Miyi

Favorite Bites:
Food:
Service:
Appearance:

NOTE: This restaurant is no longer open in this location.

G’day mate! Are you hungry for something from Down Under? Then try Miya: The Great Australian Bite, where you can get great Vegetarian and Vegan pies. Miyi, pronounced My "y", is Aboriginal for "food." The pies are their specialty, with a handmade pastry dough that does not contain any dairy products. They offer four choices, one of which is Vegan and one which is Vegetarian. The Vegan option, the "Australian," has parsnips, potatoes, carrots, turnips, roasted garlic, spinach, barley, tomatoes, red kidney beans, mushrooms, split peas and green peas. I found it to be pretty tasty, especially with some of their sauce concoction, which is a mixture of ketchup, mustard, and some other spices. On my visit, I got a combo box, which is a really good deal. They also have family/party packs for the pies and some of the desserts. In addition to the pie, you get your choice of two side dishes in the Tucker Box. I tried the roasted garlic mashed potatoes, which I highly recommend. Do note that they are prepared with milk, so they are not Vegan. For the second side, I decided to try salad, since they have a Vegan dressing. This was also really good, with the basics of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Their other side dish is a mixture of fresh veggies (snap peas, cauliflower, peas, corn, carrots, and sauteed onions) with a touch of sour cream. The "Mediterranean" is their Vegetarian pie, which has fewer root vegetables, and the addition of feta cheese, red and green peppers, and garbanzo beans. The other Vegetarian option is a Veggie burger, which is apparently cooked on a separate grill than the meat based sandwiches.

Drink choices include all the basics (juice, soda, coffee, tea) plus their signature Squatter’s Iced Tea, which is a black tea with apple cider, passion fruit, blackberry flavor, with a touch of ginger. It is really good, not too sweet and not too bitter. If you’re looking for something with no caffeine, their Squatter’s Apple Cider is the same mixture, minus the black tea.

Desserts include Banana nut bread pudding, spiced pineapple carrot cake, the "Anzac" Cookie which is an oatmeal cookie with fruits and coconut, and "Peter's Pav," a sweet meringue topped with passion fruit custard, cream, fruit, and chocolate.

The staff here is very friendly, and are very helpful pointing out what was Vegan on the menu. On my first visit I had gone during the Ballard Seafood Fest, which had apparently been an incredibly busy day for them. I went near the end of the day, at which point I would have expected them to be tired and grumpy, but they were still very cheerful and pleasant.

The atmosphere and decor is a little on the kitsch side, but not obnoxiously so. It is decorated with all things Australian, including the base of the ceiling fan, which is in the shape of Australia. The walls and furniture are all painted in bright cheery colors, giving the six table dining area an open inviting feeling.

If you're looking for an inexpensive sort of fast food lunch or dinner, skip the normal chain places and give Miyi a try. It is a change I think you will enjoy.