All vegetarians and vegans alike are familiar with the horrors of bland unseasoned tofu, generic house salads, and the dreaded ‘vegetarian’ menu containing only cheesy fries and crudely chopped carrots sticks. begs the question if these chefs even know anyone who is plant-based, or if they simply don’t care. Restaurants consistently miss the mark when they all offer the same sorry run-of-the-mill veggie burger, but you’re supposed to act grateful, because you’re lucky they have a vegetarian option at all.
However, the restaurant Obon Shokudo on 720 Se Grand Ave. breaks the mold, offering delectable and unique Japanese cuisine that is all completely vegan. Vegans and vegetarians can rejoice at being able to enjoy the whole menu, and each mouthwatering dish is skillfully crafted with care and originality.
Obon Shokudo serves homestyle dishes with locally sourced ingredients, with a wide array of options. They are primarily known for their soups, noodles, salads, currys, and teppanyaki dishes.
The Katsu Curry, presented like a bento box, is the ultimate comfort dish perfect for any rainy day, consisting of a housemade herb curry, local handmade tofu fried to perfection, sprouted rice, and a vibrant, tangy side salad. The dish uses over 17 different spices, making each savory bite brimming with flavor. The curry includes chopped vegetables such as potatoes, and maintains a balance of being slightly piquant, without becoming spicy or overpowering. While the rice and refreshing salad helped balance out the flavor profile, the tofu truly stole the show. The exterior had the perfect amount of crispness and crunch, while the interior was tender and chewy, and the rich marinade set it apart from the other components of the meal.
Obon Shokudo doesn’t just have great entrees though, but also offer many scrumptious desserts as well, such as their homemade Black Sesame Panna Cotta. While a typical panna cotta is a simple custard-like pudding served with fruit or chocolate, Obon Shokudo’s panna cotta contains a layer of black caramelized sesame brittle on top, adding a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. Beneath the depths of this layer is a silky gray pudding, sweet but complex. Any good entree is deserving of an equally elegant dessert, and the Black Sesame Panna Cotta is the perfect way to end a meal.
Obon Shokudo was voted as the best vegan restaurant in 2022, rightfully so. Not only do they deliver excellent food, but their atmosphere and customer service is exceptional. Their staff is friendly and helpful, which is the cherry on top of the comfortable space. The restaurant itself is small and warmly lit, the tables inviting and cozy, providing an ideal space for enjoying a pleasant meal with friends or family.
While many restaurants are only able to produce one subpar veggie option, Obon Shokudo has constructed an immaculate menu of plant-based Japanese food that even meat lovers can enjoy. By blending exquisite flavor combinations and taking great care in each dish, Obon Shokudo has taken vegan cuisine to the next level.
