RedT

I'm going to be in Oz (Sydney, Melbourne & Cairns) for three weeks in August and listening to a Sydney radio station just now, the DJ is talking about how difficult it is to find veggie food in Sydney especially.

Has anyone got any experience of eating veggie in Oz (without having to seek out the nearest Buddhist temple which I don’t think the rest of the family will appreciate!).

Thanks!

Therese

yanH

My 13 year old son is a vegetarian and I don't think its as easy to find vegetarian food out as it is in the UK. For example in the UK MacDonalds had a veggie burger on their menu but they don't here. We also find that at Sausage Sizzles at social events (school fair etc) there isn't usually a veggie option. Obviously if you head to Indian, Thai restaurants you will probably find more options for veggies.

RedT

As long as there's Subway i guess I'll manage. The most annoying thing is going for dinner and trying to find somewhere with an edible veggie option. My family has little patience and are still waiting for me to get over my veggie 'phase' (18 years now!! )

Wade Wrench

Do you eat Marmite everyday? Just wondering where you get your B12...

I'm not a vegetarian but eat mostly vegetables.

kiwi_child

I think you might have to do a bit of research once here regarding vegetarian eateries, but the idea of Indian is good. Speaking of Budhists, I've had the odd cheapie meal at a hare Krsna place. Food was ok, but it's basic facilities and menu, not like a real restaurant.

Vegetarians aren't fantastically catered for, so I imagine many cook at home or have a fav little place or two they've discovered and patronise when they want a night out. You can buy vege burgers and sausages at supermarkets as well as organic produce.

Olias

My wife is veggie and both times we have been (Sydney to Cairns and everywhere inbetween!) have not been a problem.
Best bet is to seek out the tourist enclaves. A lot of the European and US travellers are vegetarians so they tend to be catered for.

Also try the more 'bohemian' parts of town and you shouldn't have a prob!

Have fun

VikkiL

Hi,

I have been a vegetarian for 23 years (so still going through my 'phase' too!) and we are moving out to Oz in approx 7 weeks.

Apparently, Quorn products are not available over there but I have found a South African company called Fry's who make very similar products www.frys-special.com I emailed them to ask if they distribute in Australia and they do but using another company, I am currently waiting for the other company to get back to me so that I know how widespread they are in Oz. Eating at home probably wont be a problem, but eating out may be another matter -it will be just like the 'good old days' in UK when all you could get in a restaurant was nut loaf!!

If I find out any further info, I will let you know.

Vikki

birdynumnum

I'm a vegan and food lover and its really easy. Well not if you want veggie burgers from maccas etc but all cafes and eateries (especially away from city tourist spots) cater REALLY well for vegetarians. You'll have no probs unless you stick to chain places.
In the more hicksville spots, if you travel through it may be a little harder but if youre just going to the places you mentioned you'll be fine. Specially in Melbourne - spoilt for choice. Enjoy

RedT

EW! No way!

I take a multivit incl all the B vitamins every day, seems to do the trick.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! Actually I’m staying with my bro when I’m there and his friend, who is a vegan chef, was supposed to be there too so I was looking forward to some great food. I don’t think he can make it now though!

VikkiL

Thats good news then

birdynumnum

Shame that
Ps....I 'm a vegan chef too

marvinc

Or veggie lasagne Veggie since the age of 2

RedT

Bliemy, you were lucky! I'm Irish and for *years*, all I could get when i ate out was a 'selection of seasonable vegetables'!! Which often (even in posh places) consisted of a spud, some carrots and brussels and if the chef was feeling generous, plain white sauce. I pften ate before we went out and just had soup and dessert coz it was too depressing to even contemplate the veggie 'option'!

the pursers

I found it a bit of problem as the veggie substitutes aren't as good unless you can go to specialist health food shops. If you're shopping in Coles etc you'll probably find bland veggie sausages etc but they aren't as good as the ones we have over here. Reminds me of how it was here 23 years ago when I first became veggie!
You've gotta be on your guard when getting salads as sometimes they pop a dressing over the top with bacon in it! The little tinkers!
Vicki - please please can you let us all know about the quorn-type products and who distributes them in Oz - I'm dreading living without my low-fat, versatile, high protein veggie quorn stuff!!
I found the bacon/fakin to be quite poor in Oz, so gotta make the most of my Saturday morning veggie fry-ups...

RedT

Hi again!

I googled veggie food for Australia and there seems to be loads of veggie substitutes available, we’ll probably just have to dig about to find them. In one way I think it could be good coz I definitely rely on quorn too much for handy meals etc. It might be good to learn to cook more with pulses and veggies etc. On the other hand there’s nothing easier than bunging a quorn fillet in the oven when you get home from work. And of course quorn roast at Christmas!!

I'm hoping that by the time I actually move there (2008/9) quorn will have continued it’s global domination and be readily available!!