Five of the best mock foods

If you are looking to cut your meat intake but can’t resist the taste of a good roast, say no more: mock food is for you.

The mock-meat kung pao chicken from Vegara in Moonah. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

IF you are looking to cut your meat intake but can’t resist the taste of a good roast, say no more: mock food is for you. Using vegetable-based proteins to replicate wholesome meat flavours, check out some tasty alternatives from these five greater Hobart eateries.

Vegera owner Noah Fang serves his mock-meat kung pao chicken. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Vegera

Shop 2/73-75 Main Rd, Moonah

Opening its doors on March 10, this new kid on the block is gaining a legion of fans.

Owner Noah creates a range of Asian-style mock meals, using soy or mushroom “meat”.

One of his most popular dishes is the delicious kung pao soy chicken (pictured), a spicy Chinese stir-fry served with onion and capsicum.

Mains cost between $15-18 with entrees for as little as $5.

Thai Veggie Hutt

Bank Arcade, Liverpool St, Hobart

A selection of freshly-made meals cater to all palates. The green curry and vegie bowl, as well as mock duck (made with gluten), chicken and sweet and sour pork (made from soy and vegetable products) are menu staples, while a range of stir fries change daily.

Meals range in price from $7.80 to $11.80.

Heartfood

Bank Arcade, Liverpool St, Hobart

Vegan barbecue flavours rule the roost at this cosy eatery in the central city. Shitaki mushroom stems, soy protein and tofu are used to imitate the texture of an array of meats, including pork and seafood. Meals (priced from $8 to $12) are served with rice or noodles.

Some of the mock meat meals on offer include stir-fries, kebabs, marinated and barbecued mock meats, curries, stews, soups and noodle dishes.

Veg Bar

346 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

Among the vegan burgers and salads on offer at this North Hobart venue are some less common meat-free alternatives. Veg egg consists of coconut-based “white” and pumpkin “yolk” and can be found in the kimchi fried rice ($23), spag bol ($21) or the veg bim bap ($18). For a side try the cauliflower buffalo wings ($9.50) or veg bacon made using rice and smoky paprika ($2.50).

Lauds Plant-Based Foods

77 Chapel St, Glenorchy

Lauds’ ethos of using traditional techniques and keeping prices down have seen Dani Wheatley and Simon Paul’s business thrive. They craft plant-based products, primarily from nuts into cheeses, butter and fermented pastes. Their bestsellers have been their range of cheeses, from Persian- and Greek-style almond feta to aged cashew cheese. Prices range from $10-14.

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FIVE OF THE BEST BRUNCHES

FIVE OF THE BEST LATE-NIGHT NIBBLES

FIVE OF THE BEST LOADED FRIES

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