If you’re looking for vegan offerings on the Ipswich food scene, there’s never been a better time to do so.
As greater numbers of Australians opt for a plant-based diet – more than 10 per cent of the population at present – cafes and restaurants have risen magnificently to the challenge.
Here’s what we uncovered on a search around some of the city’s popular dining spots.
Marketplace Organics
Market Organics in North Ipswich is an impressive supermarket specialising in organic food, including a colourful array of vegan and gluten-free ingredients, fresh produce, dry goods, treats and more.
This is also the home of MO Café with seating indoors as well as in a leafy courtyard area outside, and the menu is loaded with healthy plant-based options. Try the vegan nachos bowl.
Indian Mehfil
Possibly the city’s most vegan-friendly menu is the extensive list on offer at Indian Mehfil in the CBD.
Traditional Indian cuisine is known for its diverse plant-based dishes and this popular family-owned Ipswich restaurant ensures there is plenty on the menu for all dietary preferences.
The Dahl Tadka is a lentil curry flavoured – and coloured – with a variety of spices including health-boosting turmeric.
Also try the Bhindi Masala with fresh okra slow cooked in a sauce flavoured with garlic, chilli and curry leaves.
Dovetails
Just a stone’s throw from Indian Mehfil, over in the historic 88 Limestone precinct is Dovetails Restaurant where there is always at least one vegan option available on the seasonal produce-driven menus.
Try the molten mushroom risotto for satisfying winter dining at lunch or dinner.
Fourthchild
Fourthchild in the Top of Town stretch is your go to for coffee and a vegan treat. It’s a nice spot to sit and watch the world go by on busy Brisbane street – or pull up a pew on the quiet back deck.
There’s always a vegan option or two in the loaded cabinet at the front of this popular restaurant/café.
Rafter and Rose
Rafter & Rose lends the plant-based theme to its décor as well as the menu.
This magical café imparts a gardenesque calmness both in the plant-adorned interior dining areas and the leafy outdoor laneway lined with more tables.
The team here has recently reintroduced its lovely herbed mushrooms on toast for the breakfast/brunch crowds in the cooler months. Also watch out for vegan, gluten-free treats in their lovingly stocked cabinet.
Chai House Cafe
Ipswich’s newest café also boasts plenty of vegan options on the menu.
The secret weapon at Chai House Café at Silkstone is the Nepalese chef, Sudesh, who has introduced some of the flavours of his homeland including Mt Everest Fried Rice that is already a popular Uber Eats option in these parts.
Watch out for delicious specials too, such as the hearty winter curry he’s doing featuring potato and the soy-based nutrela.
Moselles
Overlooking the water at Springfield Lakes, Moselles Restaurant offers a magnificent vegan option in its Superfood Salad featuring quinoa, kale, avocado and sesame seed, roasted pumpkin, broccolini and mushrooms, finished with mayo, lemon and spiced dukkah.
