The talk of the town at the moment seems to be Auckland’s new vegan restaurant revelation that is East on Nelson Street, and it’s no surprise that this is the case.
With strong flavours, a diverse menu and accommodating staff, it is a vegan’s dream come true and a delight all in one. My visit there was for my mother’s birthday dinner, which we celebrated with a small family gathering.
We began our menu expedition with Miang Kham - betel leaf, coconut, bamboo, chilli bites with plum sauce. These one bite wonders had a beautiful balance of sweet, zing and spice, and overall encapsulated the essence of the flavours presented throughout East’s menu. A highlight - to say the least.
Following, we enjoyed the ginger caramelised bang bang mushrooms, which undeniably were mouthwatering. I genuinely believe I could happily live off these chewy and delicious bite sized treats packed with sweetness and spice; they’re just that good. In addition to these, we tried the papaya salad, Peking jackfruit pancakes, caramelised black pepper tofu and stir fried yaki udon.
While all of the dishes were great in their own respective ways, my family and I agreed that the Peking jackfruit pancakes stood out as what one might call an interactive dish. Served in a bamboo steamer and multiple other plates, it was a thoroughly enjoyable process of a ‘build your own’ concept of dining. For the sole reason that I got to load up on the flavoursome and delectable jackfruit, this dish became a highlight for me.
As a pleasant surprise, my mother’s choice of dessert, the salted caramel tart, was brought out with an arrangement of candles and decorations for her birthday. After last year's lockdown birthday, it was nice to actively celebrate this year, with both family and a restaurant such as East. With so many of us experiencing these lockdown birthdays, it makes events like this all the more precious.
Accompanying the food is a well-researched selection of drinks, all of which are vegan. Typically in modern made wines, multiple non-vegan ingredients are used as ‘fining agents’ - making it sometimes tricky to drink when strictly vegan. Thanks to East’s thoughtful offerings, the decisions are that much easier.
East’s menu is a cacophony of flavour, but it’s not just its stunning dishes that make it so good. The staff, environment and atmosphere are unmatched with friendly and approachable service and beautiful surroundings which cater for all dining experiences - with friends, family or a date night with one’s significant other.
East is part of the Sudima Hotel and as one of Auckland’s newer hotel offerings is forward-thinking with its commitment to plant based eating. This is impressive for a larger corporation and I hope to see more follow its lead towards a more sustainable and ethical way of eating for our planet. (Sofia Roger Williams)
East, 63-67 Nelson Street, T: 09 399 2361, www.easteats.co.nz
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Published 3 September 2021