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Peking jackfruit pancakes and caramelised black pepper tofu are just two of the innovative dishes that vegetarian foodies can expect at a new restaurant specialising in regional Asian flavours that are plant-focused, vegetarian and vegan.

East opened in 2021 in central Auckland’s Nelson Street. The kitchen team represents culinary traditions from Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. It is led by head chef Harmeet Singh who was previously in charge at Bamboo, one of the leading Asian restaurants in the Indian metropolis of Mumbai.

“I’m excited to not only be cooking regional Asian flavours, but to be applying them to plant-focused, vegetarian and vegan cooking,” he says. “We have been experimenting, developing and embracing techniques, including fermentation. We’ve created our own sauces, including prik nam pla, nahm jim, chili oil and a vegan ‘XO’ sauce (featuring shiitake mushrooms and using a special process to achieve texture and flavour) in-house.

“The result is a menu that has depth without relying on meat and that celebrates the piquant, sour, sweet and umami of the Asian flavour profile.”

Some 70 per cent of the dishes on offer are vegan and 70 per cent are gluten free. The modern-Asian eatery is also one of few restaurants in New Zealand to have an extensive, 100 per cent organic and vegan wine list featuring NZ and Italian vintages. easteats.co.nz