Brisbane’s complement of plant-based eateries grew significantly in the later days of 2021, with PANCHA setting up shop in the heart of Hamilton’s Racecourse Road cafe scene. The venue is the brainchild of Sam Berge, who has teamed up with chefs Vince Mettagarunakul and Sumalee Aei to create a cosy plant-filled nosh spot that focuses on vegan eats. Sam, who was previously behind Little Digs in Fortitude Valley, is instilling a paddock-to-plate approach to his 35-seater’s menu, sourcing produce from farms in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region for PANCHA’s offering. All-day brekkie bites like vegan pancakes with grilled bananas and whipped vegan butter and croffles topped with peanut butter and berry coulis are joined by creamy mushroom and miso pasta, tofu and potato massaman curry, soba salads, felafel croquettes, and an assortment of sandwiches and wraps. Organic coffee is supplied by Sacred Grounds, which will be available alongside fresh juices, smoothies, herbal tea, craft beer from Newstead Brewing Co. and wines from the Granite Belt.