Soul Burger
49 Perouse Rd
Randwick, Sydney
The Earl and I were invited to dine at plant based burger bar, Soul Burger. Nestled in “The Spot” Randwick’s bustling, vibrant food hub, Soul Burger is a welcoming stop for a quick burger on the run or a great place to bring friends for a casual catch up over a burger and beer.
However. This isn’t quite “burgers” as you would expect… that is to say the definition of a burger being “a flat round cake of minced beef that is fried or grilled” is… well… non-existent. These “burgers” are made with a pinch of soul and a twist of conscience. All their “meat” ingredients, including the fish, are created from plant-based product. And they’re clearly doing it well winning this year’s PETA award for best vegan burger on National Burger Day in May.
Opening it’s doors in March 2015, Soul Burger owner and founder, Amit Tewari, also a Doctor by day, wanted to create a dining table where not only vegan and vegetarians could enjoy “Food that’s in their value system” but serve “Delicious, nutritious, filthy burgers that taste amazing” in the hopes that “a medium-rare steak eater [would] come in and say ‘that was amazing’”.
Now. This Countess is a self-confessed burger lover in all the traditional sense and can confidently state for the record that she has not, and will not change. However, after dining at Soul Burger, our usual mindfulness of where our food comes from did heighten and I must admit the question lingers as to how often it is necessary to indulge in meat when the alternative can be just as tasty and enjoyable, not to mention much easier on the body and our planet!
We chose three burgers from the menu to try out together. The Classic Cheese Burger, the Chili Beef burger and the Mushroom burger.
This Countess’s favorite was by far the Classic Cheese burger. While I will not contradict my love for an authentic burger, I have to admit, this one was very, VERY tasty thanks to the scrummy tomato relish, garlic aioli and tangy pickles. The texture of the plant-based pea and soy protein patty was everything you would expect from a normal burger. In all honesty, for the carnivores, the only missing beef burger elements was the richness one would expect from knowing you're eating real meat.
Excitingly though, with the exception of the light cal cheese, the trimmings were spot on and tasted on par with original burger bliss. The egg free aioli was just as smooth and creamy light as an eggy one so I didn’t miss the egg here, and the bun (30% less calories than a regular bun) was perfectly soft, fluffy and nicely toasted so if anything just made my hips feel lighter!
The Mushroom burger was an incredibly rich indulgence. The generous serving of field mushrooms created a towering burger to devour dripping in mushroom oil. Not one for the faint hearted, be sure to order a Lobo apple cider to accompany and cut through the richness.
The Chili Beef burger, largely consumed by my gallant Earl who is unafraid of a little heat, was grand. A little more on the saucy side, the overflowing chili sauce added to the heat of the jalapeños creating a fiery burger fueled passion he approved of. As with the Classic Cheese, the texture of a meat burger was there and the taste of the smoky grill resonated in the patty and tantalised our taste buds. Again, the scrummy aioli and tomato relish added those familiar, grin-growing tastes we all love in a burger.
We also both shared the mouth watering beer battered Red Fries. Chunky cut potato fries doused in a seriously tangy, lemon and tomato seasoning. These were superbly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and weren’t greasy. Served at a perfect temperature with the garlic aioli, they were our burger’s Knight in shining armor, consistent, solid and right there along side us.
I’d also been recommended to try the Chocolate Coconut milkshake and I would recommend it to others to try too in a plant based heartbeat. It was my indulgent dessert and didn’t disappoint. Made with thick homemade coconut ice cream it was sweetened by a touch of chocolate creating a cherry ripe or bounty bar flavored drink. The coconut milk was a really satisfying alternative to a milk based shake.
Overall, a tasty and beautifully thought provoking burger experience. One the Earl and Countess would strongly challenge burger connoisseurs to try before they send it to the gallows. While we know everyone won't go vegan tomorrow, after tasting these good for the soul burgers one thing is certain to resonate: the produce we consume is finite and we have a crucial role to play in conserving the beauty we’re gifted in this world. So incredible respect to Amit who is taking this seriously and looking for alternative food options to really make people consciously consume.
Dine in, takeaway, or delivered, head to Soul Burger and step into a restaurant with genuine soul. One you’ll instantly get a feel for all things natural and authentic. The exposed brick walls, timber tabletops and polished concrete floors create a rustic feel and big bi-fold windows overlook outdoor picnic tables allowing the outdoors to flow in. Definitely an environment that considers its environment, and one that makes you leave with an overall good feeling! Your body, your mind and your soul will thank you.
Soul Burger open hours:
Monday 12:00 – 3:30pm, 5:00 – 8:30pm
Tuesday - Friday 12:00 – 3:30pm, 5:00 – 9:30pm
Saturday 12:00 – 9:30pm
Sunday 12:00 – 8:30pm
The Earl and Countess, who review for Sir and Mlady Dine Out, dined as guests of Soul Burger. Thanks to the team at Soul Burger for the great hospitality and serving us on the night. Keep up the soulful work guys. Thanks also to Mike Heavener from Ompty.com who arranged this visit - and check out their great discounted bargain food deals too.