If you're a vegetarian/vegan in dire need of some good old fashioned, meatless soul food: Mena's is your place. Nestled among the competitive food stretch of Cuba Street, this family-friendly restaurant offers a range of consistently tasty Asian food in generous portions and at a reasonable price. Its unassuming location means it is easily missed, but once you've tried it you'll be a guaranteed regular — Aunty Mena's is an iconic venue for the Wellington vegetarian.
The menu may seem daunting — with countless variations of the same dish — but no meal I've tried so far (and I've certainly tried my fair share) has failed to deliver in flavour. Clear experts on vegetarian cuisine, each dish is packed with a generous serving of fresh veggies cooked to chunky perfection. The deep fried tofu is among the best I've tried, and even the mock meat dishes are deceptively good, tasting just like the "real-thing", if not better. Bring your friends and see if they notice the difference.
Spend a humble $9 on some delicious hot soup on a cold Wellington day, admire the groovy graffiti murals of the interior walls, or get a spot by the window and people-watch as you eat. Dining at Aunty Mena's is a consistently pleasant, consistently satisfying experience — and always a good idea.
Image: Lesley Wild.