Anthony's vegetarian adventures

Hi! I’m the Gnome searching for enlightenment, and I love exploring different cultures. In search of spiritual enlightenment, I turned to the nourishing benefits of vegetarian foods. It’s wonderful to see so many restaurants throughout Chatswood offering tasty vegetarian dishes inspired by global cuisines. The fresh and exciting vegetarian plates from around the world will stimulate your taste buds, and as you walk through the food courts, and streets of Chatswood you’ll be overcome with amazing scents of food, drawing you into the restaurants.

Here’s my Vegetarian trail:

1. Vegetarian dumplings at Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is well known for having the tastiest dumplings around. One might know their signature Xiao Long Bao (or pork broth dumplings) famed across the world for their precision and taste. But, did you know Din Tai Fung is also a place to find wonderful vegetarian food? Whether it be vegetarian spring rolls, vegetarian fritter bao or even a truffle mushroom fried rice, their menu is one that a vegetarian diner will enjoy.

It's vegetarian dumplings, arranged with six carefully crafted crescent shaped dumplings, are filled with a lovely mix of bean curd, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and glass noodles, served in a bamboo steamer. I also ordered a serve of the spicy dumplings, with the vegetarian dumplings sitting in a tangy spicy broth. Don’t worry, it’s not too hot, it is a good blend of chilli oil and soy.

Shop 3/1 Anderson St, Chatswood NSW 2067

2. Taro soy bean drink at Bean Code

Eating solo can be a time to find stillness or contemplate. Grab yourself a bubble tea at Bean Code, head out to a park and enjoy your drink whilst you watch the little brown sugar pearls swish around and rise up and down the straw. Whilst you can certainly find bubble tea and juice shops aplenty in Chatswood, at Bean Code, they make theirs with organic soy milk – perfect for the vegetarian diners.

If you’re looking for more treats, they do soy mochi waffles, made from soy milk, eggs, and mochi flour as well as a special soybean pudding made in-store.

We ordered a taro soy bean drink and added brown sugar pearls. The unique subtle flavour of the taro (made from the starchy root vegetable) is sweet and nutty, and combined with soy milk makes for a creamy tasty and refreshing drink.

K405/1 Anderson St, Westfield Chatswood NSW 2067

3. Vegetarian samosa at Preet

India is a place to seek enlightenment and I was keen to explore my heritage through food via Preet in Chatswood Chase’s food court. I ordered the ever-popular vegetarian samosa – a deep fried parcel of potatoes, onions, peas and spices, generally made in a triangular shape. They are perfect to dip in the raita, or a chutney and you can’t forget a vegetable pakora. These have been popular in India for generations. You’ll often find samosa on the streets of India, and as they are the perfect snack.

345 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

4. Vegetarian ramen at Ramen Zundo

There is nothing quite like the warm feeling that a good soup broth can provide on a wet dreary day, or on any day really, and a Ramen is a perfect choice. Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup commonly made with a pork broth, pork chashu toppings and wheat style noodles. At Ramen Zundo you’ll find an amazing vegetarian Ramen along with an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu. It was a transformative experience, especially the vegetarian ramen made with a superb silky umami filled vegetarian broth made with soy. There is also a miso option. It’s ramen has a traditional nori sheet, adding another level of flavour to the dish, as do the seasoned bamboo shoots, providing good texture to the dish. The bean sprouts that top the noodles, provide the crunch and freshness to the ramen. It’s finished off with a large piece of agedashi tofu on top.  The soft silken tofu cube is lightly battered, providing a delicious element to the soup. I also ordered a side of edamame and cabbage salad for further added freshness. This was a nourishing meal, full of complex and satisfying flavours.

 R11 260 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

 5. Israeli breakfast at Shuk

Israel is another one of those countries that draws people from near and far for a spiritual journey. It’s a mecca and epicentre for migration and as such has seen influences from many nations over the years with a huge variety of foods offered in marketplaces and restaurants. Shuk, meaning market, has been inspired by this history and visiting the cafe in Chatswood will awaken you to a vast array of vegetarian options.

One of Israel’s most famous breakfasts is served at Shuk and is a must-order dish. The Israeli breakfast is a huge platter of slices of toast, complete with small dishes of dips and spreads to add to your toast such as butter, jam, hummus, tahini, avocado and your choice of eggs; scrambled or fried. You’ll also be served some olives and a pot of granola, fruit and yoghurt. It’s a great dish to share with a friend, or you can order some pastries such as I did; the mini potato boureka and mini rogelach (cinnamon and chocolate) along with a coffee or tea.

Shop R03/260 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

Hopefully you’ll also be enlightened too, with the range of vegetarian options available in Chatswood. 

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When

Location

District Dining in Chatswood Interchange, 436 Victoria Ave, 2067, View Map