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Two New Veggie Places To Visit in 2020
2020 兩間新素食餐廳：會一去再去的好推介
一家純素西貢 Fusion 純素 Tapas Bar，一家荃灣有機素食高質食堂，讓肚子充滿純素又健康的好食物吧。
Two New Veggie Places To Visit in 2020 Hong Kong
2020兩間新素食餐廳：會一去再去的好推介
2020年快過了一半，今年因為疫情影響，出門的次數也大大減少，更不用說外出用膳了。所以現在才寫第一篇有關素食餐廳介紹的文章。
這次介紹的兩家餐廳，都是新開幕的，一家純素，一家素食；兩間分別我也到訪過兩次，也仍覺得會再回去 “encore” 吃的。今天起，讓肚子充滿純素又健康的好食物吧。
This year, because of the impact of the epidemic, we are now mostly staying at home. So, because of that, I’ve been writing much more about plant-based recipes but fewer restaurants reviews.
However, there are still two plant-based restaurants I would love to share with you guys. They are both newly open in 2020, one plant-based/ vegan and one vegetarian - I have visited them more than once, and pretty sure I will go back again for their delicious and healthy food.
西貢 Fusion 純素 Tapas Bar
Plant-based Vegan Fusion Tapas Bar in Sai Kung
2084
5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung
西貢 沙咀街 5號 地舖
Tapas在西班牙很有名，意思是下酒小菜，小小一碟，風味無窮。去年在巴塞隆拿，去過幾家道地的Tapas Bar，更是難忘的好滋味。
在剛剛的二月，西貢市中心開了一家純素Tapas餐廳叫2084，餐牌上有Tapas小菜，咖哩，漢堡熱狗等等。我一共去過兩次，一次午餐一次晚餐，很喜歡它們各種具亞洲風味的Fusion Food。以下是幾道我很喜歡的菜式：
Tapas, a Spanish word means small dishes to be paired with wine, is famous now all over the world. Last year in Barcelona, those visits to authentic Tapas Bars are still an unforgettable experience.
In February 2020, a vegan Tapas restaurant called 2084 was opened in Saigon, Hong Kong. The menu includes ranges of Tapas, curry, hamburger, hot dogs and so on. I have been there twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. I really like their fusion food with an Asian flavour twist. Here are a few dishes that I really like:
天貝沙嗲沙律 Tempeh Satay Salad
用了很大分量的天貝（印尼食品，發酵黃豆製品，很高蛋白質），配上醃過蘿白、木瓜等，酸酸甜甜，很開胃。
A large portion of tempeh (Indonesian food made of fermented soybean, very high protein) is used, served with pickled dill and papaya, provides a rich sweet and sour taste.
饃饃 Momos
Momos在尼泊爾的意思是餃子。我是餃子控，也很喜歡加了芫荽和香料的口味，點了大蒜醬油味道更突出。
These Nepal’s dumplings are simply delicious with coriander and garlic soy sauce!
魚柳漢堡 Okonimi Fish Burger
素魚柳、純素芝士、 椰菜沙拉、純素蛋黃醬⋯⋯ 包的口感也很充實，是久違了的魚柳包口味！
Fishless fillets, vegan cheese and coleslaw with mayo served with two fluffy and filling buns - so good!
聽說有時候更有Daily Special的無蛋奶蛋糕，例如菠蘿蛋糕和紅羅白蛋糕，也提供燕麥奶咖啡，還不是純素食者的天堂嗎？除此之外，我也推薦邀請非素食的朋友一起去，相信大家都會驚訝「無肉食」也能如此豐富呢！
And I heard that they will occasionally serve dairy-free and plant-only cakes, such as the pineapple-upside cake and carrot cake. They also serve oat milk coffee. Simply a plant-based heaven for all the vegans and non-vegans!
天貝沙嗲沙律 Tempeh Satay Salad
魚柳漢堡 Okonimi Fish Burger
荃灣 有機 素食 高質食堂
Organic Vegetarian Restaurant in Tsuen Wan
如庫豐生有機食堂 YuFu Abundance
Room 501, Block B, Po Yip Building, 62-70 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan
荃灣 寶業大廈 B座 501室
這間位於工廈之中的素食食堂，進門口後才發現是一塊淨土。入面分為食堂和食品商店部，空間感很大，室內也有植物和迷你瀑布，感覺很舒服。餐點分為素食與純素(清楚寫明)，大部分也是中式或亞洲菜式，再加一部份西式餐點；而我比較喜歡他們的中菜。
他們的食物，即叫即做、熱辣辣的送上，兩次光顧也有叫的是冬蔭功生菜包。豆皮的口感超好，酸酸辣辣的口味，包在爽脆新鮮的生菜中，叫人一口接一口的停不了在吃。第二次再點的時候，老闆(也是主廚)送上一碟香菜拌著吃，加上特別的咸香滋味。
This vegetarian restaurant is located in an industrial building, an oasis after entering the door. The place is divided into the restaurant and a food store. The space is very large, there are also plants and a mini waterfall in the room, makes a relax and comfy atmosphere. They serve vegetarian and vegan dishes(clearly stated on the menu), most of them are Chinese or Asian dishes with a few Western dishes.
Their food is fresh and made-to-order. Tomyam Lettuce Wrap is the no.1 dish that I truly enjoy. The spicy and sour tofu skin is being wrapped in crisp and fresh lettuce, the texture and flavours are so fulfilling. At my second visit, the boss (also the chef) even gave us a plate of parsley to eat with the wrap - and we LOVE it!
冬蔭功生菜包 Tomyam Lettuce Wrap
前菜 Appetiser
另一道，我覺得好吃得驚為天人的，是欖菜叉燒炒飯。
從小至大也喜歡吃炒飯，但飯要抄得好，油量必須控製好，不多不少才可以做到粒粒分明。轉為純素後，坊間大部分會以雞蛋作為食材的炒飯也不能吃。而這個欖菜炒飯的雜菜切的小小一粒，加上麵筋製的香口素叉燒，跟米飯比例剛剛好，欖菜亦增添不少鮮味。最後以香港品牌Happy Cow的純素雪糕作甜品，豐盛的一餐叫人非常滿足。
當大的食材及糧油雜貨大部分也在食品商店可以買到，價錢也很公道；如果你喜歡健康天然的食材，相信你會樂而忘反呢！
Another personal favourite was the fried rice with olives pickles and char-siu (Chinese barbecued pork). Fried rice, a famous dish in the Asian food scene, is a “tricky” dish to make - the amount of oil must be well-controlled for the perfect texture of rice. Diced vegetables, gluten-made char-siu, and olives pickles - which are just in the right ratio with the amount of rice. I especially love how the olives pickles add a salty aroma to the whole dishes. And we end our lunch with the vegan ice cream from a local Hong Kong brand Happy Cow as dessert.
Most of the ingredients used in the dishes are available to purchase in the food store at a fair price. If you are a fan of healthy and natural ingredient, don’t forget to do some groceries shopping before you leave!
欖菜叉燒炒飯 Fried rice with olives pickles and char-siu
純素雪糕 Happy Cow Vegan Ice-cream
香港實在許多有心人推廣素食。2020年，素食在香港不再「新潮」，而是區區都找得到。有心去準備的食物，吃下去健康之外，也有滿滿的正能量。
高質「素」，十八區也找得到。
Plant-based food is now available in nearly everywhere in Hong Kong in 2020. Healthy and hearty vegetarian/ vegan food always provide us with endless positive energy - it’s time to fill our tummy with fresh, healthy and nutritious plants!
With love & blessings,
Charlotte
What Is a Vegetarian?!
【素食101 - 素食有幾多類？】
I hope this article would help everyone to have a better knowledge about their “Vegetarian” friends afterwards! (Especially when picking restaurants and what to eat!)
真的有需要向葷食的朋友好好介紹一下不同種類的素食者，好讓大家日後挑餐廳、食物時有更好的知識基礎！
【素食101 - 素食有幾多類？】
Japanese Vegan Dinner - Cold Soba.
吃素以後，聽得最多的問題，就是：「素食？你吃不吃魚？」「有些人食素也吃蛋奶，為什麼你不吃？」「我有親人也吃素，不過他是會吃碟中的蔬菜、豆類等（葷菜）。你也會吃嗎？」
解釋了多次，也發覺真的有需要向葷食的朋友好好介紹一下不同種類的素食者，好讓大家日後挑餐廳、食物時有更好的知識基礎！
I got to answer these questions quite often:
"You’re a vegan? So do you eat fish?"
"Some vegetarian eat egg milk, why don't you eat them?"
”My relative is a vegetarian too, but he will pick vegetables and beans from the meat dishes. Would you eat that too?”
After explaining these for so many times, I realise there is really a need to introduce different types of vegetarians to friends who might not be familiar with the “Veggie Concept”. I hope this article would help everyone to have a better knowledge about their “Vegetarian” friends afterwards! (Especially when picking restaurants and what to eat!)
Steamed Veggies.
素食小分類
因由各異，素食絕不單一，也有不同的定義，主要分以下幾類：
蛋奶素 (Vegetarian)
不吃來自動物的食物和其相關製品，例如肉和內臟，但吃蛋類和奶類製品，觀察所見大多香港的素食者也是屬於這範圍。
蛋素 (Ovo-Vegetarian)
除了蛋類，不會吃所有動物性食物和任何奶類製品。
奶素 (Lacto-Vegetarian)
不吃動物性食物和蛋類，但會吃奶類製品，包括乳酪、芝士等。
全素 (Vegan)
不吃肉類，連帶一切有動物成分的相關製品也不吃，包括奶類、蛋類、燕窩、蜜糖等。
鍋邊素/方便素 (Flexitarian)
不直接吃肉類，但可在葷菜中挑蔬菜、豆類等非肉類來吃。
其他例如：魚素者(Pescetarianism)，是指戒食紅肉、禽類肉食，但仍進食海鮮（以魚為主）的人；和果食者(fruitarian)，只吃植物的果實。不同的飲食習慣的確五花百門。
Different kind of Vegetarian
Because of the different reasons, vegetarian food is not single, but also has different definitions, mainly divided into the following categories:
Vegetarian:
They do not eat foods from animals and related products, such as meat and internal organs, but eats eggs and dairy products. It is also within the scope of observing most of the vegetarians in Hong Kong.
Ovo-Vegetarian:
They do not eat all animal foods and any dairy products except eggs.
Lacto-Vegetarian:
They do not eat animal foods and eggs, but eats dairy products, including cheese and cheese.
Vegan:
They do not eat meat, and does not eat all related products with animal ingredients, including milk, eggs, bird's nest, honey and so on.
Flexitarian:
does not eat meat directly, but can pick vegetables, beans and other non-meat in the leek.
Others, for example, Pescetarianism refers to people who quit eating red meat and poultry meat but still eat seafood (mainly fish); and Fruitarians, who only eat the fruits of plants.
Miso Soup.
我希望這個簡單化的解釋會讓你認識更多吧！立即跟不是素者的朋友好好分享～
（下次你便不需要再一次解釋了！）
I hope this simplified explanation would help! Share with your friends who are not a vegetarian!
LOVE,
CHARLOTTE
A Little Escape in Hong Kong
【留在香港的充電假期—西貢外國風素食友善咖啡店】
Easy to say but hard to do - to bring the attitude while travelling to back to our life. How about a little holiday in our home town?
這家在香港後花園——西貢的特色外國休閒風咖啡店，可以假日時去放鬆抖抖氣，也有很多素選擇啊！
【留在香港的充電假期—西貢外國風素食友善咖啡店】
說起容易做起來難，把旅行時的自己所有的力量和勇氣帶回家，即使經常提點自己，偶爾還是會被生活上的壓力影響而忘記了。
迷路時沒有Google Map，只有靠自己心口一個勇字找方向找飯店；到訪那家慕名很久的咖啡店時的興奮感覺；看到像夢境一般的景色時的新鮮感⋯⋯ 總在自己居住的地方忘記得一乾二淨。
幸好，香港有不少的離島、郊野公園、沙灘等等，可以假日時去放鬆抖抖氣。今天，我就想介紹一家在香港後花園——西貢的特色外國休閒風咖啡店！
Easy to say but hard to do - to bring the attitude while travelling to back to our life. The exceptional courage of looking the way to your hostel while no data on phone (to “Google map”), the excitement of first-time visiting the highly-rated restaurant/ coffee shops, the moment seeing the beautiful scenery that you’ve only dreamt of… everything is fresh and appealing.
But how about when we get bored in hometown?
Luckily we got a lot of different spots in Hong Kong despite the busy city centre. Islands, country parks, beaches… all around our city. Today, I want to introduce a new coffee shop I’ve found in Sai Kung - “the beautiful backyard garden of Hong Kong”.
簡約澳洲感覺
Aussie-Cozy Vibe with Minimal Interior
大大的窗戶、充足的陽光，這家Little Cove Espresso上個月才從原址(也在附近)搬到新店。他們的Instagram中寫到：一間身處巷中的咖啡店，為了照顧好西貢的居民和經過這𥚃的人，而做好咖啡。一看就知道是喝咖啡的好地方！白白的裝橫也是滿滿的澳洲感覺，走的是休閒舒適風。
A big window with abundant sunlight, Little Cove Espresso has just moved in to this location from their original store earlier last month. “A laneway cafe taking care of the good people of Sai Kung and those passing by, one cup at a time.” This neighbourhood cafe has an Aussie atmosphere - bright, high ceiling and comfy seats.
- 許多素食和健康選擇 -
Very Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Menu
除了外觀像澳洲的咖啡店外，他們的食物選擇也很像啊——就是非常「素食友善」！從早餐的果昔碗、多士；午餐的沙拉碗、意粉、開邊三文治；到甜點（祼食開心果巧克力條），也有不同的選擇（菜單上清楚列明V-Vegan純素、Ve-Vegetarian蛋奶素）。除此之後，他們提供的植物奶（豆奶/杏仁奶/燕麥奶)也不需要另外收費！（是我在香港(還有外果)第一次見到的。看來他們也很推廣植物奶呢～）
還有，咖啡的確好喝。
Not to mention they have a selection of Vegan/Vegetarian friendly dishes on the menu! Range from breakfast (Smoothie bowl, Toasties), lunch (Salad Bowl, Pasta, Open-side Sandwiches) to dessert (Raw Chocolate Pistachio Slice). Meanwhile they also provide Soy/Almond/Oat milk as dairy alternatives without adding any charges!
Their coffee? Yes, very good indeed!
(Vegan) Quinoa Bowl, with rockets, avocado, cucumber, roasted chickpeas, roasted peppers, beetroot hummus and Lemon. Oat Milk Latte.
(Meat) Chicken & Dukkah on Sourdough with Smashed Avocado, Rocket & Feta.
這個是我小小的一次「工作假期」，素顏、穿起最愛的白Tee牛仔褲、帶著電腦⋯⋯ 其實就已經充足電了！
下次放假，你又喜歡去哪𥚃呢？
No make-up, put on my favourite white t-shirt and jeans, bring along my laptop… A little and simple satisfying “Working-Holiday”.
What about you? What is your favourite kind of relaxing holiday?
Little Cove Espresso
Shop 1 + 2, G/F, Siu Yat Building, Block A, Hoi Pong Square Sai Kung
LOVE,
CHARLOTTE
My Vegan Journey
【我的素系之道】
有時，一個簡單的決擇會影響一輩子。而我，就從食肉獸轉為素食者開始。
Sometimes a simple decision can change your life forever. The diet is more than just an eating habit. Time and time again, it has brought me to the most positive results, and eventually influencing the people around me.
我的素系之道
有時，一個簡單的決擇會影響一輩子。
Sometimes a simple decision can change your life forever.
四年前，我從食肉獸轉為素食者。雖然當中有經歷過困難的高高低低，我從沒有後悔過這個決定。素食，不止是飲食習慣上的改變；而是無論對自己，還是身邊的人，也有著微微的正面影響。
I became a vegetarian (and later, vegan) four years ago. Even when it was testing to my mind and my family at times, I have never regretted this decision as it has transformed my life entirely. The diet is more than just an eating habit. Time and time again, it has brought me to the most positive results, and eventually influencing the people around me.
從小就是食肉獸
The Little “Meat-Monster”
在典型的中國家庭長大，從小到大我們也對肉食——習慣了。「薯仔炆雞翼」和「蒸三點蟹」也食我最喜歡的菜色。即使蔬菜類的菜色在中國菜的各種佳餚中從不缺乏（就如蒜蓉蒸小白菜）；可以，一餐之中假如沒有肉類或海鮮，中國人也許不太習慣吧。
過年過節時，我們也總有一桌子的「大魚大肉」。燒肉、火鍋、自助餐⋯⋯ 最受歡迎的聚會地方，九成也是肉、肉還有肉。彷彿愈多肉，就肉好；愈惹味，就吃得愈過癮。飲食習慣，其實都是跟家人養成的。
雖然我從沒有討厭過吃蔬果，可是我以前也跟很多人一樣，認為素食是刻板沈悶的。素食未流行起來之前，就只有一些傳統的中式素食館，古舊的氛圍、老氣的菜色，看上去就跟年輕潮流完全拉不上關係⋯⋯ 也不會太吸引到普通肉食者用餐。（那時，我沒有任何的朋友是菇素，也不是沒有原因的。）
Being raised in a traditional Chinese family, we naturally followed a meat-oriented diet. “Roasted Chicken Wings with Potatoes” and “Steamed Crab” were among my favourite dishes. While there has always been an abundance of vegetable dishes in the Chinese cuisine, one could not have easily imagined a meal without meat or seafood with all these delicious flavours and varieties.
It wasn’t just about the eating habit too. In any family gatherings, our tables were always “big meat big fish” as we called it. Asian barbecue, hotpot, buffet at the hotels, 90% of these popular places are all filled with meat, and more meat. The more, the better; the heavier, the better. It is how we were simply raised to be.
Although I had never detested vegetables or fruits, like everyone else I often thought that the vegetarian diet is only strict and boring. Before it became a trend of itself, there were quite a few traditional Chinese vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong, but most of them were old-fashioned, with austere decor, unappealing presentation, and perhaps unexciting flavours. None of my friends were vegetarians, not without reasons too.
What changed my mind?
我的跳舞老師 My Dance Teacher
把素食這個概念重新向我傳譯一次的，是我的跳舞老師。大約十年前，我開始學習現代舞。當時教舞的老師吃了十多年素，每次練舞後他都會帶我們一起到素食餐廳。當時我只是好奇，為何能吃素十多年仍有力跳舞、又是非常健康的呢？
As a vegetarian for 20+ years, Andy Wong (a renowned contemporary dance artist) was the first person who introduced me to a vegetarian lifestyle. His way of living totally changed my perception of vegetarianism. I was inspired to see that even for a dancer who needs a lot of energy everyday, he could still follow a vegetarian diet while being so healthy and physically ready at the same time. He was my first model for being a vegetarian.
一次瑜珈斷食營 A 5-day Yoga Retreat Camp
是因為快大一歲了，想給自己一個改變的機會；與其買一份一星期後就會忘記的禮物，我想過一個有意義又可以 「抖抖氣」的經歷。 對，短短五天讓我對食物的看法改變了。知道了素食，或者看起來更好吃的「蔬食料理」不但易做也很好吃、我也開始喜歡上吃水果和喝果汁後輕盈清新的感覺、真正的意識到肉食為身體帶來的負擔。這種種對身體和心靈的正面影響，驅使了我決定要成為素食者。
It was a gift to myself on my 24th Birthday - rather than getting myself a present that I would probably forget in a week, I decided to experience something more meaningful by joining a yoga retreat camp in Tainan. For a week I adhered to a whole new lifestyle - following a strictly vegetarian diet with lots of fresh, nutritious smoothie, juices and food, gradually experiencing a positive change to my body, as well as practicing meditation and mindfulness with guidance. I was surprised to see that my stomach and digestive system had gotten much better, my skin looked clearer and I felt so much lighter physically and mentally. Ever since this marvellous experience, I decided to be a vegetarian.
痘痘和敏感皮膚 My Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin
去年的夏天，我經歷的一段嚴重的「青春痘」問題時期。老實說，雖然我已經吃素一段不短的時間，但有時候，對於一些喜歡的食物，我仍會控制不了而多吃的。尤其是塗滿牛油的麵包、曲奇餅、芝士拼盤、水牛芝士沙律、牛奶咖啡等等⋯⋯全部都有牛奶成分。經過我在網上進行了一些研究之後，我決定要跟長期最愛——牛奶說拜拜。 不過，這並不是件容易的事。 要小心的是，必須注意日常食物有沒有含奶的成分，特別是麵包或甜點。
I experienced a serious acne problem all of a sudden last summer. After doing some research online, I decided to give up my favourite dairy products and followed a strict-vegan diet. It was not an easy process, even a painful one - you cannot imagine how hard it is to stay away from so many milk-related ingredients in food like bread, cakes and even soup!
這就是我的決定和轉變了。現在的我，並不會想念吃肉，因為素食的選擇和替代品也有很多。當然，我間中仍會十分想念香濃咖啡上的綿密奶泡，以及奶油與芝士的質感和味道，但為了更好的皮膚，更好的身體，同時也出於消費良心上的考慮，盡可能減少為動物帶來痛苦，我決定堅持下去。調查指出，素食是對減碳排放和對環境保護最有效益的方法。對，一開始並不容易的，但慢慢地，心癮過後，就沒有那麼難了。或者像我一樣，把好奇心轉至找出美味的替代品，就如純素甜品/蛋糕，又或是植物奶咖啡⋯⋯
So, this is my story of transformation. Now I do not miss meat at all, as there can be thousands of alternatives and vegetarian options. I do miss the richness of dairy products at times, but my stomach and skin are way better since eliminating them completely. Besides, avoiding animal products is also the best way to stand against animal cruelty and exploitation. Research has found that veganism is also the most efficient way to save our planet by reducing carbon emission and conserving water. Yes, It might not be easy at start, but I promise you that it’d become easier when you get over the addiction. It is also certainly another curious habit to search for tasty substitute too, the fascinating vegan cakes and pastries, or just a cup of plant-based milk latte…
「愈簡單，愈豐足」不只是飲食，而是生活
Less for More, not only for Eating but also Living
素，不單改變了我的飲食，而是從食啟發衣、住、行等生活細節，情感甚至心態的轉變。吃一個真正的、全食物，總比吃加工食品更簡單和有營養。對我來說，這個道理可以應用到生活的每一個方面——無論是穿衣、居家、人與人之間的關係等等。當你開始選擇一個更簡單的生活，你會發現生活的美好，找到日常的快樂泉源。
The plant-based diet has not only nourished my body, but also transformed the way I see my life. Eating a whole, organic planet-based meal is always more nutritious and fulfilling than any of those harmful processed food. “Less for More” - it is way more than a eating habit. For me this lifestyle applies to every aspects of life, including how I dress, the way I live and even the perception of our relationships with other living beings. Once you decide to consume healthier food, simpler clothes, comforting homewares… Soon you will find out that you are not only living a simple lifestyle with less belongings, but also towards a much wholesome and happier lifestyle. It is “LifeStyle In White”.
“The simpler we are, the stronger we become.”LOVE,
CHARLOTTE
想看更多我素食路上的分享，我的新書《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》現於香港及台灣各大書局有售。
按此看更多資料：《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》
To read more about my vegan journey, my new book 《LifeStyle In White》is now available at all major bookstores in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Click here for more information: 《LifeStyle In White》
Where to Eat in Melbourne - Vegan Brunch Ideas
【尋找墨爾本的⋯⋯ 美味素食早午餐！】
出發之前，已經有不少朋友告訴我澳洲是一個非常適合素食者旅遊的國家。第一站的墨爾本，是個著名的 “Brunch” 和 “Coffee” City；當然試一試他們的早午餐是務必要做的事吧！
Before I travel to Australia, many of my friends told me it is a very vegetarian/vegan-friendly country. With a lot of options for plant-based diet, Here I would like to share two brunch places which I love the most in Melbourne!
- The Healthy Delicious Comfort Food -
Vegie Bar
380 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, 3065
如果你也喜歡Fushion式的餐點，Vegie Bar 絕對是其中一個必要到的地方！在潮流地區“Fitzroy”的中心，它離 Rose Street Designer Market 非常近（手工藝和設計商品愛好者的“必遊之地”）—— 我也買了一只手工杯子呢（我是個質感工藝品控～）。
在大馬路對面看到餐廳已被餐廳的外觀吸引。步進餐廳，樓底非常高，和室內的工業風格，都充滿著嬉皮士的感覺。無論是服務員、還是在用餐的客人，衣著也很有獨特風格；配著輕快節奏的音樂，輕鬆氣氛遍布整間餐廳。餐廳還設有露台室外區，非常適合微涼的夏日跟一班朋友聚餐。
If you are into Western-Asian fusion food and being a fan of casual comfort food, Vegie Bar is definitely one of the good choices. Located near to the Rose Street Designer Market (a “must-visit” place for hand-crafted goods lovers!) and in the heart of hipster district “Fitzroy”, you can easily notice the restaurant when crossing the street.
Raw and industrial style of the interior, friendly and young waiter/waitress, a laid-back atmosphere is created all over the house. The big restaurant also has a terrace area, perfect for breezy summer days.
還未有吃過早餐的我們，下午三時多己經差不多日餓壞了，所以各自點了一個主食分享。餐點上，一般西餐中的薄餅、漢堡、小食也有；想健康一點的，他們也提供一些較輕盈的選擇如沙律、炒菜和穀物碗等等。愛好甜點者，目光一定會被他們的蛋糕櫃緊緊鎖著——從布朗尼蛋糕（奶素）、“芝士” 蛋糕（純素）到祼食蛋糕（純素、不含麩質）；一共有五至六種選擇，真真正正是植物性飲食者的天堂！
第一道菜，如其名，就是典型的素食版Big Mac漢堡！這款漢堡由兩層素餡餅（應該是豆類製品）、素芝士、生菜、洋蔥、酸菜和特製醬汁，配上三層漢堡包組成。雖然我以前也沒有很喜歡吃巨無霸，不過這個味道的確叫人回味，就是回憶中Big-Mac的味道。
第二道菜，英譯中的名字就是「大多是蔬菜」，聽上去以為會比較乏味，卻是最讓我驚喜的一道菜。時令的新鮮蔬菜配上有機天貝，用了我們熟悉的醬油，大蒜和薑炒起，是亞洲風味的做法，非常惹味。天貝是一種印度食品，由油炸發酵的大豆製成，是高蛋白質的食物，口感有點像肉的質感，也非常飽肚。（我第一次吃是在台北，已經立即愛上了。）加上糙米，混著芝麻醬一起吃（也可以選沙爹醬）；一道蔬菜做得如此色香味俱存，使用亞洲的食材卻有不同的異國風味，印象的確很深刻。
最後一道，則是中東風味的菜色。香料的醃製過的番茄、烤鷹嘴豆及胡桃炒起，配上南瓜和烤椰菜花，伴著小米。為了讓口感更加的豐富，上面則撒上醋栗，杏仁，榛子和椰子片。與烤過的微熱薄餅一起吃，在漸冷的冬日吃，既溫暖又滋味。
All the comfort food like burger, pizza, pasta and fries are available (Who doesn't love these food?!); at the same time, they also serve some lighter or wholesome options like grain bowls, stir-fry greens and salad. Not to mention they have a list of vegetarian/vegan dessert - from brownies, “cheese” cake to raw cake, truly a paradise for the plant-based diet.
We have ordered 3 main dishes to share:
1/ BETTER THAN A BIG MAC
A typical vegan version of Big Mac Burger! Ingredients including 2 vegan patties (yes, not beef!), vegan cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles and special sauce in a 3-part brioche bun. Although I am not a fan of Big Mac, this burger reminded me of the signature childhood burger... (I don’t think there are any differences!)
2/ MOSTLY GREENS
A stir-fry of seasonal vegetables with organic tempeh served in a wok without sacrifice to flavour - it is actually very yummy with tamari, garlic and ginger taste! What is Tempeh? My previous article “3 Vegan Restaurants in Taipei” has recorded my 1st experience in trying it! Tempeh is an Indonesian dish made by deep-frying fermented soya beans. High in protein and a good meat substitute - it really does fill you up! We love to mix the tahini sauce (you can also choose satay sauce), together with the brown rice, the dish is full of different flavours.
3/ MOROCCAN TAJINE
A middle-east inspired plate served in a wok with spiced tomato, baked chickpea and butternut pumpkin stew with roasted cauliflower. Topped with currant, almond, hazelnut and coconut flakes. Simply delicious when eating with the warm pita bread.
這間小餐廳，可能是我這次在墨爾本到過，最特別喜歡地方。他們的早餐和早午餐的好評極多，是使用新鮮的食材，即時烹調我，同時提供肉食和素食餐點。假若你是胃口比較大的，在澳洲不用擔心吃不飽！他們的餐點的分量超大，胃口比較小的朋友們，便很適合跟大夥兒一起分享。可別以為分量大，質量便會相應減少——美味度是不會改變的！（大份夾好食應該就是這個意思……）
This lovely restaurant might be my favourite place during the trip. Being well-known for their breakfast and brunch, they make fresh and delicious food with vegetarian/vegan options. The portion is huge (I guess that is normal Aussie portion) without having to sacrifice the taste of it. If you are going with friends of different diets (meat/vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free), it is the place to visit!
一向愛自己在家做燕麥粥的我，當然要偷師。之前在倫敦、柏林等地也有試過不同咖啡店的燕麥粥，的確比起港式的牛奶麥皮及來得更具特色。這個是混合了藜麥、奇亞籽和粗粒燕麥煮成的，伴上香蕉和莓漿果，灑上夏威夷果仁碎（澳洲就是周圍也是夏威夷果仁！），無論是口感還是味道也相當不錯。
媽媽點了蘆筍配水牛奶酪，配上水煮蛋，灑上檸檬杏仁和煙肉碎。她喜歡比較清新的味道，配上無麩質的奇亞籽脆片，香口美味。哥哥則點了牛排三文治——用焦糖洋蔥和甜菜根來平衡牛排的強烈味道，我們也笑說這份量可以餵飽兩個飢腸轆轆的人吧... 超級巨大的三文治、還有厚切的薯條！
他們也提供一系列的葡萄酒、咖啡、茶、果汁等等。我點了豆奶的印度香料奶茶，澳洲的版本都是一整個壺上的，純素食的你也可以試一試！
I ordered my "go-to" breakfast - Oat porridge. Cooked with warm quinoa, chia and rolled oat, the soft and creamy porridge is served with banana and berry compote. And topped the macadamia crumbles, simple, tasty, and very satisfying.
My mum ordered asparagus with buffalo mozzarella, served with poached eggs, lemon almond houmous chia crips and bacon crumble - she likes the refreshing taste and guess what, this is a gluten-free dish. My brother had the fillet steak sandwiches on sourdough. With caramelised onions and beetroot remoulade to balance the taste. I guess this portion could feed two really hungry people… It is super huge!
They also served a range of vegetarian cakes on the bar, with a selection of wines, coffee and tea. What I love about drinking Chai Tea in Australia - they always come with a full pot of goodness. A must try if you are a fan of CHAI!
澳洲早午餐的餐廳的確有很多……由其咖啡店特別多！留言告訴我你想試哪一家餐廳吧。下次再跟大家分享墨爾本的咖啡店！
Let me know which restaurant you would love to try, and next articles I will share more about the cafe-hopping experience.
Love,
Charlotte
Jamaica Vibe Vegan Food in Paris
The place for all Vegan to be!
【全素食者一定喜歡的地方 - 巴黎的牙買加風素食】
Jah Jah by Le Tricycle
Address: 51 Rue De Paradis 75010 Paris
天然的食材、悠閒的氣氛、最酷和Hip的店員.. 是我第一步踏進Jah Jah by Le Tricycle的感覺。那天早上，我剛好在巴第十區附近工作；午餐時正想找家素食餐人 廳，便從手機應用程式 "Happy Cow"上找到這家餐廳。（詳細程式的資料在這邊 - A Day in Paris）
店中全是滿滿的牙買加風格！
Clean food, amazing laid-back atmosphere, coolest people there... Using my travel essential "Happy Cow" App on my phone to locate this restaurant when I was working in the 10th arrondissement. (More details about "Happy Cow" - A Day in Paris) When I arrived, this interior design instantly caught my eye.
The Jamaica Vibe !
他們的食物是以起源於牙買加Ital飲食法為主。他們採用植物為食材的基礎，食材全部來自大自然的土壤（有機種植），嚴禁具有加工成分的食材，亦不會對食物加工。 聽起來以為食物會很單調？那你就大錯特錯了... 看看他們在Instagram上的食物照吧！
他們以熱狗，炸玉米餅、豐富食物碗、果昔而聞名；讓素食者最開心的就是看到這些多姿多采的食材吧，頓時胃口也大開了。
At Jah Jah, the Ital diet (originated from Jamaica) is adapted - plant-based, food that comes from the soils of Mother Nature, organic, and strictly no processed foods or ingredients in the food. Knowing this makes me (and all Vegans) so happy!
They are famous for their hot dogs, tacos, bowls and smoothie.. (See how colourful they are!)
Pictures from @letricycle Instagram.
好吧，這就是我今天的午餐。 十一月中的巴黎只有攝氏六度，只要是熱的東西我也想吃（全程也不知道有多少杯熱咖啡救了我一命...） 這個黃黃的南瓜湯，不過是南瓜的甜味，再灑上黑白芝麻一種甜美而堅果的味道，再用芫荽作調味！最簡單的美味，是一種純粹的快樂。
另一樣點的，是“烤香蕉條”！ 看起來是薯條（烤香蕉造的版本），甜甜的糖漿和莎莎醬作調味。是非常飽肚和美味的組合呢。配上我最愛的牛油果醬 - 簡直就是人間天堂般的美味。
Okay, so here it comes my lunch of the day. That day was freezing, only 6 degrees Celsius. All I want is something hot - Hot coffee, Hot tea or Hot Soup! This pumpkin soup is a simple pleasure - with nothing more than the sweetness of pumpkin, black and white sesame to add a sweet and nutty flavour, and finish with a handful of coriander to brighten flavours! (Yes, I LOVE Coriander.)
And another thing I love... the "Na-na Fries"! It is a bake-dried version of Banana, with glazed sweet syrup with Salsa on top. It is very fulfilling and super yummy! Comes with the Guacamole dips - this is what, heaven on earth means!
朋友去法國愛吃海鮮、芝士；我到法國愛找全素美食。生活中的快樂，是用美食、享樂去衛量嗎？是你需要懂得如何去找出讓自己快樂的方法吧。（雖然，我覺得這些食物已經很美味了）
As a vegan, I am still a foodie (that I like to explore food local food when I am travelling!) My simple pleasure? It might take a little longer time to find the vegan cuisine in a new city, but once you found them, believe me, you will be surprised by the real good food!
Love,
Charlotte
From Vegetarian to Vegan #2
上回講到，我順利完成「30 天不喝牛奶」的挑戰後，成功把臉上的暗瘡擊退！
也再沒有長新的豆豆。朋友見到我也讚：「你的皮膚好好啊～」「皮膚好美！都是因為吃素的緣故吧。」我說，是因為再沒有吃奶製品（本身我也是個不吃蛋的素食者）。有趣的是，當你再不吃奶和蛋，你會發現市面上98%的甜品你是不可以吃的；90%以上的麵包也是不可以吃的。所以，吃甜的機會，大大減少了。什麼Crepe Cake、芝士蛋糕、Waffles也可以說拜拜。
轉為純素食後，也許，你會發現有些生活上的改變（麻煩）會出現；然而，而這些不只讓你更留意自己的飲食，而其他好處亦會慢慢影響到你呢。
在文章最尾有超簡單的牛油果吐司做法，我最近最喜歡的早餐！
If you have read my last article (Why I change from Vegetarian to Vegan #1), you may know that how effective it is for me to get a better-looking skin by not drinking milk (and other milk-related products). Of course, it might not be applicable to anyone, and it is true that it might because I am allergic to milk; however, it actually worth a try! Here I will talk about the changes after you changed your diet...
1. You have learnt how to read food labels
After you adapt a vegan diet, checking food labels is a must.
Some food addictive, like whey and some emulsifier, which come from milk, are present in many cereal bars, breads, and granolas. You will be surprised how many foods, that you think they are without the usage of dairy products actually is not suitable for you(as a vegan), anymore. Like your favourite pieces of chocolate, pasta and even bread. So, you will be alert of names like emulsifier, whey, casein etc... For Chinese food, ramen also contains eggs!
2. You will have less and less absorption of refined sugar.
Believe it or not, over 90% of bread and 98% of dessert in the market contains eggs and milk. Crepe cake? Cheesecake? Croissant? Sorry, they are all made with eggs and milk. Even some of the loaf bread contains milk (especially those you can find in chain bakery). In a result, you found that you cannot have a bite of most of the birthday day cakes, pancakes are no longer an option in your brunch list, and ice cream is no longer your "instant" mood-booster, too. However, you will find yourself being very energetic after stop absorbing sugars, you may start to lose weight, your skin will brighten and cleared... There are just so many studies reflect that sugar has a negative effect on human.
3. You may find it a little bit harder to eat with friends
Yes, when you going a step further switching from a Vegetarian to a Vegan, at first it might get harder when you want to eat out. It is actually quite difficult to order a vegan dish in most of the normal restaurants - 1) always cheese pizza, salad with cheese or hidden chicken or butter stock in Western food; 2) fried rice and ramen with eggs in Chinese food; 3) and beef broth & fish sauce are very common in Vietnam & Thai food. My suggestions are, going for a Vegetarian or Vegan restaurant (as most of the Vegetarian places will state clearly dishes are vegan or not). Or, look for independent restaurants and call them in advance to see if they can prepare vegan dishes for you.
4. You are more aware of nutrients
"Where do you get protein?" " Where do you get enough Iron?" The most frequent questions I've got.
As I have Thalassemia (地中海貧血) - which caused moderate Anemia, I often looked pale, easy to have fatigue and dizziness. Being able to get enough nutrients is really important, so I started to search for alternatives. No, don't listen to grandma, you actually don't have to eat red meat or seafood in order to absorb iron; instead, spinach, beetroot, and oatmeal etc are good sources to combat Anemia. My mother used to prepare Ginger and Red Date Tea for me - which is a powerful food for women (especially during period) as red dates are naturally rich in Iron. And it is perfect for winter days too! (And its sweetness is just so good...)
Besides, although people would think that eggs, dairy products and meat are the best sources of protein, there are actually much more vegan options! Ingredients like chia seeds, quinoa, beans, nuts and nut butter, or even leafy greens like Broccoli provides protein. My favourite ways to eat: Add chia seeds and nut butter into my morning smoothie, having quinoa for lunch as a rice/noodles substitute, and cooked broccoli for salad.
Afterall, you may find yourself have become a semi-professional nutritionist! Here I am going to share one of my recent favourite breakfast recipe, which is the signature Avocado Toast! (Come on... you have to admit that you saved around HKD $90 if you make it by yourself.) Besides, after being a Vegetarian for almost 3 years and a newbie in Vegan, I know how important it is to satisfy your stomach... If you don't want to keep snacking and over-eating all day, you need to pay attention on how to get good nutrients in every single meal!
RECIPE
AVOCADO TOAST
Avocado with fresh Cherry Tomatoes
Preparation Time:
6 mins
Ingredients:
1 slice of Whole Wheat Toast
1/2 Avocado
4-5 Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 Lemon Juice
Pinch of Pepper & Sea Salt
(As needed) Balsamic Vinegar to taste
Steps:
1. Toast the slice of whole wheat bread.
2. Cut the cherry tomatoes into small dices.
3. Smash the avocado in a bowl, add cherry tomatoes and lemon juice, and mix them up.
4. Spread it evenly on the toast, and add pepper and sea salt to taste!
*I like to add some Balsamic Vinegar because I just love its sweetness taste bring to the tomatoes!
There you are - the super easy, fulfilling and delicious Vegan breakfast to start your day. The combination of healthy fats from the avocado and carbohydrates from whole wheat toast is great for nourishing your body. What is your favourite breakfast? Share with me in the comments below!