About
Honoring heritage, redefining tradition
The story of Mina Maria started in 2017, with the birth of market stall, I Should Be Souvlaki. I Should be Souvlaki intertwines with the love story of its founders. A decade and a half ago, Emma Langley embraced veganism, with Papastathopoulos following suit as their romance blossomed. For Adam Papastathopoulos, the most challenging part of the transition was bidding farewell to traditional souvlaki—a cherished ritual from his Greek Australian upbringing.
Langley took it upon herself to craft a vegan surprise for him, embarking on a culinary adventure that would take her far beyond her expectations.
When she finally unveiled her perfected vegan souvlaki to Papastathopoulos, he was not only impressed but also transported back to cherished childhood memories of ritualistically wrapping fresh-grilled meat in pita bread and flavouring it with garlicky tzatziki and fresh salad.
Her "chicken" souvlaki, and a serendipitously-timed airplay of Kylie's "I Should be so lucky" served as the cornerstone of their venture.
Beginning as a market stall, their business evolved into a takeaway pop-up before culminating in a full-fledged restaurant in 2021.
In November 2024, it was time for a change, and inspired by the women that helped to raise them, Adam’s Yia Yia Asimina (Mina) and Emma’s late great aunt Maria, Mina Maria was born. Now offering a casual dining feel at breakfast and lunch, with a more elevated dining experience at dinner, the menus draw inspiration from not only Papas’ greek heritage, but from all over Europe, including inspirations from Langley’s Russian, Dutch and English heritage.
The word is out!
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Sydney Morning Herald
We should be so lucky there's now a vegan souvlaki in Sydney.
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Concrete Playground
Your Greek favourites with a vegan twist- what's not to love?
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Urban List
23 Of The Best Vegan Restaurants In Sydney Right Now
