Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Mantra Lounge II

Edit 06/05/2021: Mantra Lounge is now closed.

September 21, 2017



I have an unfortunate habit of eating lunch at my desk; I have a more mobile friend on campus to thank for getting me back to Mantra Lounge after almost three years! It's a little different (with the neon decorations mellowing and the menu becoming 100% vegan) but mostly, reassuringly the same, offering homely veg*n food from bain maries at student-friendly prices.


Their popular lasagna is permanently on the menu, and there's a rotation of curries that you can order in various meal deals. My eyes were drawn to the pie warmer for a sausage roll ($5), and I filled out my plate with tahini-kale salad ($6). It proved to be much more than a scoop of green respectability on my plate - tender and well-dressed, with big broccoli florets, a few sun-dried tomatoes and olives. I could have settled with a glass of water, but the Mexican hibiscus tea ($3) was much more entertaining.

The upstairs seating was very relaxed, and I'm coaching myself to get out of the office and visit more often. Here's hoping I make it back for the Korean BBQ burger, and any one of the other salads!
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You can read about an early visit to Mantra Lounge here. Since then it's been positively reviewed on Veganopoulous and Wandering Mint, and there are mixed messages on Curious Charlie.

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Mantra Lounge
167 Grattan St, Carlton
0433 531 345
food, drinks & desserts
http://www.mantralounge.com.au/

Accessibility: Mantra Lounge has clearly given accessibility some thought - there's a ramp up from the footpath and plenty of space around the counter, where ordering, payment and food pick-up occurs. There's a unisex toilet with wheelchair accessibility signage on this level. There are a few moderately spaced tables downstairs; the stairs themselves are wide and sturdy with a hand rail.

5 comments:

  1. The place I normally stay when I visit Melbourne is in Drummond St, and I have walked by Mantra Lounge a million times! I only went there for the first time when I was down in June, and that time I was staying with Leigh out at her place, but it was near her work. I was only there for afternoon tea, but I LOVED their giant cinnamon chocolate chip cookies.

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    1. Susan, you have hit my weakness! Taking refuge there with a giant cookie and a chai would be my ideal afternoon.

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    2. I loved that cookie so much that I took a bite and literally went straight back to the counter to order a second one. ;)

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  2. I don't get out for lunch very often but I have my eye on the mantra lounge so am happy to hear it is still doing well. One day.....

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    1. It's perhaps not worth travelling out of your way for, but it's a comfort to have this food available in the neighbourhood.

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