Top Plant-Based Brunches in Christchurch
Plant-based brunches are settling into the Christchurch food scene, and we couldn’t be more excited to branch out and enjoy.
Words by: Ashlyn Oswalt
Photography by: Nancy Zhou
The days of a sad porridge and granola for plant-based eaters are gone, check out these delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly feasts at Christchurch’s top brunch spots.
Little Pom's
294 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
While no one will stop you from gorging yourself on crumpets or toast and preserves, we recommend something more substantial at Little Pom's. Their steel cut porridge features star anise poached plums, banana, rhubarb, cardamom custard, and chocolate caramel crumble, a fun twist on a classic. For something more veggie heavy, try the ‘Zany Zeus Halloumi’ (for vegetarians) featuring smashed peas, broccolini, snow peas, and poached eggs on toasted multigrain with smoked almonds.
Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch
With a menu dedicated to vegans, it’s hard to go wrong at a place like Miro. Their mushroom benedict features a vegan hollandaise sauce, mushrooms, spinach, and potato and leek cakes sprinkled with yuzu salt, while their ‘Mavacado on Toast’ delights with pickled tomato, avocado, and vegan aioli sprinkled on homemade sourdough. Plus, their dazzling array of breakfast cocktails (Bloody Mary, anyone?) and smoothies are sure to be a hit with vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Under the Red Verandah
29 Tancred Street, Linwood, Christchurch
A true delight, Under the Red Verandah sits in a tiny Linwood home, tucked into a quaint neighbourhood. Their ‘Posh Beans’ stand out as a vegan favourite, mixed with spiced tomato and crumbled with homemade nut cheese, topped on toasted focaccia. For the hungry, they offer a ‘Vegan Big Breakfast’, which features roast potatoes, mushrooms, tomato, wilted spinach, vegan cheese, and hummus served with toast. All enjoyed under a red verandah and with delicious coffee - what more could you ask for?
Unknown Chapter
254 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Among plant-based favourites such as porridge and granola, Unknown Chapter rises above with their ‘Scrambled Tofu’. This dish offers an exciting alternative to scrambled eggs, featuring turmeric tofu, smashed avocado, baby spinach, beetroot hummus, roast mushrooms, and mixed seeds atop toasted sourdough. If you’re looking for something sweeter, try the brioche french toast with a mixed berry compote, vanilla mascarpone (opt out for vegans), banana, fresh berries, and maple syrup.
Barefoot Eatery
Nestled in The Welder, Barefoot Eatery has roots in clean eating. For breakfast, pop into their bright space for a matcha bowl - mixed with banana, organic greens, and mint, topped with house made sprouted organic granola, coconut, banana, kiwi, and local organic blackcurrants. Or try their buckwheat waffles made with organic crushed almonds and gluten free flours, served with banana, coconut yogurt, house made nutella, berry chia jam, and caramelized buckinis. Top it all off with an organic smoothie or cold pressed juice and enjoy!
The Origin
95 Westminster Street Corner of Cranford Street &, Westminster Street, St Albans, Christchurch
Tucked into the suburbs in St Albans, The Origin is a cute little cafe with fresh, delightful brunch options. An entirely vegetarian menu means you’re safe to order anything, and they even offer a High Tea menu for those looking for something extra special. Top it off with a New Zealand grown organic tea and you’ll be feeling fresh and ready for your day.
Grizzly Baked Goods CBD
22 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Known for their fresh baked breads, Grizzly Baked Goods brings the goods for brunch. Now with more seating and a new menu in their delightful The Welder location, you won’t want to pass by without ordering a bagel with whipped schmear or topped with avo. All their cheese is from market favourite Emilio’s, so be sure if you’re vegetarian to try their grilled cheese - you can thank us later.
Grater Goods
105 Orbell Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
For those that like to bend the rules at brunch, head over to Grater Goods for something more lunch than breakfast. With plenty of vegan twists on meaty classics, Grater Goods offers up some curiosity to the tastebuds. Try the reuben, plant pastrami with sauerkraut, pickles, cheese, and russian dressing on toasted sourdough or go all out with the antipasti platter.
Neat Christchurch & Canterbury Places
Grizzly Baked Goods CBD
Grizzly's shop at The Welder offers classic sourdough breads as well as cookies, donuts, sammies, bear claws and croissants.
Addington Coffee Co-op
Addington Coffee Co-op is, simply put, a true Christchurch institution with laid-back vibes and house-roasted coffee.
Tiger Baby Bar
Tucked away off Lichfield Street in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre you’ll find one of the gems of Ōtautahi’s bar scene, Tiger Baby.
Foundation Café
Foundation is fully licensed, serving up flavoursome fare seamlessly integrated into Otautahi’s world-class library, Tūranga.
Victoria Free House
A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.