October 12, 2024
We don't eat out in Carlton as much as we used to, and even when we do Shakahari has fallen off our rotation. One of the Moody Noodles suggested we make a nostalgic return visit after we saw a movie together. After all, Shakahari is a trusty spot for food that's jointly vegan and gluten-free.
I felt compelled to order their signature Avocado Magic starter ($18.50) to share around. It was served as generous lengths of avocado, capsicum and eggplant instead of its past roll shape, with the familiar crispy rice batter and pool of coriander puree beneath.
Shakahari are not famed for spicy food, and Michael was pleasantly surprised to sense some heat from the Laksa Habat ($26.50). With tempeh, tofu and seitan included it was generous on the protein and just what Michael felt like.
The Legendary Satay ($26) was everything I remembered: generous chunks of home-made seitan, tofu and vegetables smothered in a heavy, mild peanut sauce, a neat serve of rice, and a colourful collection of lightly steamed and pickled vegetables.
I would've like to complete the set with a shared tofu caramel but the staff were very slow to return to us and, when I was honest with myself, I was very full. Perhaps we can save that report up for a where's the beef? 20 years on post in 2026.
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201-203 Faraday St, Carlton
9347 3848
Accessibility: There are a couple of steps up on entry, and a couple more between rooms on the inside. Tables are widely spaced. We ordered at our table and paid at a high counter. We haven't visited the toilets in a while.
I love Shakahari - so much change on Lygon Street that it is good to see they are still serving some of the meals I have eaten for decades. The laksa is a favourite of mine though I wonder if it has got spicier! And who can go past an avocado magic!
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