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.

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Review: Brown Poodle Cafe

Tucked away in Tanjung Tokong, Brown Poodle Cafe announces itself with effortless charm: a glowing arched neon sign, rattan furniture, and their signature fluffy white poodle sculpture greeting you at the entrance. The neon wall quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world" sets the tone perfectly for what this 100% vegan cafe stands for.

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Review: Pinxin Vegan

Known primarily for their celebrated frozen meal delivery service, Pinxin Vegan's dine-in experience at Georgetown, Penang proves the brand's culinary credentials extend well beyond the freezer aisle. We went there on Friday evening after a long day of exploring for a satisfying plant-based feast rooted in Penang’s rich hawker heritage and we were not disappointed.

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Review: Nook Cafe Kota Kinabalu

Tucked away at 19 Lorong Dewan in the bustling centre of Kota Kinabalu, Nook Cafe has cultivated a quiet reputation as one of Sabah's most charming dining destinations. The name itself feels intentional: this is a place you seek out rather than stumble upon, and that sense of discovery makes the experience all the more rewarding.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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