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While most people believe that vegan food must be endured rather than enjoyed, MA and The Seeds of Life is living proof that vegan dishes can definitely make your mouth water. A lot of thought goes into each creation.
At MA, many of the dishes contain a luxurious touch. The chiaviar ($128) is one example. Chia seeds make up the bulk of the dish, which is filled with umami on the palate from the use of both soy sauce and tamari. Paired with a sour cashew cream, this indulgent starter is served with quinoa blinis.
The soups should not be underestimated at MA. A daily raw soup ($75/starter or $150/main) contained beetroot, lemongrass and dried apple. Blitzed together, this brightly coloured bowl was drizzled with coconut cream and was comforting and smooth with each sip.
The mains are not as large as we expected them to be, so we recommend ordering a few to share. While most raw vegan dishes aren’t supposed to be cooked, there is one dish at MA that is slightly warmed. The portobello mushroom burger ($250) with cashew truffle sauce was simple and earthy in flavour, but I would have preferred some fries on the side rather than a salad.
The avocado sushi ($220) comes with a fruity mango dipping sauce. This is a very fresh dish containing mung bean, cucumber, avocado and lettuce – an innovative way to get your greens in.
A great addition to the menu, whether as a starter, paired with your mains or even as dessert, is the vegan cheese platter ($118 for 2 cheeses, $168 for 3 cheeses or $308 for 5 cheeses). This is a signature at MA for good reason, with all the cheeses served with crackers and keto bread.
Going deliciously with the homemade chutney, we had the Brie with pink peppercorn ($130/mini wheel or $250/whole wheel), which was creamy with a mild kick, Shamembert ($120/mini wheel or $220/whole wheel), a twist on Camembert with an intense truffle flavour, and North Pole Star ($180/whole wheel), a vegan take on Gorgonzola. Fermented tofu gives this cheese a mild flavour and spirulina gives it a blue-tinged colour, making it look like the real thing.
We were full by the time dessert arrived, but we just had to sample the cakes being offered – the triple chocolate cake ($95) was decadent but dense, while the triple-deck mixed berries cheesecake ($95) contains a fruity mousse. We can’t forget MA’s signature passion fruit cheesecake ($75), which, although slightly tart, was actually sweeter than the others.
Verdict
MA and The Seeds of Life is devoted to veggie goodness, bridging the concept of “good for you” with supremely delicious. Even the most serious meat eater will fall in love with the dishes, walking out feeling nourished and satisfied. I recommend ordering a crisp glass or two of organic wine to go with your meal at MA.
Shop 11, 1/F, H18 CONET, 23 Graham Street, Central, 3165 1717, book online
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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