Zulma Torres 
Plant-based Asian dim sum concept expands with a second location
Minty Z, the plant-based restaurant concept showcasing Asian fusion cuisine, has been a Coconut Grove mainstay since its opening in 2021. Now, chef/owner Alex Falco along with his wife Huimin Zhu (aka Minty Z and the restaurant’s muse) and partner Ignacio Lopez-Mancisdor have opened a second location of the famous dim sum destination in the heart of Midtown Miami at 3451 NE First Avenue. With an indoor/outdoor seating capacity of 50, the full-service restaurant is now open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, delivering crave-able, vibrant cuisine that is wholly plant-based but, first and foremost, fresh and delicious.
The menu’s universal appeal wins over all diners, regardless of their protein preferences, with bold flavors and inventive combinations; everything is designed for sharing. Bao Buns are made fresh and in the traditional Chinese style. Classic buns are pan-fried and filled with “prosperity beef” filling – Minty Z’s version of plant-based beef, glazed with hoisin sauce and coconut yogurt dipping sauce. The steamed King Oyster Mushroom Bao is stuffed with mushrooms, jalapeno, and crispy onions and served with a chili mayo sauce for dipping. Sesame Seitan Wings with a sweet sambal sauce are spicy and tender; Kung Pao Tofu offers a classic Chinese dining experience made healthy but no less delicious with snow peas, chiles, and peanuts, served with brown rice.
Larger dishes include standouts such as Thai Curry Cauliflower with coconut Massaman, peanuts, pickled herbs, and chili oil; Wok-fried Wild Mushrooms comprised of a variety of fresh king oyster, shiitake, and hon shimeji mushrooms and Massaman Curry Noodles, a customer favorite of thick noodles, crispy tofu, snow peas, peanuts, chili, and lime. All are served with a variety of perfectly spiced housemade sauces.
The cheerful restaurant has a whimsical vibe, awash with a central mural, bright colors, and festive Asian-accented decor. Wine, beer, sake, and sake cocktails are served. The online shop also offers many of the restaurant’s housemade signature sauces and products, including black sesame caramel, cauliflower kimchi, dragon sauce, ginger tamari sauce, and frozen bao buns.
Minty Z is open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner daily with weekend brunch. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, with takeout and delivery also available. Minty Z Midtown is located at 3451 NE First Avenue. Minty Z Coconut Grove is located at 3206 Grand Avenue. For more information, visit www.mintyz.com
