Vinh Loi Tofu

11/09/09

Amazing Vietnamese food for both vegans and omnivores

by angelineasaurus at Citysearch

Rumor had it that there was a ridiculously amazing vegan Vietnamese restaurant in Reseda. Now, I am not a vegan, but I have a strange love for all fake meats. If it's tempeh-ed, tofu-ed, or seitan-ed, I am 100% down to try it.

So, after seeing all the amazing reviews of Vinh Loi Tofu from the LA foodie bloggers, I knew I had to try it out. My partner in crime and I ventured out to Reseda during prime time rush hour (yeah, that's how I roll) to find this fabled house of animal-friendly amazingness. When we entered the shop, the store's owner, Kevin, was a total jokester and helped us order off the menu. When asked what was good, he replied, "Nothing's good. It's EXCELLENT!" We ended up with the house special soup, mock duck curry udon noodles and a mock BBQ duck banh mi. HOLY. CRAP. It was phenomenal.

Being Vietnamese, having gone to Vietnam and eaten lots and lots of Vietnamese food, I must say that this was, hands down, my favorite Vietnamese dining experience. Maybe it was the fact that I could devour the food on a guilt-free conscience (I just can't bring myself to eat real duck, but tofu duck? Bring it on), but more so, it was the freshness and boldness of the flavors in each dish. The soup's spiciness is not for the meek, as every single sinus cavity will clear itself after coming face to face with the house special.

Our meal was so amazing that I had to order a tofu banh mi to go. I felt very torn between screaming my love for Vinh Loi Tofu to anyone who would listen and keeping this lovely jewel in the valley to myself. But, here I am, blabbing my mouth. Don't say I never did nothin' for the people.

• Pros: Flavorful, authentic and vegan Vietnamese dishes