Whether you are a strict vegetarian, vegetarian, enjoy vegetarian food or simply tolerate tofu then Suma Veggie Café will be your kind of place. I fall into the third category and therefore Suma Veggie Café is my kind of place. Kishore, who falls into the first category, and I went there for lunch today. This is some really good vegetarian food, some of the best in fact. You can read what others say about it at Happy Cow. It is located at 800 E. Arapaho Suite 120 in Richardson, TX. Their number is (972) 889-8598.
They serve a buffet of all vegetarian dishes for only $6.80 with tax per person. The buffet has many great options like “pork” cabbage. I just have to same something about the ‘pork’. It is based on soy and they have done an awesome job in imitating pork both in taste and even in texture. They also have two soups – hot and sour and another with a clear broth. They serve a normal tofu dish, several good mixed veggie dishes, and a potato dish with a greenish color that is my second favorite dish. They also have some good bread, ‘egg’ rolls and much more. Last, but not least, they have white rice, fried rice and brown rice. I am hungry about it just writing about it tonight, even after eating the steak I just cooked on the grill for dinner (never said I was a vegetarian)J Here is an interesting webpage espousing the virtues of vegetarian eating (Check out the list of vegetarians on the top right link).
The story here is a good one. Philip and Elaine Chang have owned Suma Veggie for the last 9 years. Previously, they owned a Chinese restaurant for over 10 years that served meat. They then started following Supreme Master Ching Hai. They did a 180 degree turn, stopped serving meat and began serving only vegetarian food (not sure if they sold there other restaurant or just transitioned). Elaine did mention that she uses several of her ‘meat’ recipes and has transformed them into vegetarian dishes. They wanted to provide a place where others can enjoy very tasty vegetarian food. Since they are experienced vegetarians with professional cooking experience they are achieving their goal. This story is a solid 4 page story.
The first table for 4 is reserved for Philip, Elaine and the wait staff to sit, eat, read the paper, mail, magazines etc. They treat their wait staff as family; in fact Elaine said they were all like family. This really sets a casual feel to the place, like you were sitting in their living room. The hole in the wall factor; not a difficult choice, 3 holes.
Hopefully, I will return soon and take some pictures. Until then check out Suma Veggie Café, my kind of place.