Five Vegans, Two Vegetarians, and an Omnivore Agree...
Van Hanh Vegetarian Vietnamese is the best all vegan fare available in Portland. If the word vegan scares you away, be not afraid. If vegan is your M/O, you should be a regular by now. This food is fresh, delectable to almost any palate, and savory. A beautiful spread at a phenominally low price that any human can warm up to. It may seem like a drive for some, but it is absolutely worth it! Take out, too! Do you like Vegetarian House? This is Van Hanh (in English, 1000 Happiness) better.
Located at 8446 SE Division Street in Portland.
This excerpt was taken from NW Veg Newsletter, August 2004. Comments in italics made by me:
Located far enough from the clamor of 82nd to attain some respite, Van
Hanh’s main atmospheric asset is its deck that features generous outdoor
seating. Buddhist monks and nuns operate the restaurant, the help are
mostly volunteers, and proceeds benefit the nearby Thien Quang Temple.
The only non-vegan items are the milks/creams used in some beverages.
The menu includes an adventurous variety of appetizers, main courses, and
desserts. Start with the three spring rolls (in fact, these are salad rolls, not
deep fried) with vegetables and peanut sauce for $2. What recently blew me
away was the Ocean Heart ($5), a mock seafood wrapped in seaweed,
smothered in a light, sweet tomato sauce. The lemon grass tofu sticks ($5)
are tasty enough, but beware of the hidden lemon grass sticks, which add flavor
but are too tough to chew. this was one of my favorite parts of the meal,
lemon grass or no.
Overall, there’s a curious blend of dishes, many of which feature “meaty”
concoctions of tofu and wheat gluten. The prices are deliciously low, allowing
two to enjoy a filling dinner and dessert for less than $20. three ate for 26
and took home four take out boxes Van Hanh is open for lunch and dinner every
day except Monday. They can be reached at (503)788-0825.
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I am not affiliated with the temple or the cafe, I'm just full of tasty goodness and hoping to persuade anyone who hasn't yet made the trip.
Located at 8446 SE Division Street in Portland.
This excerpt was taken from NW Veg Newsletter, August 2004. Comments in italics made by me:
Located far enough from the clamor of 82nd to attain some respite, Van
Hanh’s main atmospheric asset is its deck that features generous outdoor
seating. Buddhist monks and nuns operate the restaurant, the help are
mostly volunteers, and proceeds benefit the nearby Thien Quang Temple.
The only non-vegan items are the milks/creams used in some beverages.
The menu includes an adventurous variety of appetizers, main courses, and
desserts. Start with the three spring rolls (in fact, these are salad rolls, not
deep fried) with vegetables and peanut sauce for $2. What recently blew me
away was the Ocean Heart ($5), a mock seafood wrapped in seaweed,
smothered in a light, sweet tomato sauce. The lemon grass tofu sticks ($5)
are tasty enough, but beware of the hidden lemon grass sticks, which add flavor
but are too tough to chew. this was one of my favorite parts of the meal,
lemon grass or no.
Overall, there’s a curious blend of dishes, many of which feature “meaty”
concoctions of tofu and wheat gluten. The prices are deliciously low, allowing
two to enjoy a filling dinner and dessert for less than $20. three ate for 26
and took home four take out boxes Van Hanh is open for lunch and dinner every
day except Monday. They can be reached at (503)788-0825.
-----------------
I am not affiliated with the temple or the cafe, I'm just full of tasty goodness and hoping to persuade anyone who hasn't yet made the trip.