1914 Guadalupe St Suite A (map) Austin, TX 78705 512-457-1013 M-F     11am-9:30pm S-Su     12:30pm-9:30pm Foodquest: Spring 2005 Foodies: Slowdog,  Chaoscreative Cost: $  Rating:

When one thinks of vegetarian dining, the usual thought is that of bland flavors and uninspired cooking.  Often, non vegetarians have to be dragged kicking and screaming into what is perceived as "healthy" restaurants.  For once, they'll be pleasantly surprised...

Veggie Heaven is located close to the University of Texas at Austin.  Unlike most campus area restaurants, students only consititute a portion of the clientele.  Folks from all ways of life seem to frequent Veggie Heaven.  As such, the dining room is often crowded during mealtimes.

The asian inspired dishes at Veggie Heaven present a unique approach to vegetarian dining.  Most of the entrees are served with the diner's choice of a scoop of brown rice and lentils or white rice.  For the most part, entrees are stirfried in a wok with various savory and sweet sauces.  A perennial crowd favorite is the Protein 2000, an entree featuring golden brown protein nuggets with a flavorful sweet brown sauce and steamed broccoli.  The chicken nugget like dish uniquely provides the diner with the distinct impression of eating chicken, yet has a flavor all its own.

Spicy Yam, a dish featuring sauteed Yam in a spicy sweet sauce is well balanced with the Bok Choi and other veggies.  Often, it is tricky to distinguish the carrots from the yams and I often find myself wishing for a little bit more yam and fewer carrot slices.

Protein Garden, which consists of golden brown spheres containing bits of carrots, celery and corn meal brings a delightful burst of flavor with each bite.  Stir fried with diced carrots, broccoli and cauliflower, the dish is both filling and satisfying. 

There are often new items being tested on the blackboard over the kitchen window.  Some of the dishes are more unique than others, but most are definitely worth trying...  .. if you can overcome the craving that brought you there in the first place.

Speaking of cravings.  Veggie Heaven's Tofu Mushroom brings together the smooth texture of mushrooms and tofu with a fragrant flavorful sauce.  Described on the menu as a chinese bbq sauce, the sauce is savory with a hint of spiciness and a medley of flavors skillfully combined into a while.  Served over rice, the dish is somewhat reminescent of an indulgent beef stroganoff without the usual guilt.  Truly excellent.

All in all, Veggie Heaven serves a unique role in a near campus area plagued with bland and insipid choices of cuisine.  In contrast with its neighbors, Veggie Heaven  serves consistently flavorful and healthy entrees that appeal to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.  It is one of the best reasons why Austin is known as one of the most vegetarian friendly cities in the country. 

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