V-Rating: VVVVV Whenever you return to an old stomping ground, there’s always some nervous anticipation as you find out which of your favourite places have survived your absence. Last time I lived in Canberra there were three vegetarian restaurants I went to regularly: Bernadette’s, Au Lac and Kingsland Vegetarian. Now just two remain. Funnily enough, the two that have survived are only metres from each other in Dickson, aka Canberra’s Chinatown. Kingsland Vegetarian is the elder of the two, a vegetarian old-timer that’s watched rivals come and go. Set in a quiet corner of the Dickson shops, the small shop front is modest although it has received a bright paint job and a touch of flair since my last visit.
Kingsland is not an “impress the pants off your date” type of restaurant, but it does have a lot of nice touches. For example, the menu offers a potted history of vegetarianism in China (tofu was invented during the Han Dynasty circa 206 BC to 220 AD, in case you were wondering) which is a little anti-social if you are in a couple, but still interesting nonetheless. You also realise immediately that this is a family restaurant, with all of the comfortable atmosphere that implies. Although Kingsland is best known for its fake meat dishes, we were in the mood for vegetables on the night we went.
Normally I’m not a noodle nest fan, but this version won me over because it used fried potatoes for the nest rather than crispy noodles. It made the nest slightly sweeter than usual, reminding me of delicate French Fries (but without the guilt because it’s not like I actually ordered hot chips).
I don’t think I’ve ever seen salt and pepper tofu on a menu and passed it up. It’s one of my all time favourite foods, and I like using it as a yardstick of a restaurant’s quality. The Kinglsland version definitely gets points for originality. It comes with freshly sliced chilli on top, and a savoury dipping sauce. I was disappointed to see that they make it in the hard outer coating style, rather than the gently fried and softly coated version ala Longrain and the dearly departed Purple Lotus, but that’s just a personal preference. Certainly, I couldn’t fault the flavour or the spiciness. I enjoyed the meal without having my socks knocked off - but that’s kind of how I’ve always thought of Kingsland. It doesn’t try to present gourmet meals, instead coming up with creative vegan food and an ever-changing line-up of faux meat specialities that never puts style ahead of comfort. While it’s not a first date restaurant, it is the kind of place you could happily eat at for the rest of your life.
Comments:
8 Comments posted on "Kingsland Vegetarian Restaurant - Dickson Canberra, Chinese Vegetarian, VVVVV"
Arwen on February 8th, 2008 at 7:58 am #
I love Kingsland. Whenever I’m in Canberra, I do my best to try and make it over to Dickson. My gluten intolerant partner is very fond of the corn cakes; me, I’m mustering the courage to try the not-lobster!
Mel on February 8th, 2008 at 4:22 pm #
Yeah, I love Kingsland - I’ve been meaning to try their yum cha on Sundays. RIP Bernadette’s though, it will be sorely missed!
Gill on February 9th, 2008 at 6:51 pm #
not-lobster… otherwise known as mock-lobster! One of those ‘I grew up in the seventies jokes’
Lucy on February 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm #
I was a big fan of Kingsland and would go out of my way to recommend it to people. That was about a year ago now. Though the food was tasty, the service is SERIOUSLY LACKING. After the third time of visiting Kingsland and having my meal ruined by the manager/s loudly yelling at their staff in front of everyone, I decided this restaurant was no longer for me. However, the other day I decided to give Kingsland another go, something I won’t do again. A guest from interstate came to Canberra, and after being assured by their website that Kingsland is OPEN FOR LUNCH everyday except Saturday Lunch, I was left High and Dry when it turns out that Kingsland IS NOT OPEN for lunch everyday. I am thoroughly unimpressed with Kingslands arrogance, lack of professionalism and B Grade service. I will now go out of my way to discourage people from going there and having a Below Average dining experience. Lucy
Kim Chee on January 9th, 2009 at 1:59 pm #
Honestly, I am going to Kingsland since late-2003. Previous owner had all prices, quite reasonably. In 2004, when new owner took over, since then menu prices started climibing drastically. Every year, prices are reviewed 3 times (all the time going-up) against other restaurants changing once (rarely twice). Any explanation can be given ? Also why this restaurant owner does not want to join in Vegetarian restaurants group OR Privileges network ? Then customers can get 10% or so discounts from such heavy bills. Few items - you are paying $70 bill. Food is good, but price is tooooooooo highhhhhhhhhh…!!!!
Foodie on May 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm #
Agree with Kim Chee. The food is great but the prices are exorbitant. Earlier we used to pay $40, now the same food is over 70. The owner is too greedy is the only explanation I can give. The service is okay, but the prices are crazy. And No discounts. How bad can it be?
Liz on August 10th, 2009 at 1:14 pm #
This is probably the best vegetarian restaurant I have ever been to. I have certainly never experienced bad service or yelling or anything like that. On the contrary, the service is always impeccable! My husband and I take our daughter there regularly and have done for years. We always take all our family who visit from interstate too! The prices have gone up since we first started eating there, but they’re still on the cheaper side compared to a lot of other restaurants I’ve been to, some of which don’t have the quality that Kingsland does. Overall, the food is great, the staff are friendly, we can take our daughter, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. I would 100% recommend it to anyone!
Chen on March 1st, 2010 at 9:14 pm #
Kingsland is a great place to eat, despite people complaining about the price which is because ALL food prices have gone up, consider everything from rice to tofu and vegetables, some things have nearly all doubled in price, how are the owners supposed to make money and keep the business going if the continue to serve cheap food with high costing ingredients to put it on the plate for you? no one considers other things apart from the price they see on the menu. Post a comment
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