Vinh Loi Tofu

If there is one restaurant that could  possibly convince the most ardent carnivores that not just vegetarian cooking, but vegan is worthwhile, it would be Vinh Loi Tofu.

Vinh Loi Tofu is a vegan Vietnamese restaurant located in a nondescript strip mall in Reseda. The owner, Kevin, makes a variety of imitation meats out of house-made tofu. Thought most wouldn't make you forget that aren't actually eating meat, many of them are surprisingly like the real thing. The imitation meats here are certainly better than most imitation meats around.

The menu is very large, and there are even more options posted on the walls of the restaurant. Entrees average $8-10.

There is a self serve case for drinks, including house-made soy milk in several flavors. Also available by the gallon, it tastes a lot different from what you buy in stores. It actually does taste like liquid soy beans.

We tried two dishes. We asked for a soup with a moderate amount of spice. This was the result. Referred by the chef simply as house soup, it consisted of mock-chick, shrimp and squid in a flavorful and spicy broth. It was served with a plate of lime and bean sprouts. Even if the texture is off, the taste of the shrimp are a very good approximation of real shrimp. 

I really need to start checking the quality of my pictures before moving on. This was a dish of thin vermicelli noodles with various imitation seafood , shredded carrot and daikon, Vietnamese herbs and a light coconut sauce. Not quite as good as the soup, but still great. There flavors were not at all muddled. 

I can see Vinh Loi becoming a regular stop whenever I find myself stuck in the San Fernadno Valley. I highly suggest even the biggest tofu-skeptic give it a try.

18625 Sherman Way #101
Reseda, CA 91335
(818) 996-9779