As I write, there’s panic in the streets and in supermarkets, but there’s never been a better time for plant-based denizens to eat out.
I was sad about the closure of venerable Thai eateries Sawadee and Mai Thai, both of which started out in an era of little choice and diversity in Auckland. Happily for us, Thai restaurants are plentiful in 2020 and, better still, some of them offer genuine vegetarian and vegan options. In the past, even seemingly ‘vegetarian’ items had fish in their sauces. Oh, how things have changed.
Herne Bay Thai Cuisine (38 Jervois Road) is a small but perfectly formed new restaurant in the shops just around the corner and along the road a bit from Three Lamps. It’s a family business that prides itself on fresh, authentic ingredients and owner Nae explained that a separate vegan menu is in preparation. I took her recommendation and ordered a tofu larb, which reportedly contains a vast array of veggies and herbs and packs a real red pepper punch! I’m a seasoned spice freak but it made my eyes water (just a little) so, if you’re spice averse, ask them to tone it down. It was sensational.
My experience at Herne Bay Thai Cuisine was superb, so I’m looking forward to trying more from the forthcoming menu. In the meantime, just ask and they’ll convert nearly any meat-containing item into a completely vegan counterpart. Their Facebook page describes them as ‘Athletic Thai food home cook recipe’, and while I lack athletic prowess at the best of times, I sure felt good after I ate there.
Then there’s Chu Thai at 244 Ponsonby Road, the site of several previous Thai restaurants over the years. They have an extensive vegetarian/vegan menu and, on my one visit (to date), I was knocked out by what I can only describe as a flavour festival.
I ordered a larb grilled tofu skin and my head just about lifted off its axis with the taste sensation. My friend tried out the green curry. Once again, the flavour was heavenly. Some have commented that they’ve found the dishes here to be a little sweet (a criticism I often hear of Thai food) but I’d happily forgo dessert for just a touch of sugar in my main. Once again, I’m itching to sample other items from the menu when time and finances allow.
Just for something completely different, I checked out one of India’s largest vegetarian eating franchises, now open at 51 Hobson Street. Saravanaa Bhavan has a colourful history (check it out online: the founder was recently convicted of murder!) but is hugely successful and comes with a great reputation for generous and tasty South Indian food.
Although they don’t have a separate vegan menu, they will gracefully convert many of the items to suit and I got a massive thali that put to shame many of the other exponents of this wonderful ‘sampling’ tray around Auckland. Once again, several return visits are mandatory.
Last but not least, is Romulus & Remus right at the top of Richmond Road, where the Jafa cafe operated its business for a number of years. They’ve created a wonderful atmosphere for an Italian restaurant with a difference, and optional vegetarian and vegan menus are available. On my first visit I felt like a fairly light dinner and opted for a vegan pizza, which turned out to be stunning. Devoid of any overtly cheese-like substances, its simplicity made it what it was – delicious. Sometimes just the right mix of veg, perfectly prepared and placed and, of course, a scrumptious crispy base, is all the tastebuds and stomach require.
More next month! But in the meantime, please, get out there and support your local. If everyone stays at home throughout this Coronavirus crisis, then there may not be very many eating places left to go to when you emerge from your lairs. (GARY STEEL)
Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs entertainment site for grownups, www.witchdoctor.co.nz. He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com