Have you ever noticed that when it comes to grabbing lunch on the run, nutrition can often come at the expense of convenience? This was the exact sentiment that compelled Daniele and Emiko Mantovan to create the much-loved Mio Wraps. Daniele, of Italian descent, and Emiko, of Japanese, both grew up in cultures that value nutrition and quality, as well as taste, of course. The pair met while they were studying English on the Gold Coast and they quickly realised that while the ingredients differed somewhat, the foundations were similar. They began to experiment fusing elements of both cultures together to create something that was healthy and tasty. The end result was a crispy buckwheat wrap that’s rolled into a cone shape and stuffed with an array of locally sourced produce. “Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring,” Emiko says. And boring this is not. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, rich in antioxidants and fibre, so it made sense as the perfect base. Then, it’s a matter of choosing your filling. For an Italian lean, the Roma is filled with seasonal green salad, tomato, prosciutto and pecorino, while the Osaka is Mio’s take on the traditional okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake), with cabbage, carrots, sprouts, veggie sauce, Japanese mayo, organic egg, bonito flakes and seaweed.

You’ll find Mio Wrap at various markets around town, but eagle-eyed motorists may have also spotted a hand-written sign along Burleigh Connection Road, just before you reach Billabong. This, friends, is the pick-up point for Mio Wraps’ new drive-through offering. Hidden down the driveway is Mio’s commercial kitchen, and while it’s not open to the public, you can call or text through your order on 0439 375 091 or jump on Mio Wrap’s website here. Then, when your order is ready, you roll in to the designated pick-up spot, they bring you your wrap and you can pay via card. Off you go on your merry way with a healthy (and delicious) lunch. Oh and if you’re in need of a little pick-me-up with your meal, keep your peepers peeled as Emiko and Daniele have plans to introduce coffee to the offering as well.

Mio Wrap pick-up is available Monday to Friday 8:00am to 1:30 pm.