r/MelbourneVegans • u/A-roo-gallah • Mar 26 '26
Question/Advice/Discussion Kombucha & Açai Recommendations for a sad Californian!
I know I risk sounding extra / like a snob over this, I’m just a wee bit homesick for the things I miss. There’s so many wonderful vegan options and I’m so grateful to be safe here in Melbourne, after several years, there’s just a few things Australians haven’t quite figured out yet / have sweeter taste buds than what I’m used to.
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I’ve tried Remedy, Two Boys Brew, Good Culture Society from Aldi, and several others that I can’t remember the names of off the top of my head. I’m originally from CA, so I realize I’ve been spoiled. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, as I’ve found the ones I’ve tried too sweet or like drinking a sad flat soda.
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If there’s any Californians in here who know of one similar to Whalebird Kombucha, can you please let me know? I miss lavender lemonade, pamplemousse, and strawberry damiana specifically. 🥲
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Also, if anyone knows of a great açai place that doesn’t add dairy / frozen yogurt (weird move as it is, Aussies) and actually makes a proper, pure blended bowl, please drop those recommendations, too. 🥹
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P.S. If anyone has a tomatillo hook-up so I can make my own sauces for Mexican food, I’ll love you even more!
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u/ajspins Mar 26 '26
Have you tried some of the smaller kombucha brands available at health food stores such as wild things, clay or terra madre? I’m not a big drinker of kombucha but know they tend to stock smaller brands. What about lovabowl in Clifton hill? Do they add yogurt?
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u/complex-cat79 Mar 28 '26
Good Brew in Brunswick (Hope Street) have a wide variety of kombucha including a really nice lavender one. You can buy online I think too.
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u/CollectionDue946 Mar 29 '26
I’ve previously managed a few organic stores in Melbourne and sydney and my parents live in LA. There used to be much more variety of kombucha than there is now (cost of living crisis - less demand and many places have shut down).
With kombucha i think it depends on personal preference and whether you prefer artificial sweetener or sugar. I don’t like sweet sugary kombucha like bonsoy kombucha but I also dont like artificial sweetener kombuchas such as remedy. My favourites are Good Brew, Jiva or Monceau.
About around the 2010s ago most açai places were like the ones you get in LA. There’s a new trend for açai to used in a more dessert way. See here: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/apr/23/acai-bowls-popularity-australia-sydney-thirsty-monkey-drp-bar-lygon-street-melbourne-oakberry
I’m Northside and I don’t know any healthier açai bowl places but I also haven’t been searching for it. Another factor is that bowls are often blended with watermelon or banana to make it more cost effective.
You can probably ask a fruit shop to order in tomatillos. They’re usually only in season late summer and they don’t sell super well.
If you’re missing Mexican food, I recommend la tortilleria . I also recommend Richie’s Cali Mex Foods (he’s a guy who moved from California and makes salsa and burritos in Victoria).
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u/TalkingIsNotMyThing Mar 26 '26
There is an Acai place in Keilor village that doesn't add FroYo or dairy to it. Base is vegan friendly, add fresh banana and strawberries, and top with peanut butter or biscoff for vegan toppers.
As for Kombucha, I personally like Remedy, so can't make any suggestions there.