Tag: Vietnamese

Donut Stop Believing

The heady smell of dough, yeast and sugar, gently clouds the cool air. It comes in soft waves, blindsiding the hungry with sudden pangs of the rich aroma. Golden, cloaked in shiny, crackled glaze, these treats look substantial, but seem to evaporate the moment you sink your teeth in, leaving behind only a whisper of buttery sweetness.

Vegan Donut and Gelato in Houston, TX immediately delivers on the promise of their name the moment you walk in the door. Lined up in neat rows behind the glass case, rainbow colors dazzle, bejeweled with sprinkles, marshmallows, nuts, seeds, and even crisp bacon. You’d be forgiven for questioning the first part of the title but before you ask, yes, everything here is 100% plant based, reaffirmed in no uncertain terms everywhere you look. Posters brightly advertise “Shift To Plant Based,” “Eat Plants, Plant Trees,” and “Be Kind, Inspire Change, Help Animals,” alongside family photos of puppies dressed in sweaters. Meatless proteins fill the freezer and dairy free milks are fully stocked in the adjoining fridge. It feels a bit like coming home, if your parents were vegan activists.

Perhaps that’s on purpose. Van and Hung were the previous owners of a Loving Hut outpost in the area, bringing a large swath of the pan-Asian menu with them, alongside the generous array of donuts, gelato, and other sweets. Their dedication to the community shines though in each plate, luring in the skeptical with both a sweet and savory touch. By all means, eat dessert first; the golden rounds of dough are baked fresh every morning, ready to face the day even before the sun is. From a simple glazed cake donut that tastes for all the world like a Krispy Kreme incarnate to monstrous apple fritters that would make a New Englander proud, they’re simple pleasures all, simply done right.

You’d think such indulgences would ruin your appetite, but the moment you see a steaming bowl of pho emerge from the kitchen, I promise that a new hunger will gnaw savagely, impossible to ignore. And then, what about the vegan orange chicken, an imitation that surpasses the original? Glossy and gleaming under bright window light, it’s almost enough to distract you from the fully staked burgers that follow, either beefy or of the crispy chicken variety, sporting the most impeccable patties ever seen on a bun.

Don’t worry if you have to run. Grab a kolache on your way out to get the best of both worlds. Pillowy bread encases traditional fillings like sausage and ham, all with the option to add bacon, cheese, and jalapeño, which should be a no-brainer. Falafel is definitely an outlier, showing another side of this versatile, edible art form.

Hopefully you’ve saved room for one last scoop. Lighter than the average ice cream, the gelato is easy to justify after, or before, or during, any meal. All the classics are in attendance, the chocolate and vanilla filled to the brim, but look further for a real treat to the tune of lemon cheesecake, taro, cookies and cream, matcha, and more creative combinations. You never know what you’ll find, which is part of the thrill.

Vegan Donut and Gelato feeds the community, both in body and spirit. It’s a place to gather, to see friends, enjoy events, or simply remind yourself of the good in the world. Perhaps that sounds like a lofty takeaway from a donut shop, but as you can see, it’s so much more than that. I know from experience, as it’s a roughly three and a half-hour drive from Austin, but worth a trip from anywhere.

Vegan Donut and Gelato
16618 Clay Rd #125
Houston, TX 77084

Hannah (BitterSweet)7 Comments

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

Hannah (BitterSweet)19 Comments

Never Say No To Banh Xeo

Captivated from the moment my plate hit the table, practically radiating with aromatic herbs and the subtle, sweet scent of coconut, I was instantly hooked on banh xeo. Magical, almost mythical, it was unlike any dish I had enjoyed before, and for many years, considered it out of reach as a DIY project at home. Little did I know, anyone can make their own banh xeo with a little practice, patience, and determination.

What Is Banh Xeo and Banh Xeo Chay?

Translated as “sizzling cake”, banh xeo is a Vietnamese delicacy that’s been prized by the upper classes for centuries. Legend has it that it originated in the imperial city of Hue, where it was served to the royal court. Over time, the dish spread throughout Vietnam and became a beloved street food, becoming more accessible to people from all walks of life.

For omnivores, the filling often includes seafood like shrimp or prawns and pork of some sort. Vegetarian (chay) versions are just as popular, however, swapping meat for mushrooms and tofu. Both versions include generous amounts of bean sprouts and onions.

Tips For Success

Making banh xeo is a labor of love. The batter is made from rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric, and coconut milk, giving it a bright yellow hue and a slightly sweet flavor. It’s then mixed with beer, which adds a lightness and crispiness to the crepe.

Granted, calling it a “crepe” doesn’t quite ring true. While it may share visual similarities, it’s an entirely different textural experience. French crepes, thin pancakes that can be either sweet or savory, are soft all the way through, tender enough to forgo a knife entirely. Banh xeo, on the other hand, have a resounding crispy finish that rivals that of a lacey florentine cookie. Liberal use of oil and a gossamer thin layer of batter are the culprits, creating a perfect bite that’s both rich and light all at once.

Don’t forget to let your batter rest. While you can certainly give it a go right after whisking everything together, you’ll get much better results that are less likely to tear if you can wait.

Serving Suggestions

Once stuffed and served, banh xeo is best enjoyed as finger food. Tear the filled crepe into smaller pieces and wrap them in crisp lettuce leaves for a cool, refreshing wrapper. Add fresh herbs on top and give it a quick dip in salty, sweet, sour vegan nước chấm (dipping sauce) before taking a bite. The combination of the crispy pancake, fresh lettuce, and fragrant herbs creates an ideal flavor and textural contrast.

Of course, you can also enjoy banh xeo on its own, or with rice noodles and additional vegetables. Don’t let me tell you what to do her! It’s a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to your tastes.

Whether or not they’re the perfect texture, I promise you’ll have a delicious meal on your hands. Most importantly, don’t be intimidated like I was, depriving yourself of such a wonderful homemade meal for so long. Making banh xeo at home is a wonderful way to experience Vietnamese cuisine and connect with its rich cultural history. As long as you’re willing to try, there are no wrong answers.

Continue reading “Never Say No To Banh Xeo” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)6 Comments

Noodles You Should Know: Áp Chảo Chay

No matter how many noodles you know and love, there’s always more to discover. It’s a distinct joy and benefit to eating out; exploring global flavors without hopping on a plane, using your vacation days, or even coordinating a babysitter to watch the kids. Ordinary days are transformed into unforgettable ones with a single bite. That’s the story of how I first found out about Áp Chảo Chay.

What Is Áp Chảo Chay?

Áp Chảo means both pan-fried and sauteed, so what you get are sheets of fused noodles that are chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s a multidimensional textural experience, and every bite is a bit different. Some pieces have a resounding crunch like a deep-fried wonton, while others have more of an al dente give. It’s unlike any other straight-forward stir fry and something everyone should have in their lives.

Chay, of course, simply means vegetarian, so you get an assortment of tender-crisp fresh veggies and tofu, rounding out the meal.

Where Can You Find Áp Chảo Chay?

This Vietnamese specialty is surprisingly hard to come by in the states, which is why it took me so long to get my first, completely revolutionary taste. It’s not something you can simply order if it’s not on the menu, given the difficulty and time involved, but it’s worth asking around if restaurant owners know another place that could accommodate.

Many versions on the concept exist, of course, the most popular of which being Áp Chảo Bo, with beef. If you happen to find this, you can easily request it without meat; the rest of the dish is usually “accidentally” vegan without eggs or dairy, but you will want to specify in case fish sauce or oyster sauce come into play.

The specific noodles can vary as well. Some use wide, flat rice noodles (as seen here) while others use thinner pho noodles or even vermicelli.

How To Make Áp Chảo Chay

Though simple in concept, success rests solely on technique for this dish. To be honest, I haven’t been able to get it right yet, but there are plenty of people much more experienced in the art that can help guide you.

  • Wandering Chopsticks is truly the online authority on Vietnamese cooking, so I’d trust this version of Pho Ap Chao Bo implicitly. To veganize, replace the fish sauce with soy sauce, and use your favorite plant-based protein instead of beef.
  • Cooking Off The Cuff takes a more soupy approach, filling a bowl for this Phở Áp Chảo with hot broth to finish. Same notes for veganizing, though you could use vegetarian oyster sauce here if you can find it.

Not everything needs to be spicy, but if you’re a heat-seeker, stock up on hot chili oil to lavish on top. That bright finishing touch makes an already excellent dish utterly unassailable.

Try a new noodle tonight. There’s still so many more out there, waiting to be savored.

Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments