Where to find Perth’s best vegan and vegetarian dishes, according to top foodie Instagram Perth Grub

Perth Grub takes the cake as WA’s most mouth-watering Instagram account.

From fluffy doughnuts dusted in sugar to meaty burgers dripping with sauce, cheesy pizzas, succulent dumplings and flaky pastries, it’s impossible not to get hungry while scrolling through the feed.

Now here’s the catch — every dish featured by creators Krystina Milosevich and Stefan Lares is vegan or vegetarian.

The couple have made it their business to hunt down the best plant-based dining Perth has to offer, and the results may surprise those who think so-called vegos only eat lettuce.

Milosevich says more restaurants are actively putting in an effort to provide diners with interesting vegan options “beyond varying takes on smashed avo”.

“For many years now we have had a soft spot for The Moon, who were very much ahead of the game in Perth,” she says.

“More recently, venues like The Seasonal Brewing Co have put in considerable effort to provide an interesting, seasonal plant-based range. Many venues are now creating a separate vegan and vegetarian menu, like Jarrah and Little China Girl, which makes going out far easier and more enjoyable.”

Interestingly, many pubs are leading the charge.

“Varsity is especially considerate, as not only have they created vegan specific items, but they also provide an option for the meat in their other burgers to be substituted with plant-based patties,” Lares says.

“We love this, as it makes us feel like we have access to the majority of the menu, and not restricted to a couple of items.

“(And) one of our new favourite options is the eggplant parmi from The Parkerville Tavern.”

The pair rate Post and Petition among their favourites for fine dining, while Local & Aesthetic, Le Vietnam and Soho Lane are their picks for more casual bites.

“The vegan ‘duck’ bulgogi at Double Rainbow is a favourite for special nights,” Milosevich says.

“Double Rainbow has been a favourite for all occasions, with a ridiculously delicious menu featuring dishes that are already vegan without alteration. The fried mushroom bao and Brussels sprouts are amazing.”

Even breweries are getting on board by considering dietary requirements, with Rocky Ridge Brewing Co advertising which beers are vegan-friendly and Otherside Brewing Co making a vegan version of its annual Sabbath Pastry Stout.

As a fussy diner himself, Lares understands those who may be sceptical about sampling meat-free dishes. But he says the risk is well worth it.

“My biggest advice would be to just be open to trying new things,” he says.

For more tips on vegan and vegetarian dining, visit @perthgrub on Instagram.

The best of the best

The Today team has tracked down our must-try vegan dishes around Perth.

Favourite fare

The best vegan pasta we have tried is Post’s rigatoni, which isn’t on the main menu but the waitstaff always offer tricks to tweak the dishes for dietaries. For dumplings, Goody Two’s version with kimchi vinaigrette and crispy nori is the winner in our books, followed by Emily Taylor, Authentic Bites and Munchy Monk. Le Vietnam is a pioneer in vegan banh mi, with diners rushing out to grab the recent special of French confit mushrooms with truffle aioli and shaved truffle garnish. Bunn Mee in Leederville also does excellent Vietnamese, and Ramen Ichiraku has the largest vegan Japanese menu in Perth.

Star veggies

The Brussels sprouts at Double Rainbow and Varnish on King will make you rethink the misunderstood vegetable — they are bursting with sweet and savoury flavours and cooked to perfection. Beetroot lovers will adore Bib & Tucker’s smoked beetroot puree with woodfired baby beets, macadamia, wattleseed, kohlrabi and rocket pesto, and Toma does a really good salt-baked riff on the root, too. The firecracker cauliflower with bang bang sauce at Tonic & Ginger is the stuff of legends, or for a Middle Eastern twist try Island Market’s fried cauli with green herb tahini, macadamia, pomegranate.

Feasting

Sweetwater’s Sunday yum cha has a vegan option and is incredible value at $49 for nine delicious shared dishes — think crispy tempura eggplant and cauliflower massaman curry. The Flour Factory is bringing back its Vegan Ginner between August 17-27, which offers a seasonal four-course menu paired with three gin creations for $85 plus booking fee. And for the ultimate premium option, Wildflower, does a vegan tasting menu on request.

Sweet treats

Rich brownies, tiramisu and red velvet cake have all been given the vegan treatment by plant-based bakery Carina’s Kitchen, which recently opened a permanent outpost in Mt Hawthorn. At Zonts Bakehouse in Northbridge half the pastries are vegan, with rotating specials including a pandan coconut croissant and a sweet potato Danish with gochujang marinade. On the ice-cream front, Kuld Creamery in Fremantle always has an exciting vegan flavour, while Chicho Gelato’s Cherry Ripe creation is addictive.