The test of a truly great vegetarian restaurant is one where you fail to notice that you are not eating meat. This is very much the case at
Veggie Kitchen.
Veggie Kitchen specialises in Taiwanese cooking that is not only vegetarian but also as natural and fresh as possible. The restaurant is run by sisters Rosalie and Elaine, who grew up in a Taiwanese vegetarian household. Many of the ingredients are homemade and are thus free from preservatives and additives such as MSG. Furthermore, the recipes all abide by the principles of Taiwanese food therapy, which pays significant attention to the life-preserving qualities contained within foods as well as nutritional balance.
The à la carte menu offers a substantial selection of dishes, many of which are available to take away. However, those who choose to dine in will enjoy a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, along with attentive and pleasant service.
There is an array of tasty entrees to choose from, which incorporate tofu, soy protein and vegetables as staple ingredients. The soy protein satay skewers are particularly noteworthy and are likely to please even the most carnivorous of guests. They are perfectly seasoned and are much tastier than real meat, with the added benefit of having no gristle or fat. A selection of curries, noodle and rice dishes are available as main courses. The perfect accompaniment to one of the mains is the 'black rice' – which in reality is actually purple but far exceeds ordinary steamed white rice in both taste and nutrition. A range of delectable beverages is also available including homemade soymilk in different flavours, organic soft drinks and a range of teas and coffee.
Many of the dishes available at Veggie Kitchen can be altered to accommodate vegan and/or gluten intolerant patrons. Furthermore, a popular choice for diners is the banquet, which at a cost of $28 per head represents good value, as it includes a diverse sample of dishes along with beverages and even dessert.
Veggie Kitchen is a very welcome addition to the ever-blossoming Northcote neighbourhood. Conveniently situated on St. Georges Road, it is just a short trek from the popular High Street and is surrounded by a multitude of public transport options. A great start to a night out in Northcote, Brunswick or Fitzroy.
