Foodie Stacey Jones takes in Tauranga’s delectable plant-based restaurant scene

Last month, I emceed an event for Flavours of Plenty Festival called “Food for Thought”, featuring a panel of chefs who had all brought their distinctly different food cultures to Tauranga. One of the speakers, Tomer Rooney, was from CBD favourite Falafel Metro. Tomer grew up on a kibbutz in Israel and once a month, he would take the bus into Jerusalem to indulge in a fresh pita stuffed full of the delectable chickpea-based snack, topped with lashings of tahini. Yum!

The very next day I couldn’t get falafel out of my brain, so I decided to pop in to devour the aptly named “Jerusalem”. Holy smoke… I was in food heaven. The cherry on top? The dish was completely plant-based, not a morsel of meat in sight. “I love turning meat lovers to falafels,” Tomer explained. And it got me thinking… Where else in the Bay might one discover a plant-based bite that rivals the sensory bliss of its carnivorous counterpart? 

It seems I’m not the only one asking this question. Recent statistics reveal that a remarkable 34 percent of the New Zealand population has gracefully transitioned to a flexitarian diet (Massey University, 2022), reducing their meat intake and embracing the vibrant world of plant-based foods. So this month, I thought I’d reveal some of my top picks of places to eat where you can enjoy a meat-free meal that tastes as good,
if not better.

Falafel Metro is one of the best cheap eats you can experience in the Bay, so the fact that it's plant-powered too gives it a double thumbs-up. The team are constantly striving for improvement, having recently purchased a pita bread-making machine so everything you eat there will be produced in house. Less food miles = more eco goodness.

falafel metro  

Just around the corner in Tauranga CBD is Mudan, offering an array of
plant-based delights, all made from scratch including the tofu and noodles, plus it’s MSG-free. My pick would be their homemade Chinese hot spicy noodles with cooked tofu, fresh vegetables, and a delectable spicy sauce, or the kimchi fries.

neworientalmarket.com

If you’re after something a little more fancy, Sugo Italian Restaurant is one not to be missed. Chef Ian Harrison, who was trained by Marco Pierre White, loves the challenge of creating food that is not only planet-friendly but ridiculously tasty at the same time. They have a dedicated plant-based menu featuring entrées, mains and desserts. My recommendation would be the mushroom bolognese with cashew nut parmesan, which I think is even better than the original version

sugosugo.co.nz

Sea People makes ice cream using a blend of cashew and coconut milk, giving rise to a velvety-smooth, creamy texture that tastes as good as dairy ice cream, without compromising on flavour. Owners Mariah Whittaker and Allan Blondeau have a genuine passion for sustainability, creating a new generation of ice cream that is kind on the planet. Last time I was there I was treated to the olive oil ice cream – definitely worth
a try.
seapeople.co.nz

Tiny Seed NZ is a vegan baker offering a range of treats at the local farmers’ markets including Tauranga on Saturday and Mount Mainstreet on Sundays. My pick would be the orange and raspberry cake with caramel sauce. They also offer a grazing platter service which is 100 percent plant based – perfect for a guilt-free gathering.