Chu Chai
4088 Saint Denis Street
Cuisines: Asian, Thai, Greek
About
Chu Chai is one of those vegetarian restaurants where everything on the menu is a chicken, beef or pork dish-- at least by name, texture, presentation, and taste. But there is no meat or fish served at Chu Chai, as it practices the Buddhist culinary art of turning soy or gluten into chewy meat analogs. Chu Chai serves up all the standard new-Asian fare; dumplings, currys, lemon grass and lots of coconut and basil. Situated in the Plateau on the part of Rue St Denis that most resembles the Champs-Élysées with old buildings, large trees and a myriad of fashionable shops and boutiques. In the summer there is a lovely terrace just on the street where you can enjoy the passers by while taking in fake-chicken Tom Yum soup and some of the best non-duck duck available in the city. While it is in no way cheap food, meals at Chu Chai are relatively inexpensive, there are actually two price ranges as the space has doubled and split into "Chuch Bistro" which is slightly more upscale, and the original Chu Chai fine cuisine. Both venues are clean and modern, and can cater to anything from lively gatherings to intimate dinner dates. This is obviously a great place to go for vegetarians, but a rewarding adventure for most anyone, especially health conscious individuals, or people who are in a mixed relationship (one vegetarian and one carnivore) as both will be more than satisfied with their meals.
