Not only that, the store is made from eco-friendly materials. It has walls covered with bio-paint, sugar cane fibre packaging and non-child labour shopping bags.

To eat, there are some seriously delicious vegan pies and pastries on offer, including vegetable and dhal pie, shepherd’s pie and a tofu and pumpkin pie (which is my favourite). There are vegie, lentil and tofu burgers, grilled tempeh wraps and some lovely vegan sandwiches that are delicious and healthy. You can also chose from three different salads, including a particularly good grain and vegetable salad, and two types of nori on offer. The Deli also makes delicious ready-to-eat take away meals, which are perfect if you can’t be bothered cooking, but you’ll find it hard to decide between the delicious options available, especially the spelt pasta and tofu bolognaise.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, The Organic Food and Wine Deli makes mouth-watering vegan muffins, cakes, slices and bars. My non-vegan father was shocked when he discovered his chocolate brownie was in fact vegan; it was that delicious.

A catering and hamper service is also available and many menu items are gluten free. There are a range of family-sized pies and even a full-sized, decorated cake for your special occasion if you order ahead.

If the delicious food and eco-friendly approach is still not sweetening the deal, think of this: the Deli gives all its waste food to the homeless. For a vegan, environmentally friendly and ethical bite to eat, you can’t go past The Organic Food and Wine Deli.

The Organic Food and Wine Deli

28 Degraves St, Melbourne

Ph: (03) 9654 5157

WORDS: Melissa Reidy