The first vegetarian / vegan Thai restaurant that I was introduced to, five years ago, was Araya's. It is still one of my favorites. Fairly large dining space, huge buffet spread, Asian decor, attentive service, fantastic vegetarian food and what have you. One bite of the fresh, crunchy all-you-can-eat spring rolls and I was head over heels in love with it. Since then, I have been here quite a few times and can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. We had lunch at Araya's today and here's a visual treat for all you Thai food lovers.
Located in U-District, it hasn't failed to lure a diverse bunch of people who love vegetarian food. It has its own parking lot. The interior has an ethnic Thai decor. Lots of tables. There has never been a time when we had to wait to be seated (we always go for the lunch buffet). Service is very satisfactory. Plates are cleared promptly and waters refilled when needed.
The best part is the food. First, the Salads. Four different kinds, each one unique and delicious.
And here's my plate :)
Spring rolls. Yummmmm....hot, crunchy and uber delicious. I have at least six of them :) Next to the spring rolls was a rice noodle dish.
I can never have enough of these!
There was a soup and a sticky sweetish fried noodle dish. The soup was made of coconut milk, tofu and mushrooms. It had a fantastic lemon grass flavor and was slightly spicy.
There was a stir-fry of veggies in soy sauce and a fried rice. Sometimes they have pineapple fried rice. The food is very sublime and appealing to the senses.
Phad thai and green curry with fresh veggies and tofu. Sometimes they have the red curry or yellow curry.
Here's my plate again :) They also have a healthy brown rice to eat with the curries.
And then there was a special tossed salad with fried noodles, fried tofu, onions, tomato, cilantro and lemon juice.
The dessert was sticky rice pudding with coconut milk. It was not sweet at all and I don't like the chewy texture. So I usually don't care for the dessert. And, it's always the same. Never changes. *wonders why*
We ordered a not too sweet bubble tea with cream instead of coconut milk. A tall glass and quite tasty.
I managed to get a picture of an old man who's job was to just keep making spring rolls! It was amazing how he could effortlessly fill, roll and wrap each one of them.
Here's a picture of their dining area.
Can you believe if I told you that all this delicious food costs $8.95? I was stumped. I have been going here for the last five years and the quality of food hasn't changed a bit. It is as good as ever. You could go for the buffet or pick what you like from their extensive menu. I would recommend the buffet. They are doing a great job and I will keep going. Especially for the spring rolls. Ummm!
Located in U-District, it hasn't failed to lure a diverse bunch of people who love vegetarian food. It has its own parking lot. The interior has an ethnic Thai decor. Lots of tables. There has never been a time when we had to wait to be seated (we always go for the lunch buffet). Service is very satisfactory. Plates are cleared promptly and waters refilled when needed.
The best part is the food. First, the Salads. Four different kinds, each one unique and delicious.
And here's my plate :)
Spring rolls. Yummmmm....hot, crunchy and uber delicious. I have at least six of them :) Next to the spring rolls was a rice noodle dish.
I can never have enough of these!
There was a soup and a sticky sweetish fried noodle dish. The soup was made of coconut milk, tofu and mushrooms. It had a fantastic lemon grass flavor and was slightly spicy.
There was a stir-fry of veggies in soy sauce and a fried rice. Sometimes they have pineapple fried rice. The food is very sublime and appealing to the senses.
Phad thai and green curry with fresh veggies and tofu. Sometimes they have the red curry or yellow curry.
Here's my plate again :) They also have a healthy brown rice to eat with the curries.
And then there was a special tossed salad with fried noodles, fried tofu, onions, tomato, cilantro and lemon juice.
The dessert was sticky rice pudding with coconut milk. It was not sweet at all and I don't like the chewy texture. So I usually don't care for the dessert. And, it's always the same. Never changes. *wonders why*
We ordered a not too sweet bubble tea with cream instead of coconut milk. A tall glass and quite tasty.
I managed to get a picture of an old man who's job was to just keep making spring rolls! It was amazing how he could effortlessly fill, roll and wrap each one of them.
Here's a picture of their dining area.
Can you believe if I told you that all this delicious food costs $8.95? I was stumped. I have been going here for the last five years and the quality of food hasn't changed a bit. It is as good as ever. You could go for the buffet or pick what you like from their extensive menu. I would recommend the buffet. They are doing a great job and I will keep going. Especially for the spring rolls. Ummm!
