Araya’s Vegetarian Place, SEA

Pineapple Curry with Tofu

Red Curry with Tofu

Pineapple Curry with Tofu

I am a proud meat-eater but have tried to be vegetarian and sadly I will admit that I went not even a measly week. But Araya’s makes eating vegetarian very easy. Claimed as the first vegan Thai restaurant in the PNW and named after their mother, the owners of Araya’s Vegetarian Place have put a familial passion for Thai cooking into this brooding restaurant. They serve all the familiar Thai favorites but with a vegan twist. Their menu is not limited to few nor is the service lacking. Araya’s is one of the few restaurants in the University District of Seattle that is dedicated to atmosphere and customer service; and we all know that these factors can make the food even more enjoyable. When I first came here I ordered the Phad see ew with tofu – packed with vegetables and savory sauce – the portion was not small (this goes for everything they serve). But when I returned another day I ordered the red curry with tofu, I fell in love with the creamy dish. Again not shy with vegetables and tofu, the dish was served with rice and fulfilled my satiation to the max – Nothing but smooth and flavorful. Friends ordered pineapple fried rice and pineapple curry, both served in their own comical pineapple shaped bowl. The savoriness of the fried rice and curry complimented very well with the sweet chunks of pineapple; an unusual combination that pleased a multitude of taste buds. Araya’s Vegetarian Place is nothing but pleasure with none of the guilt; a calming and tasteful distraction from the usual quick meal consumed as a college student in the University district!