I’ve been meaning to try Dharma Garden Veggie Deli ever since we walked by it one evening while we were in the neighbourhood. It’s a few doors down from Dumpling House. They’re a Vietnamese vegetarian spot run by temple monks.
Signs outside all advertising their food.
Hours. Closed on Sunday.
We dropped in on a Saturday (around 4:45pm) and it was surprisingly busy. Order at the counter, grab your own water/tea and wait for your order number to be called. There’s lime wedges, jalapeno peppers and a few sauces up at the counter too.
The inside is no frills with half a dozen tables and a fridge in the back stocked with Vietnamese desserts and takeout boxes of vegetarian meats.
Closeup of their fridge offerings. No prices or signs up.
There are menus everywhere but they only offer 14 items; banh mi (4 options), noodle veggie soups and salads.
There’s also banh xeo but it’s only available on Saturday’s.
Bun bo hue (#7) ($9.50)
Veggie broth, soy bean fiber, tofu, hot red peppers, lemongrass and beef vegan flavour. This was everyone’s favourite dish of the night.
Interesting that they already throw the bean sprouts and herbs into the bowl for you. Broth had good depth and a surprisingly decent kick to it. We enjoyed all the meats (imitation ham, meatballs, etc.).
Bun rieu (#8) ($9.50)
Veggie broth, soy bean milk, tomatoes and soy bean fiber. The broth wasn’t as tasty as the BBH; much lighter and tomato based.
The imitation crab was just like the real thing though. Decent but would try another noodle bowl next time.
Bi cuon (#10) ($9.50)
Veggie salad rolls. Carrot, potato, taro, sweet potato, bean thread noodle, salad, radish, carrot and soy bean fiber. The salad rolls were excellent except for the deep fried taro. It added a great crunchy texture but it was overly salty.
Banh xeo (#15) ($11.50)
Rice starch, turmeric powder, coconut milk, soy fiber protein and bean sprouts. It also came with a side of lettuce, herbs and pickled daikon/carrots.
You don’t see too many places making Vietnamese crepes so we had to give it a try.
The crepe wasn’t what we were expecting; on it’s own, it was too sweet and not crispy. It was better when you combined all the ingredients into one bite.
Dou hua ($3.00)
Basically tofu pudding with pandan. Silky, smooth texture. Makes me want to try their other dessert offerings.
Debit or cash only. Healthy, cheap vegetarian eats at DGVD.
Dharma Garden Veggie Deli
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dharma-Garden-Veggie-Deli/
3195 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC
(778) 800-9714
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 