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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Chinese food enlightened with faux meat and great care woos both vegetarians and omnivores.. In Short
Situated near the entrance of the Chinatown gates, this haven for vegetarians and vegans does brisk business. Bike messengers rub elbows with suit-and-ties at the popular lunchtime buffet, while dinnertime is less crowded. The decor is strictly Communist-era China, with fluorescent lighting and antiseptic green walls. The menu features dishes like tofu "hush puppies" in a heavy, tangy sauce and mu shu "beef" with loads of cloud-ear mushrooms and shredded vegetables.

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funkeymonkey

Joined 7 years ago

It's a regular ol' chinese restaurant, but with fake meat!. I went to Vegetarian house on a Sunday afternoon, so I couldn't check out the buffet. It's exactly like any other small chinese restaurant in America... same menu and everything. But there's no real meat! I thought the idea was fascinating. (I was visiting from Indiana... we have no vegetarian restaurants in Indiana)

I had the Orange "Chicken." Frankly, I thought the food was every bit as good (or not so good) as any other cheap chinese restaurant, but I wasn't eating any animals. It was an OK+ meal. I'd go back if I visit Portland again.

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ViolentBeauty

Joined 11 years ago

yum!. Every time I feel a cold coming on, I promptly head over to Vegetarian House and order a big bowl of their wonton soup, and it makes me feel better every time.

Their other food is good too, however the servings aren't very generous for the price. They also haven't pushed their culinary creativity very far.

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ohitsallama

Joined 7 years ago

Wonderful place. I love it.. This is a fine place for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It's quiet and the service might be a little slow but that's because they're usually short of staff. I believe it's a family business. Anyway, this is probably my favorite place in Portland. The wonton soup is fantastic! Really it is, try it. (finally wonton soup for vegetarians!) The beef with Broccoli is also very good. And try the deep fried chicken dishes, like orange chicken and sesame chicken. I'm not a big fan of the seafood or the stir-fried chicken but others may disagree. EXCELLENT.

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jdinportland

Joined 7 years ago

I love this place! Go there almost once a week.. Listen--This is Buddhist-style vegetarian cooking. You want tofu, you want gluten, you will be in heaven...er make that Nirvana. The service is friendly. The decor is par for most of family style Chinese restaurants I have ever eaten in. I love the broccoli in spicy sauce. I love the Kung Pao and orange (faux) chicken. Are there better Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants in the world? Yes, but I can't drive to San Francisco or Vancouver BC every week. Portland is lucky to have Vegetarian House.

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ldr1960

Joined 7 years ago

Irony. A vegetarian restaurant with practically no vegetables in recognizable form.

Soy-based fake meat dishes dominate the menu. Everything we ordered had the texture of pre-packaged survival rations. Even the potted plants used in the decor are fake.

Service was low-key, just short of non-existent. The lack of attention was baffling as it was 6PM on a weekday and we were the only customers. We saw our server exactly 3 times - when placing our order, when the food was brought out, and when he gave us the check. It would have been nice if he had come by once to refill our water glasses or ask if we wanted anything else, but he seemed to be hiding somewhere.

Not a good experience, and not to be revisited.

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nikol41

Joined 8 years ago

Wonderful!. Delightful in everyway! A truly gifted chef and a kind soft spoken host makes dining truly enjoyable. This place has a relaxing and friendly atmosphere! We love it!

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dragonfly777_68

Joined 8 years ago

flourescent vegan heaven. Can't say much about the decor, strictly plastic flowers and cheap industrial carpet place with bright, bright flourescent lighting. There is an overtone of chinese homage to a living diety? But the selection of vegan options is remarkable. If your vegetarian or a strict vegan this is the place for a guilt free lunch buffet, take-out or a very casual dinner. While the food isn't cuisine, the lunch buffet selection is small and picked over later in the day, it is tasty and suits the average vegetarian taste bud.

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xtopher

Joined 8 years ago

Not just for veggies.... As a vegetarian for 15 years, one of my pet peeves are veggie foods that are made to taste like meat and fish. I approached the Vegetarian House with some apprehension. After all, they promote the "faux meat" dishes like it's a novelty. A great staff made up for the lack of atmosphere. By the time we ordered our food, we felt we made the right restaurant decision. We were both shocked at how good everything was. We left thinking that this might become our favorite restaurant. Next time we'll order take-out... Chinese take-out always lends itself to a romantic evening at home. As for the buffet, we haven't tried it, but it might be a good start if you don't know what to order from their decently sized and varied menu. Even if you are not a vegetarian, or take your meat eating friends, no one will be disappointed.

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s donwerth

Joined 8 years ago

Vegetarians are in the House. The Vegetarian House is a must see for any vegetarian in the Portland area. Located downtown its easy to find and the food is fantastic. Bring your non-veggie friends for a new taste experience, because they offer a large selection of faux-meat dishes as well as some traditional vegetarian standards with an eastern flair. Parking is adequate; there is a big lot across the street that remains empty for most of the evening. Leave the jacket and tie at home; this place is as casual as a tailgate party. No need to mortgage the house or sell one of the children, the average dish will set you back around 12 or 13 bucks. All in all the Vegetarian House is a winner and a big thumbs up, just dont ask to see the lobster tank. Happy eatin'