Eligh and Kiera from Snap Fitness, with Claire from Veg Action.Photo: Tiffany Warner

Last Wednesday night (25th March), the Edgy Veg Awards 2026 officially launched in style with a sold-out celebration at Fook Shing in Kyneton. With 40 guests packed in, the room was buzzing with laughter, community spirit, and the unmistakable excitement of people who are about to spend April eating very well.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Edgy Veg Awards — and if the launch party was anything to go by, we’re heading into our biggest and boldest year yet.

A Night Powered by Community (and Plants)

The launch was a chance to bring together the people who make this event possible: local hospitality legends, community champions, sponsors, supporters, and partners — all in one room, celebrating the humble vegetable like it’s the main character (because it is).

We were thrilled to welcome LIz, Lisa and Simone from our valued partners:

Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Mount Alexander Shire Council
Macedon Ranges Shire Council

And we want to give a huge shout-out to our generous sponsors who help make Edgy Veg happen:

RT Edgar
Snap Fitness
Community Bank Gisborne & District

Your support helps us grow this event year after year — and keeps the Awards fun, accessible, and proudly local.

A Sneak Peek at Fook Shing’s 2026 Edgy Veg Entry

One of the biggest highlights of the night was getting a taste of Fook Shing’s official Edgy Veg Awards 2026 submission: their Chinese Kung Pao Cauliflower Stir Fry.

It was bold, fragrant, and utterly addictive — the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-bite and immediately start planning your return visit. Crispy battered cauliflower blossom, that spicy-sweet Sichuan kick, roasted peanuts, herbs… it was an absolute standout.

If this dish is any indication of what’s coming to the competition this year, we are in for a serious showdown.

Go to edgyvegawards.com.au to check out the other entries.

Games, Giggles and Veggie Trivia History

Of course, no Edgy Veg launch would be complete without a bit of fun.

Guests tested their senses with veggie guessing games, took on the milk challenge (yes, it got competitive), and played what we believe may have been the first-ever veggie-focused trivia night in the Macedon Ranges.

A special shout-out to our trivia hosts — MP Josh Burns and Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns from Shedshaker, Castlemaine (who have a dish in this year’s Edgy Veg Awards ) — who brought the perfect mix of humour, energy, and competitive spirit to the night. They kept the crowd entertained, the questions flying, and the veggie facts flowing.

All photos below were taken by Tiffany Warner

Why We Do It: Healthier People, Healthier Planet

The Edgy Veg Awards might be fun (and they definitely are), but the reason behind them is meaningful.

Eating more vegetables is one of the simplest ways we can improve our health and support a more sustainable future. Plant-rich meals are linked with better heart health, reduced risk of chronic disease, and improved overall wellbeing — and they also tend to have a lower environmental footprint than meals centred around meat.

That’s why Edgy Veg exists: to make vegetables exciting, celebrated, and genuinely crave-worthy. We’re not here to lecture anyone — we’re here to show that eating more veg can be delicious, satisfying, and something people actually want to do.

The Competition Begins 1 April!

Now the countdown is on.

The Edgy Veg Awards 2026 officially kick off on 1 April, featuring 29 venues across the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander regions. Each venue has created a signature plant-based dish, all competing for one glorious title:

🏆 Most Vegelicious Dish

The best part? You decide the winner.

Throughout April, you can visit venues, try the dishes, and rate them online. Every dish you score helps crown the champions — and every meal supports local hospitality venues, local growers, and our regional economy.

Your Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It)

This April, we’re inviting everyone to get involved:
✔ try something new
✔ explore local venues
✔ support hospitality
✔ celebrate regional produce
✔ and vote for your favourites

Whether you’re a long-time plant lover or just veg-curious, the Edgy Veg Awards are designed for one thing: getting people out and eating great food.

So grab a friend, plan a tasting trail, and prepare to be surprised by what vegetables can do.

Because in April… the veg gets edgy. 😈🥬

Edgy Veg Awards 2026 Launch Party: Sold Out, Slightly Silly, and Seriously Vegelicious