Veggie Paradise is hands down my favorite vegetarian restaurant and it has been for years. I'm not vegetarian but I do like vegetables, especially when they are well-prepared to bring out its natural flavors rather than boiled into mush or covered in cream. I especially dislike fake meat - why even bother?
But at Veggie Paradise everything is delicious and there are a ton of varieties and flavors to choose from. When I dine there, I do not experience any sense of deprivation because of the lack of meat on the menu .. (OK, there is fake meat, but I've always steered clear of those options.)
If you enjoy Chinese (or rather Taiwanese) food and you like vegetables, you won't regret trying this place out. It's located in the 99 Ranch Market Plaza which means parking is crazy. But we usually try to get there early - eat lunch, and then shop at 99 Ranch Market for Chinese groceries and snacks.
Below are some of the dishes we usually order:
 |
| Egg omelette with turnips - sounds weird but it's so tasty. |
 |
| Doesn't look sexy but it's a spicy mix of veggies and bean curd, and is fabulous over rice. |
 |
| Fried mushrooms - delicately battered, with a nice spicy kick. |
 |
| Tofu in black bean sauce - yum! |
 |
| Sauteed seaweed with basil and chili - super healthy but also tasty. |
 |
| Tofu stew with sour veggies - probably not for the uninitiated - it's an old-fashioned favorite that my dad really likes, but isn't for everyone. |
 |
| Stir-fried pea sprouts - simple and wonderful. |
 |
| For dessert! Almond jello with puff pastry - amazing! |
Address: 140 W. Valley Blvd. #222 in San Gabriel, CA.
