Mother Chu's Vegetarian Kitchen

Overview

Eating at Mother Chu's Vegetarian Kitchen is like sitting down to a plate of mum's best nutritious yet delicious comfort food. That is, if your mother is a 90-something Taiwanese woman with a passion for vegan cooking. Specialising in MSG-free vegan dishes, Mother Chu's has developed somewhat of a cult vego following in Sydney. Meals here, I was told before arriving, are consistently delicious; they promise to leave you feeling full and happy.

Located in an unassuming spot at 367 Pitt Street, Mother Chu's is a haven for hungry vegetarians. Though its tables are often full, I'm lucky enough to find a place to sit. Perusing the menu is a little daunting; what exactly is a soya bean slice? And how does one concoct crispy gluten? I decide to go out on a limb and (bolstered by a recommendation from a roommate) order the glazed honey gluten with walnuts. The gluten (which turns out to be little crispy chunks of goodness) is perfectly sweetened by the honey. The sugary touch is enough to lend it flavour, but not make it overwhelmingly dessert-like. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch. As a second option, I order the crispy bean curd (which is essentially lightly fried tofu) with shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots. The veggies are insanely fresh and colourful, and the addition of the mushroom-and-pepper sauce adds complexity and savoury flavour. Simple, yet delectable, much like the whole of the restaurant itself.

Minimal décor and a no-alcohol policy at Mother Chu's allows the food to take centre stage. Fresh, vegan, and healthy, all at a low price, these dishes deserve attention. Non-vegos: don't be put off by the lack of meat at this little place. I can guarantee you'll find something to enjoy, and plenty of reason to return.