Back in town meant seeing my two favourite vegetarians for food. I’m always pretty skeptical when it comes to pure Vietnamese vegetarian restaurants but we decided to give An Chay a go. It’s right next door to Die Pie.
Hours. Closed Tuesday like every other Vietnamese restaurant in town.
We dropped in on a Wednesday evening (around 7:15pm). There was only three tables occupied while we were there. The place is very open. The windows are completely bare; you can see straight into the restaurant from all angles. Staff were friendly, prompt and refilled waters frequently.
The menu is surprisingly short and sweet. One page with 5 appetizers and 10 entrees. Beauty. We wanted to try the betel leaf wraps but they’d ran out.
They also had a small drink menu (click here).
Vietnamese ice coffee ($4.00)
Oddly not listed on their drink menu. L’s never had one before! Coffee flavour is strong.
Goi cuon (A2) ($7.00 for four)
Marinated curry tofu, vermicelli, cucumber, lettuce, mint leaf, pickled daikon and carrot. It came with a peanut sauce. Curry tofu was flavourful with a hint of heat. Peanut sauce was freshly made and well balanced.
Bun hue (B4) ($15.00)
Round noodles, spiced lemongrass broth, fried tofu, lotus root, enoki mushroom and vegan sausage. Broth had good depth and flavour, especially when you consider it’s purely vegetarian.
Came with the usual Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime and sliced purple cabbage accompaniments.
Impressed with the aroma and prominence of the lemongrass. My favourite of the night.
Hu tieu satay (B7) ($13.00)
Flat noodles, satay sauce, fried tofu, bean sprouts, enoki mushroom, cucumber, tomato, basil and roasted peanuts.
Broth was good but it could have been more peanuty.
It came with an interesting side of shredded lettuce and sliced tomato.
Com tofu xao xa ot (B8) ($13.00)
Marinated tofu, lemongrass, asparagus and brown rice.
Tofu was lightly fried but flavourful. Asparagus was an interesting choice along with slices carrots.
Rice was a healthy but small scoop.
It’s a few dollars more than your typical Vietnamese restaurant but if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll be in pho heaven. My two vegetarian friends loved it and even I was impressed with the quality.
An Chay
https://www.facebook.com/anchayyeg/
11203 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB
(780) 752-2203
