Eco-esti
Eco-Esti is your go-to destination for insightful reviews on the latest climate change books, documentaries, and the best plant-based dining experiences. Join me as we explore sustainable living, eco-conscious media, and plant-based gastronomy - all with a passion for protecting our planet.
Review: Bacon brothers, Christchurch
Finding exceptional vegan options at a restaurant called "Bacon Brothers" might seem unlikely, but this popular Christchurch establishment proves that even the most meat-focused kitchens can deliver impressive plant-based alternatives. Located within the vibrant Little High Eatery, Bacon Brothers demonstrates how creative burger joints can satisfy climate-conscious diners without compromising their core identity.
Review: big Fig, Wanaka
Perched on Wanaka's stunning lakefront at 105 Ardmore Street, Big Fig delivers exactly what climate-conscious travellers hope to find: delicious, healthy food that happens to be environmentally friendly, served in one of New Zealand's most breathtaking settings. This vibrant cafe proves that sustainable dining and spectacular scenery make perfect companions.
Review: Yonder, Queenstown
Nestled on Church Street in the heart of Queenstown, Yonder brings a refreshing approach to cafe culture that perfectly matches the town's vibrant, international atmosphere. This charming establishment describes itself as "passionate providers of coffee, brunch, drinks & late night shenanigans," and their menu reflects influences from travels around the world—including some delightful plant-based options that cater to climate-conscious diners.
REview: Corner store, Dunedin
Located at the corner of Bath and Stuart Streets in Dunedin, The Corner Store Cafe embodies the kind of unpretentious, community-focused dining that makes sustainable eating feel natural and accessible. This neighborhood gem proves that plant-based options don't need elaborate presentations or exotic ingredients—sometimes the best vegan food comes from simple, well-executed comfort dishes made with care.
Review: The Monday Room, Christchurch
The Monday Room has established itself as a Christchurch dining institution since 2016. While renowned for showcasing the finest Canterbury produce through modern classic New Zealand dishes, this sophisticated restaurant also demonstrates exceptional commitment to plant-based dining.
Review: September Vegan, Wellington
Hidden away in Wellington's vibrant food scene, September Vegan has quietly established itself as a destination for exceptional plant-based Asian cuisine.
REview: The Botanist, Wellington
Perched on Onepu Road with stunning views across Lyall Bay, The Botanist represents everything that's exciting about New Zealand's evolving plant-based dining scene. This innovative cafe and restaurant doesn't just serve vegan food—it creates genuine culinary experiences that happen to be entirely plant-based, proving that sustainable dining can be both delicious and sophisticated.
Review: Cafe Baku, Lake Taupo
Situated on Roberts Street in the heart of Taupo, Cafe Baku brings together bold flavors and warm hospitality in one of New Zealand's most stunning lakeside settings.
Air New Zealand Vegan options
Air New Zealand has become one of the most progressive airlines when it comes to sustainable dining, and their expanding menu deserves recognition from environmentally conscious travellers. With aviation accounting for 2-3% of global carbon emissions, every effort to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint matters - and dietary choices play a surprisingly significant role.
Mooncakes!
It’s Mid-Autumn Festival and that means it’s time for mooncakes!
The Mid-Autumn Festival has over 3,000 years of history, originating from ancient Chinese moon worship practices and harvest celebrations. It became an official holiday during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and is now one of China's major festivals.
The Poore & Nemecek Study: Food's Environmental Impact
I keep seeing this study mentioned everywhere.The "Joseph Poore study" has become shorthand for "science proves meat is bad for the environment," but I realised I'd never actually read what the researchers found. So I dove in, and wow - it's both more nuanced and more comprehensive than what the general consensus suggests.
Documentary Review: What the Health (2017)
When "What the Health" dropped in 2017, it sent shockwaves through Netflix queues and dinner table conversations alike. The documentary, produced by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn (the team behind "Cowspiracy"), made bold claims about the links between animal products and chronic disease while questioning why major health organisations weren't sounding louder alarms.
Documentary Review: The Game Changers (2018)
If you haven't watched "The Game Changers" yet, this Netflix documentary might just change how you think about food, performance, and environmental impact. Following elite athletes who've adopted plant-based diets, the film makes a compelling case that what's good for our bodies is also good for our planet.
Documentary Review: Forks over Knives (2011)
Forks over Knives is a documentary that advocates for a whole-food, plant-based diet, primarily from a health perspective. It follows the work of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who argue that many chronic diseases - including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and come cancers - can be prevented or even reversed through a low-fat, plant-based diet.
Review: Here, Quarry Bay
If you're plant-based in Hong Kong, chances are you've already heard of Here - the east-side offshoot of the beloved Years. Tucked into quiet corner of Quarry Bay / Taikoo, this spot has become my weekly ritual, and honestly, choosing a photo to post each time is getting harder than picking what to eat.
Review: City Super Deli
City Super Deli in Hong Kong isn't a fully vegan destination, but it does offer a few reliably tasty plant-based deli items that are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Hong Kong Vegetarian Food Expo 2025
The Hong Kong Vegetarian Expo once again brought together an incredible mix of plant-based innovation, cultural flavours, and eco-conscious living. We scoped out the place for the best vegan dishes and products on offer.
Review: Cowspiracy (2014) and Climate Today
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and addressing it requires a critical understanding of its key drivers. While fossil fuels, energy consumption, and industrial activities dominate the headlines, the role of food systems—particularly animal agriculture—often receives less attention.
Documentary Review: Seaspiracy (2021)
In 2021, the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy made waves - both literal and metaphorical - by exposing the dark underbelly of the global fishing industry. Directed by Ali Tabrizi, the film ignited passionate debates, garnered international attention, and forced many to rethink their relationship with seafood. Now, four years later, with climate change accelerating and ocean health more precious than ever, Seaspiracy feels less like a sensational expose and more like a chilling prophecy ignored.
Best plant-based restaurants in Hong Kong
Here follows a quick round-up of some of the best vegan places to visit in Hong Kong!