Veggie Chicken on Rice

Veggie chicken on rice at Veggie Garden #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I have been wanting to go back to Veggie Garden Restaurant for a while now, but for one reason or another I was unable to make it. Finally, I was here today for lunch and had, for the first time, "chicken" on rice. I often enjoy the vegetarian imitation meats because I find them quite filling with a satisfying texture, and I was right on the money here. The soy-based sliced chicken had a slightly spicy mushroom gravy on a bed of steamed white rice. I also could not resist some spicy and salty fried tofu to start with.

Salty and Crispy Shiitake

Salty and crispy shiitake #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I finally made it back to Veggie Garden Restaurant for supper during a day working downtown. I often have the Hot and Salty Tofu, but decided to give the Salty and Crispy Shiitake a try, just for variety.

The thin slices of mushroom were breaded and salted to perfection, with a crunchy mix of carrots and peppers (both the bell and hot variety). I found the dish a little difficult to eat, with the threads of mushrooms getting tangled like noodles, but it was very flavourful.

Four Colour Vermicelli at Veggie Garden

Four Colour Vermicelli, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I had the four colour vermicelli noodle bowl at Veggie Garden for lunch today. IT had veggie lemongrass chicken, beef, shrimp, and spring rolls.

The lemongrass chicken packed the most flavour punch, and my co-worker who tried it agreed. The beef was plentiful, and I wish there was more shrimp. The spring rolls were crisp and off-set the rest of the dish nicely.

The carrots were not pickled, as they often are in vermicelli bowls, but were sauteed with green bell peppers with chili flakes. The heat was not overbearing, and overall this was a filling, flavourful vegetarian dish.

Fried Rice at Veggie Garden

Fried Rice, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I introduced a co-worker to Veggie Garden in Chinatown today. She ordered one of the fried rice dishes on the menu, which I eagerly tried.

In addition to vegetables, the rice had veggie chicken and shrimp. I wish the pieces of shrimp were a little bigger as depicted on the menu, but overall the flavour was great.

The Pho Files: Veggie Seafood and Tofu Pho

Veggie Seafood and Tofu Pho, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

My main attraction for supper at Veggie Garden Restaurant was this bowl of pho. A bowl like no other for me, because I don't eat "real" seafood for cultural reasons.

I don't know how it is done, but the "crab" and "shrimp" looked very real and had a fishy taste to it. The tofu added texture and something more familiar for my tastebuds.

I especially love the fresh vegetables and light broth, which is not greasy in the least bit.

Attractive and tasty - that is how I like my pho!

Hot and Salty Tofu at Veggie Garden

Hot and Salty Tofu, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I dined at Veggie Garden Restaurant a couple of evenings ago. It reaffirmed my belief that the place is likely the best value in vegetarian dining in Edmonton.

I was craving fried tofu, so I ordered that as an appetizer. My server pointed out that the Hot and Salty Tofu was the same price, but tastier. I was concerning about the "hot" aspect of it - I like mild spice, but not heavy spice. She reassured me and I went for it.

Best dinner decision ever!

The pieces of fried tofu were light and crispy, slightly salty and mildly seasoned with pepper. Also on the place was chopped carrots and bell peppers sauteed with salt and mild hot peppers. I actually enjoyed all of this without my mouth burning.

This was indeed a flavour sensation and much more interesting than plain fried tofu.