These days, even Queenstown’s meat and seafood focused restaurants cater for those who don’t eat animal products of any kind. Vegetarian and vegan options are very easy to find, no matter where in town you’re staying. To give you an idea, here’s a quick look at the best vegetarian offerings in this prime New Zealand travel destination.
One of Queenstown’s most popular cheap eat establishments, the Caribe Latin Kitchen is a culmination of Latin American and Caribbean flavours that successfully manages to cater for vegetarians and gluten-free eaters too. All menu items, from arepas to burritos, have an incredible selection for meat and non-meat eaters alike. Emphasis is given to fresh, seasonal vegetables and locally sourced ingredients.
This Middle Eastern-inspired café is the place to visit for a quick, cheap meal that is filling and fresh at the same time. All their soups are vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. Habebes’ signature veggie rolls and lentil pies are a hit among its patrons, and there is a large assortment of seasonal salads and wraps to select from.
Vudu Café & Larder has an incredible assortment of vegetarian and vegan mains to offer to its faithful regulars. If you’re craving something sweet, the cafe’s famous cakes and baked goodies won’t disappoint. Alternatively, start your morning with a veggie-filled breakfast quesadilla, fuel up with a field mushroom and lentil burger at lunch, or simply reinvigorate yourself with a wholesome roast kumara (sweet potato) white-stone goat cheese salad.
A great place to stop by for brunch, The Bespoke Kitchen has earned a strong reputation for using the freshest seasonal ingredients. It’s not a fully-vegan cafe, per se, but its use of free-range eggs and chicken as well as free-farmed pork is highly commendable. Gluten free breads are also available upon request. Vegan options include the orange spiced pancakes, bircher muesli, and a vegan summer board.
Rehab was founded in 2013 by two Queenstown locals who wanted to add a healthy alternative to the existing restaurant scene. Takeaway food packs, smoothies and juices are the main items the eatery is renowned for. Their menu is as wholesome and eclectic as possible, diligently trying to adapt to all dietary restrictions – vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free, and nut allergies included.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly restaurant away from the town centre, this Remarkables Park gem is the place to go. Thaitanium specializes in quality, authentic Thai foods with a nice selection of vegetable-based options to match. From sweetcorn soup to veggie wok dishes and curries, all the cuisine classics aptly cater for those who are looking for a meatless meal.
Fine dining with an authentic Indian flavour is The Taj Indian Kitchen’s expertise. You won’t see the stereotypical dishes like butter chicken on the menu: rather, the restaurant offers an array of lesser-known traditional foods from just about every region in India. An extensive list of vegetable mains and vegetarian curries are a prominent feature among all their offerings.
Whether you’re looking for a decently-priced place to dine out or some vegetarian-friendly takeaways, Bombay Palace has got you covered. The Indian chain restaurant, which has two Queenstown locations, caters for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners alike. Vegetable platters and curries, vegetarian kebabs, and tandoori mushrooms are just some of the offerings worth sinking your teeth into.
A rustic Italian restaurant that really goes above and beyond to cater for all dietary requirements. Farelli’s Trattoria has created a fully vegan menu, and will gladly make gluten-free pasta and/or pizzas upon request. Fresh vegetables and locally-sourced ingredients are used in all their dishes. The restaurant also offers a daily NZ$15 special for pizza or spaghetti bolognese.