SHERMAN OAKS, CA
Tucked away in the corner of an indistinguishable strip mall in the San Fernando Valley is veSTATION, a plant-based, Pan-Asian gem. I had long been aware of this vegan restaurant, passing by countless times driving to and from my old office. Having finally given it a try last weekend and enjoying one of the best meals that I can remember, I am kicking myself for not going years earlier!
Soy Satay
The menu is five pages of appetizing options so I chose a couple that I know best: Soy Satay with peanut sauce to start and Pineapple Fried Rice (featured image) as my main. Oh…my…goodness. The Pineapple Fried Rice was excellent! It’s made with bok choy, pineapple, scrambled tofu, curry almond, cranberry, onion, scallion, curry powder, and your choice of protein (I picked organic tofu). It wasn’t too sweet and the almonds added a perfect crunch with a hint of salt.
Warren, a former Mercy For Animals colleague and friend, decided on one of the coconut curries. With a choice of organic tofu, soy chicken, soy beef, or soy fish, the Massaman Curry dish is a flavorful blend of onion, carrot, cauliflower, potato, snow peas, roasted peanut, and tamarind curry reduction. It might not have been his all-time fave curry, but it was pretty close to it.
Golden Crisp Banana & Coconut Ice Cream
One thing Warren and I have in common is huge appetites. For dessert, we requested the Golden Crisp Banana & Coconut Ice Cream. Naturally, the waiter asked if we’d be sharing. Definitely not! And it was a good call. The coconut ice cream was divine. We learned it’s imported from Thailand, making the delicious treat even more rewarding.
With veSTATION only a few miles from home, there is no doubt that I will be returning. I’ll order the Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts seasoned with garlic, Himalayan pink salt, Tellicherry black pepper, and lemon; Lemongrass Soup: exotic tom yum, tofu, mushroom, goji berry, cauliflower, and tomato; and Mung Bean Pad Thai: kale, snow pea, broccoli, carrot, grilled tofu and veggies, and peanut sauce. And coconut ice cream for dessert. Duh!
⭐️ Must Try: Coconut Ice Cream
For more deliciously kind vegan food in Los Angeles, check out Lotus Vegan, Shojin, and Sun Cafe!
