Bodacious Vietnamese

Much has been written about “hidden gems” that are “tucked away” behind the main thoroughfares, but Bodhi Viet Vegan takes these sayings literally. You could drive right by, having painstakingly timed your visit with their excruciatingly limited hours, and still miss it. Don’t be discouraged by the dusty parking lot and ominously weathered looking store fronts; just through the alley, in a grassy clearing, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

This unassuming food truck in North Austin is run by Buddhist nuns and volunteers, fostering a sense of community, serenity, and altruism that comes only from the heart. With a vibrant Vietnamese menu focused on fresh, local ingredients, Bodhi Viet Vegan delivers an unparalleled experience that genuinely feeds the heart and soul.

You have the whole pan-Asian gambit to chose from, including classics like lo mein and kung pao, but if you leave without getting banh mi, you’re doing it all wrong. That’s not to say it’s an easy decision; you have to make the painstaking choice between spicy lemongrass seitan, braised tofu, meatless balls, or vegan char sui, but don’t agonize over it. Any protein you pick will shine against the backdrop of crisp pickled vegetables, cilantro and on a soft demi-baguette.

Another must-order are the golden fried rolls. Wrapped with care and stuffed with a vibrant mix of fresh shredded vegetables, their exteriors are impossibly flaky and delicate, shattering instantly with each bite. Paired with a sweet peanut sauce, they’re utterly irresistible. You get four pieces per order, which seems like enough to share, but I promise you it’s not. Make sure everyone gets their own or be prepared for a fight.

Soup stans, the homemade dumpling soup far surpasses any paltry wonton you’ve ever had before. Bold words, I know, but just take a look at those beautiful bundles here. Swaddled in toothsome yet not doughy skins, a juicy mixture bursts on your spoon, infused with a fragrant, umami broth. Tender-crisp vegetables swim at the bottom, luxuriating in their savory bath.

For a more substantial soup, the kimchi noodle soup is a clear standout. With a genuine spicy kick that grows with every subsequent slurp, thin, springy ramen noodles are thoughtfully packed separately, ensuring the textures of all components remain at the peak of perfection when you’re ready to dive in. Substantial slabs of tofu soak in all the bold flavors of the lightly fermented cabbage, hot and tangy, soft and supple.

To round out your meal with something sweet, there are plenty of desserts to explore, though the boba tea gets top billing for me. Given the rarity of finding dairy-free bubble tea at large, this is a real treasure. Even more impressive is how the tapioca pearls have just the right amount of chew, an excellent level of sweetness, and a genuinely fresh flavor. Strawberry, taro, or matcha; again, you can’t go wrong. Plan on working your way through all of them to taste the rainbow.

What’s most shocking isn’t just how pitch-perfect all the seasonings are, the way that the proteins hit all the right meaty notes, or the fact that there are zero animal products at play, but how wildly affordable it is. There isn’t a single dish above $9, while portions remain generous. Order normally and you’ll have a feast that will keep you fed for days.

It’s wise to plan in leftovers when you order, because the only disappointment in this operation is their difficult hours that are beyond limited. You only have Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11am to 6pm, to get your grub on. I can’t be mad though. For a delicious, affordable, and heartwarming vegan meal, it’s well worth the effort to visit. Don’t be surprised if you leave feeling not just satiated, but a touch lighter in spirit, too.

Bodhi Viet Vegan

2301 West Parmer Lane
Austin TX 78727