Your guide to vegetarian & vegan friendly restaurants in Cairns

If you’re after a quick and easy yet tasty and healthy lunch, look no further than Snoogies. This vegetarian/ vegan eatery and juice bar is tucked away in the heart of Cairns CBD in Mainstreet Arcade and has lovingly been serving food for 15 years. Their windows are full of tempting salads, wraps, hot food and snacks. From only $11.50, mix and match salads, curries and more to create the perfect smorgasbord of dishes for your tastes. Otherwise, choose from one of their pre-packaged loaded salads topped with flavoured hummus and drizzled with mango dressing. Did someone say “yum”? 

Details: Open weekdays 9am–2pm, Mainstreet Arcade (between Grafton and Lake Streets) Cairns

For an overwhelming choice of food with equally overwhelming plate sizes, The Lillypad Cafe has got you covered with their extensive menu. Although the cafe doesn’t exclusively cater to vegans or vegetarians, you’ll find almost half of its menu features meat-free dishes.

Think burritos smothered in green chilli sauce and cheese (optional) stuffed with sauteed potatoes, tofu or tempeh and eggs (avocado for vegan); marinated organic tofu, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, avocado and hash browns; or enormous vegan antipasto platters for two which could easily be shared by three. No matter what you order, you’re guaranteed to walk out with your belly full and satisfaction level exceeded.

Details: Open everyday 7am–3pm and nightly 5pm-9.30pm

Kuranda, the rainforest village just “up the hill”, is a mecca for plant-based food cafes. Organic vegan juice bar and cafe Fruibies, at Kuranda Village Centre, brings a splash of colour to your diet. Think bright pink dragonfruit smoothies, papaya boats or coconuts filled with fruit salad, nice cream and shredded coconut or some seriously loaded salads. 

A wander through the markets and streets of Kuranda will afford both vegetarians and vegans many other options. Dress in a kimono and enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony and lunch at Hayabusa of Kuranda, take in the views from one of Kuranda’s oldest establishments, Frog’s Restaurant or feast on authentic Central and South American food at La Fonta Latina which focuses on local vegan and vegetarian produce.

Tip: Make a day of it and venture to and from Kuranda on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Govinda’s Yummies, specialising in “pure vegetarian food”, is a veteran of Rusty’s Markets. There’s always a line at this little stall and for good reason; for just $2.50 you can get a mouthwatering mixed vegetable samosa or for $3, a spinach and cheese samosa. Topped with a healthy serving of your choice of sauce (the tamarind and date comes highly recommended) and a side of a lemon, orange and mint cooler it’s the perfect snack or light lunch.

When you have a whole page on the menu dedicated to vegan food, you know it’s going to be good. Don’t expect your run of the mill dishes at Mr Soy Boy with the modern-Asian restaurant combines the flavours of a variety of Asian cultures to provide you with a diverse and mouthwatering menu. Coming from a classically French-trained background, chef and restaurant owner Ferdi takes a level of care that you’ll not see in most other establishments. He’s also mindful of his vegan visitors and offers a range of vegan wines on the menu.

Details: Open for lunch Monday to Saturday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, Mulgrave Road, Earlville.