Mother Chu's Vegetarian Kitchen sits on Pitt Street in the heart of Sydney and is run by the Chu family. Specialising in mixed Asian vegetarian food, MCVK (not to be confused for Mother Chu's Taiwanese in Haymarket) has been a popular restaurant among vegetarians and vegans for over 20 years. The decor must be the originals from 20+ years ago as it looks like a dining room from the 80's and could do with a much needed refurbishment. There is no music played but you can't tell over the chatter from the tables that fill fast from 6.30pm onwards.
The extensive menu can be a little overwhelming even though it's neatly divided by entrees, soup, wholesome Chinese cooking, tofu dishes, gluten, soya bean roll, clay pots, sizzling pots, rice and noodles, deep fried dishes and desserts.
The menu is heavily gluten-based although gluten-free options are available. The gluten-based meals are popular with those trying meat-free dishes for the first time as they have a meaty taste and texture which varies from dish to dish. The menu describes the gluten strips as - the protein in wheat, obtained by kneading and rinsing a dough of wheat flour under water until all of the starch is washed out.
Mother Chu's Vegetarian Kitchen is alcohol free in respect to Buddhism beliefs, instead serving sparkling grape juice and other juices and teas. The menu is entirely MSG free and the kitchen is happy to alter dishes in case of allergies. I'm told the entire menu is vegan although some meals contain honey, so it's probably best to double check when you order, just in case.
The staff are friendly yet not overly attentive. Just catch their eye though and they'll come running over. Mother Chu was interested in my eggplant allergy and we ended up discussing the foods we were allergic too. It was a funny conversation comparing symptoms and stories. Like the customer who wears such a strong Jasmine flower perfume that affects Mother Chu so much she hides in the kitchen every time the customer dines in.
San Choy Pow, $4.80
The San Choy Pow ($4.80) is a popular entree. A fresh, crisp lettuce leaf filled with steaming hot mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and sesame seeds. The small, single serving seemed a little pricey for one tiny serving although it was a nice simple and tasty entree with a strong soy sauce flavour.
Crispy Gluten Stir Fried, $15.80
The Crispy Gluten Stir Fried ($15.80) is fried in a rich, salty sauce described by the owner as a typical Chinese sauce. Made with french beans, green capsicum and of course the crispy gluten strips which had a meaty taste and texture. This meal is best served with a side of rice to help soak up some of that delicious sauce.
Vegetable Curry, $15.80
The Vegetable Curry is a sweet, spicy curry with mixed vegetables and gluten strips. The curry has a light consistency and packs a spicy hit. This is a good choice if you prefer more vegetables to tofu/gluten/soya bean rolls. It includes broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, pumpkin and cabbage. The gluten strips are softer and lighter than the gluten in the Crispy Gluten Stir Fried, almost similar to chicken.
Black Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk, $5.80
All of the four desserts on the menu are vegan (I hardly ever get to say that!). It's hard to choose between the Summer Bun (a red bean filled bun served with tofu ice cream), the Black Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk, an apple, banana or pineapple fritter served with ice cream or homemade vegan ice cream.
The Black Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk is a light, sweet dessert. It's not as rich, sweet or creamy as others I've tried but still makes for a sweet finish to the meal.
Overview
Price | Entrees $3.60-$7.80, Mains $8.80-$18.80, Desserts $5.80-$6.80
Cuisine | Mixed Asian Restaurant
Vibe | Simple and relaxed in a family dining room like style
Must Try | Crispy gluten stir fried
Service | 3.5/5
Rating | 4/5
Shop Details
Address | 367 Pitt Street, Sydney City
Telephone | (02) 9283 2828
Email | motherchusvegetarian@gmail.com
Website | www.motherchusvegetarian.com.au
Facebook | Mother Chu's Vegetarian Kitchen
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday
Lunch | 12.00pm - 3.00pm
Dinner | 5.00pm - 10.00pm
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