How do you know if a backpacker is vegan? They’ll tell you exactly where to eat.
If you haven’t realized it yet, I am a full-on foodie. I ate my way up the East Coast and living in Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) was a vegan food haven. Staying in Bondi is no different. Generally considered a trendy and modern suburb, vegan options are sneaking their way into every menu. From vegan ice cream shops to accidentally vegan Poke bowls, Bondi has everything you’re seeking and more.
Bondi Farmers Market
Every Saturday, enjoy fresh produce and made-to-order meals from local vendors at the farmers market at Bondi Public School. Just a 5 minute walk from Wake Up! Bondi Beach, the market is an excellent spot for breakfast or lunch. The sweetness of the local strawberries I purchased simply cannot be compared to any store bought fruit.
Funky Pies
In my article on unique Aussie foods, I mentioned meat pies and sausage rolls. Thanks to Funky Pies, vegans and vegetarians alike can still enjoy the famous Aussie delights with flaky crusts and savory fillings. *drools*
Fishbowl
Although they don’t advertise this bowl as vegan, the Tofu Boys bowl is completely plant-based with no modifications needed. You get to choose your base, I always go with brown rice and cabbage. The sauce is light and refreshing and the bowl will leave you feeling full for hours.
Check out their menu here.
Scoop
Moving from hostel to hostel as a backpacker makes it challenging to carry large quantities of food. Enter: bulk food stores where you can buy only what you need. Scoop sells all of its product in bulk bins. You can either bring your own container or use their free bags to fill up on your favorite dry foods. Oats and pasta are my primary purchases, but I’ll usually treat myself to smooth dark chocolate and chewy dried mango, too.
Lebanese Street Food
Substantial serving sizes and genuine Lebanese street food? This spot is still waiting to be checked off my bucket list, but I’m excited to try the Lebanese Buddah Bowl and Spinach Triangles.
Cali Press
Chic décor, pressed juices, and smoothie bowls are abundant at my favorite organic, raw shop with five different locations in Sydney. On Valentine’s Day, they had a 2-for-1 deal and while walking by the shop, a stranger handed me a pink smoothie. Anyone will tell you I have a slight obsession with ice and blended things, so that small gesture stands out as the best Single’s day yet.
Check them out here.
Eden Bondi
Eden is a totally unique, 100% plant-based restaurant. It’s all-vegan menu has a strong focus on share plates, organic wine and botanical cocktails. If you’re looking to go somewhere for a bit more of a special or fancy dinner, definitely book your seat at Eden!
Bare Naked Bowls
For a deliciously large açai bowl, head to Bare Naked Bowls. They have a huge range of flavour options to choose from (like, the Hippie Bowl with açai, banana, blueberries, hemp protein and macadamia milk!), and your bowl comes with so many toppings (for example, the Paleo Bowl comes with almonds, coconut chips, caramelised buckinis and cacao nibs). If you’re not into açai bowls, they also sell smoothies, warm tonics, yoghurt bowls and superfood toast.
Gelato Messina
What some might call Sydney (or Australia’s) best gelato, Gelato Messina is a Sydney institution. Fortunately, they have a convenient store located in Bondi Beach. Amongst the dairy flavours, you’ll also discover a bunch of dairy-free, vegan flavours to enjoy in the form of their Sorbets. The Chocolate Sorbet is incredible (even if you aren’t vegan, you’ll love this!), as is the Pandan & Coconut Sorbet.
I hope you enjoy eating your way through Bondi as much as I did!
About Janine Denney-Mazzilli
Hi there! My name is Janine and I am a self-professed, travel obsessed foodie from Seattle. I recently graduated the University of Washington and am now living my Australian dream on a working holiday! Follow along on @janini133