself down to The B.East to try their Morrissey Burger with southern fried mock chicken and sweet corn relish! We hear their Texas Rattlesnake burger with maple facon and Texas BBQ sauce is also a winner! Extra cheese, please!

5 Best Brunch Spots in Melbourne

Melbourne Brunch

Our Top Five Picks

Brunch is always a good idea, especially when so many Melbourne cafes are now offering delicious vegan options. We’re honestly spoilt for choice. Check out our top five brunch spots in Melbourne:

Monk Bodhi Dharma, Balaclava
If you need some nourishment (minus the guilt) then be sure to visit our friends Monk Bodhi Dharma. This specialty coffee, roastery, and tea house have a 100% plant-based menu with highlights including their banana dharma pancakes and umami mushrooms on a pumpkin, polenta bread. PS: Don’t forget a warm cuppa of their healing house-brewed chai.

Combi, Elwood
The home of the acai bowl, a.k.a. Combi Elwood, is a brunch hotspot you need to visit (if you haven’t already). Their menu features food that is wholesome, yet indulgent and delicious. Signatures include their raw superfood smoothies and bowls, raw cakes and treats, and savoury creations (the vegan toasties are a must)! Make sure to pop by if you’re ever in the area.

Particle Cafe, Avondale Heights
A healthy and hearty start to the day is just what the doctor ordered so you better book in for a healing and refreshing brunch at Particle Café. This cruelty-free café’s menu boasts an epic range of rainbow bowls and savoury classics. We’ve got our eye on their new smoky tofu salad and their vibrant veggie patch big breakie. You might just have to visit once a week so you can try all the goodies on their 100% veg menu!

Healthy Self Co, Yarraville
‘Mostly vegan, always awesome’ – that’s the motto down at Healthy Self Co. Their seasonal menu showcases Victoria’s best produce and each dish is plated with love and passion. The smashed edamame and avo toast with vegan fried egg is always a winner, along with their seasonal pancake specials. Book in your next brunch date here for the ultimate feel-good food.

Conscious Cravings Co, Mordialloc
Conscious Cravings Co. is the perfect escape from the everyday hustle, serving up humble and plant-based treats! All their dishes are created with health and wellbeing in mind, without sacrificing taste or texture. Whilst famous for their mouth-watering raw desserts, they also have a tempting brunch menu where the granola bowl and crispy corn cakes are hard to go past. Plus, they’ve even got a canine menu so you can bring along your four-legged friends.

SECONDARY TITLE

Top 5 Lunch Spots In Melbourne

How does one ever pick somewhere to eat in Melbourne? Its virtually impossible to pick.

We narrowed it down to our top 5 lunch spots (in no particular order)

Eka Wholefoods, Seddon – A wholefoods shop and plant based cafe, that offers a variety of dishes that will guarantee to satisfy! We can’t help but feel like we are in a home away from home every time we visit Eka. Choose from baos, falafel bowls or their signature tofu scramble.

Smith and Deli/Daughter, Fitzroy – If you know Melbourne, you know Smith and Deli! To the best sangas in all of the land! A very popular spot to pick up a pie, sandwich, toastie or shop for some vegan goodies. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Be prepared to line up though, its worth it!

Particle Cinnamon, Avondale Heights- Gluten free and 100% vegan baby! Take your tastebuds to vegan heaven (we mean it). One visit and you’ll be hooked! Enjoy the best of both worlds with a menu full of savoury and sweet options.

One for the Crow, Maidstone –  A newbie, but not one to be missed. If you are all about comfort and relaxed vibes… you have found your new favourite cafe. An entire vegetarian menu with HEAPS of vegan food on offer. Look out for the weekend food specials, they always blow our mind!

Lucky Lockett, Brunswick – Not the most well known, but one that deserves a lot of credit! Burgers, tofu scramble, muffins, pancakes and more. A spacey, chill vibe with genuine service. Oh, we probably should mention they have mac n cheese balls… that are VEGAN! Run.. don’t walk.

If you think we are missing somewhere from the list, let us know!

Don’t forget to tag us if you visit one of these venues @melbveganguide