Chu Chai Montreal

Posted By Jennifer Ho Jun 16 2011 · 0 comments · Dining Out

Hot and Sour Vegetarian Soup With Coconut Milk

Chu Chai is one of the few Asian vegetarian restaurants in Montreal, and a good one at that. Serving a fusion of Thai and Chinese influenced food, Chu Chai has the fine dining area of the restaurant along with the terrasse sectioned off from the Chuch bistro (variation of Chu Chai) next door, which offers more of a take out sort of deal. The latter also features a bring your own wine policy.

When looking at the menu, don’t be alarmed – this vegetarian horn tooting isn’t a hoax. Yes, there various dishes including pork, chicken, duck and beef but these are all imitation meats! Made from soy based products imported from Toronto, the ‘meats’ take on a surprisingly real texture and taste. Some find this a visually, texturally and psychologically interesting experience while others find it a bit of a cop out as in, if you want to be vegetarian, be vegetarian. Personally, I don’t really mind – as long as the food’s good, I’ll eat it.

Everything we ordered was at the server’s suggestion, as was the thought to share every dish – the hot and sour vegetarian soup with coconut milk was creamy and delicious, packed with a melange of veggies including celery, carrots, onions. The mango salad was fresh and a little spicy – a nice refresher for a hot day like yesterday. The chicken in red curry with coconut milk and basil had a tender, white chicken breast look and the sauce was great on the rice. The beef in spicy sauce with bamboo shoots was equally superb.

Prices are reasonable here, the service is friendly and the menu options are endless.