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Merit Vegan Restaurant

4.2 (1.9k reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

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MERIT VEGAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Merit Vegan Restaurant

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10. Green Papaya Salad
Susan C.

I was on the search for a vegetarian restaurant in the area and came across this one after reading reviews that this was the best vegan restaurant in the Bay Area, and Merit did not disappoint. Green papaya salad: very refreshing! Loved all the different textures from the nuts and papaya and tofu. Jalapeño BBQ seitan: that first bite of the seitan may have been a little lifechanging. It tasted like beef tongue from both the flavor and texture and was deliciously smoky. Delicious!! House special rice clay pot: this had noodles on top and rice on the bottom. I LOVED the rice, almost ate the entire thing myself. The noodles had a good amount of ginger flavor, which is great if you like ginger but personally it's not my favorite. Very fragrant! Service was friendly and quick. The restaurant was clean and had some unique decor that I enjoyed reading (e.g. a sign that listed famous vegetarians in history). Would recommend this spot!

46. Lemongrass Deluxe
Martin H.

Pro Tip: Rice doesn't come with everything. Ask when you order and order it on the side with your dishes. Believe the hype Vegans, Merit lives up to its name. Merit's Vegan cuisine leans Vietnamese in terms of flavor profile and offerings but they do serve other Vegan asian dishes from other countries as well. There is plenty of parking, the space is huge and staff were all very helpful/welcoming. Its run by a whole bunch of Vietnamese uncles and they treat you like family. In terms of food, portion sizes and price, you get your bang for your buck. For five people our bill came down to $117 and we were stuffed. We all ordered individual plates and then some to share family style. Let me tell you this was too much food and we ended up taking some home. Definitely order per person as the dish sizes are generous. In terms of food I ordered the claypot and the lemongrass deluxe. The lemongrass was slightly salty but went perfectly with white rice. As for the claypot we totally could had split this between two people. The crispy burnt rice at the bottom went well with the glass vermicelli noodles on top. This was perfectly seasoned and I definitely would come back here just for this. Im looking to try the other vegan options with more greens in it and I look forward to catching you at Merit.

10. Green Papaya Salad
James L.

We had a really nice meal at Merit Vegan. The space is pretty large, and when we arrived around 6:30pm they were fairly busy but still had plenty of tables open. We sat in a booth, which was comfortable, and I appreciated the poster on the wall noting famous vegetarians. The Green Papaya Salad was a great start. It had a really good crunch from all the papaya, and even though it didn't look like there was a ton of sauce at first, it ended up being perfectly flavorful. The light sauce also did a really good job of giving that fish sauce style flavor in a vegan way. The Jalapeno B.B.Q Seitan was probably my favorite dish. The seitan "beef" slices were really flavorful, with a nice smoky and buttery flavor. I do wish it had a little more spice, but they have chili sauces and chili oil at the table, which helped add some extra flavor. We also tried the House Special Rice Clay Pot. The rice itself was great and very flavorful, and the mushrooms added a lot. The vermicelli was tasty too, but the ginger flavor was pretty strong. I usually don't mind ginger, but it was a bit much for me in this dish. Service was also great. The staff were all very nice and welcoming, and everything came out quickly. Overall, a solid vegan spot with a lot of flavor, especially if you like Vietnamese / Asian-style vegan dishes.

Fresh Spring Rolls. These were fantastic!
Bridget W.

Some of the best fresh rolls I've ever had. The tofu is marinated and seasoned and it takes it to the next level. They're also not shy with that peanut sauce, which I appreciate. Had the BBQ Vermicelli bowl and was thoroughly satisfied. It's a big portion, hits all the marks for veggie varieties, and tasted super fresh (even for takeout). I only came to get takeout but would for sure come back to dine in. The staff I interacted with were very friendly and the vibe was good.

2. Fresh Spring Rolls
Jill M.

Merit Vegan Resto continues to blow me away! Love that they have plenty of seating, and their extensive menu offers a little something for everyone regardless of dietary restrictions. Plenty of gluten-free options and everything os vegan! This resto will not make you miss meat! Their "meat" alternatives are incredibly impressive from textures to flavors! Service was also solid and our server was truly just so jolly and happy to serve us. Prices are reasonable, food came out fast, and most importantly, their food was gooood! Well done, MVR!

Sp4. Gourmet Deluxe
Sriharsha A.

One of my favorite vegan spots, and I've been coming here with my family long enough that it's about time I actually wrote this up. The pho is the thing to get. Clear broth, comes with an assortment of vegan proteins, and it's been consistent every single time over the years. Best had in cold weather. The spicy noodle soup is solid too but it doesn't hit the same way. The SP4 gourmet deluxe is my other staple and I order it like an appetizer. The protein comes out fried with a crispy shell and soft inside. The sauce leans hard on lemongrass and citrus but it's savory throughout, not sweet. Haven't had anything like it anywhere else. Orange nuggets are chewy with a citrusy and sweet glaze. Good enough that I skip the actual appetizers for these. The Szechuan Pineapple is spicy, salty, and savory with chewy gluten and a citrus undertone running through it. Green papaya salad is strictly sour and tangy. Fresh, nothing heavy about it. Sweet potato curry is definitely underrated. Potato goes soft all the way through and the whole thing tastes hearty without being heavy. Basil eggplant tofu skews sweet and the eggplant goes silky and it's a family favorite. Eggplant claypot has the same idea but the sauce is better and it comes out in the claypot which makes it feel like a proper dish. Jalapeno BBQ seitan was a miss. The BBQ sauce tastes flat. Staff is friendly and food comes out fast.

Victor L.

I cannot name the dishes as I ate here with family that ordered all of the dishes. I must say the food was delicious. The cooking style here is primarily Thai but we did order 1 banh xeo dish (Vietnamese). The name of the restaurant's sign is Merit Vegetarian but it's Merit Vegan here so I am a little confused if this is truly a vegan establishment. Food (4 stars) + Lots of different flavors and textures that simulate meat + I'm not vegetarian but I admire this food as I don't feel like I'm missing out on meat + Great variety of dishes - Portions can be a little more per plate Service/Ambiance (3.5 stars) + Food came out pretty quick + Diverse customers - I came here in CNY so maybe they were short staffed because I had to get my own fork and water I will certainly come back here mainly for their variety. Is there any one dish that stands out? Not really, but I had a good overall meal.

Sp3. Queens
Yash G.

The Pho, Fried Rice (pick one!), and The Queens are my favorite. We come here at least 6 times a year. It's one of the best vegan restaurants in the South Bay. Quite popular for lunch and dinner. The service is also very attentive and the food comes out pretty quickly.

Flat noodles with veggies
Brittanie R.

I was visiting my friend in Santa Clara and we decided to order take out from Merit Vegan. We got crispy egg rolls to share, I got the flat glass noodles with veggies (I can't remember the name of the dish), she got vegan orange chicken. The crispy egg rolls were really good, very flavorful. I liked my noodles, I didn't realize all the veggies were piled on top of the noodles, I just thought they didn't give me that many noodles. Half way through I realized they were all on the bottom. The noodles were good, they just could have used a little more flavor. My friend liked her orange chicken. The orange chicken came with the sauce on the side, which was kind of nice since she only ate half and then saved the rest for later. The portions are generous and the prices are fair. I ordered online and their ordering platform is really easy to use and texts your phone for updates on your order. I wouldn't mind going back and trying more of their food. There is ample parking, I had to ask for forks and napkins for my to go order.

Vegan cream cheese wonton
Rachelle C.

I was truly blown away at Merit Vegan! The service staff were all very kind and friendly, they will make you feel right at home. There are so many tables, but every table is full since so many people love this place. They will also play Happy Birthday in the restaurant and sing to your special celebrant! They're menu is stacked! It can be challenging to decide, but the servers ask questions to help guide you to the best dish! I still can't believe everything was vegan.. I didn't miss any meat hehe The flavors were all so bold and had amazing layers of depth. You can tell the effort they put into every dish. I shared photos of my top dishes- vegan cream cheese wonton, super crispy deliciousy sweet and savory. The sauce had a kick and tang! The tom kha was soo comforting! Perfect amount of sour and creamy! The veggies all cooked perfectly. I drank every last drop. The chocolate ganache pie is a show stopper! So rich and decadent, the whip cream kept it's consistency. I will definitely order a whole pie to share one of these days. Coming back for sure!

Hard object found in food.
Nancy D.

I have been a loyal customer of Merit for many years and have always enjoyed their food, which is why this experience was especially disappointing. In my most recent order, I found a hard object in my meal and unfortunately bit down on it, hurting my tooth. Not only was this unpleasant, but it completely ruined my appetite and left me unable to finish the rest of my food. What made the situation even more frustrating was the lack of response from the restaurant. I emailed them with photos of the object and details about the incident, but I never received any acknowledgment or reply. After years of being a satisfied customer, I expected better food quality control and at the very least a response to my concerns. I hope they take food safety and customer feedback more seriously in the future.

Eggplant clay pot
Ruchi J.

This is /the/ place for vegans and vegetarians alike. Have you ever wondered what the vegetarian version of that one dish you saw in Asia would taste like? Look no further than Merit Vegan which has vegan versions of LITERALLY EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN IN ASIA. As a lifelong vegetarian who loves asian food, this is a DREAM restaurant. Every time I go to Merit Vegan, I try something different and I am never disappointed. My favorite dish so far is the house special rice clay pot, but I've also tried the black bean noodles (veggie jajangmyeon?), eggplant clay pot, and a bunch of vegetable soups (not pictured). The service is also EXTREMELY quick and they also have vegan desserts but I just never have room for them by the time I'm finished with my meal. I plan to keep coming here and try more new things but also continue to get the house special rice clay pot because it's just that good.

Tomo S.

Confession: I'm not vegetarian, and honestly, I don't usually like vegetarian or vegan restaurants. I've tried plenty (thanks to my vegetarian friends' recommendations), but most of them were one-and-done for me. Except for Merit. This is the only vegetarian restaurant I actually enjoy--and keep coming back to. The food here doesn't try too hard to be "healthy" or "alternative." It's just genuinely tasty. Favorites: the Lotus Salad, Crispy Chow Mein, and Spicy Noodles. Every dish is full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and that satisfying balance of crunch and spice. Even without meat, nothing feels like it's missing.

45. Sweet Potato Curry (less salt)

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1 month ago

The service was very friendly and the food was super delicious. I will definitely be visiting again.

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Merit Vegan Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Merit Vegan Restaurant

How is the parking?

They have plenty of parking spaces.

Do you currently have outdoor dining?

No. They do not. I have been there at least four times and found the food well seasoned and tasty always. But they get packed with take-away orders and their wait staff, although always courteous, rush you through your dinner. I did not enjoy that… 

What can I get that is low in oil but still delicious (besides water)?

Not many oil free options but go with salads (check the dressings)and soups. Sweet Sour or veggie noodle soups are good . Ask to hold the oil in the spicy offerings as they use chili oil.

Is Merit Vegan Cusine part of the Loving Hut chain of restaurants?

No! Although the restaurants have a few similar kinds of cuisines and dishes the ownerships are completely different. Merit is I believe related to Golden Era in San Francisco and Golden Lotus in Oakland but that may no longer be the case.

How much of the produce is organic? I'm worried about glysophates.

They don't advertise anywhere whether they only use organic produce for the food. I bet they would, if they were doing it. So, better thing would be to call them up and… 

Which of the desserts are vegan?

EVERYTHING in this restaurant is vegan!!

Gluten free options?

They do have gluten free on the menu. I ordered something gluten free here and ended up getting sick. If you are celiac, I would skip this place.

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Hunan Mifen - Fried Stinky Tofu

Hunan Mifen

4.3(86 reviews)
0.9 mi
•$$

Mouthwateringly amazing!!!! Can't believe I only just discovered this place. The braised pork belly…read morerice with egg was out of this world, I'm already craving it the next day! The meat was so tender, the rice was the perfect amount of the softness, and the flavor was so satisfying and 香. Every bite melts in your mouth. Had a piece of popcorn chicken which was decent. Friend ordered one of the house special rice noodles which looked good as well, I'll probably order one of their noodles next time to try out. Service was friendly, they refilled our water twice! Environment was relatively clean, but tables were crowded a bit close together and it was a bit loud to the point where I couldn't hear my friend talk even leaning in sitting right across from her.

I came at noon on a Friday with 2 friends to celebrate CNY in tradition clothes…read more Funny thing was that 1 of our friends went to the other Sunnyvale store; good thing it was only 10 min away. The place is clean and spacious with plenty of parking. Ordering is via QR code which I am not a fan of. I ordered the Rice noodle with beef ribs and pickled mustard. The broth was rich with flavor but I still added green onions and hot sauce. It was a big bowl of soup which I took home 1/2 for another meal. I ate carefully so as not to soil my special outfit. Kudos to me. Good food, good place. Too bad we forgot to take a group pic of ourselves.

Photos
Hunan Mifen
Hunan Mifen - 煎餃 $6.99

煎餃 $6.99

Hunan Mifen

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Paik's Noodle - Stir-fried Noodle ($14)

Paik's Noodle

4.3(1.9k reviews)
2.5 mi
•$$

Food is great!! Service is great!…read moreThe location is shady! Ambiance is okay, usually I do take-out!

Paik's Noodle has multiple locations around the Bay Area and it's about the same experience at…read moreevery location I've visited. I ordered Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong. The noodles for both dishes have a pleasantly chewy bounce to them. They are thick, satisfying, and cooked perfectly right. The Jajangmyeon's black bean sauce was savory with a touch of sweetness and contains peas, onions, and pork. The Jjamppong has a spicy seafood broth with squid, mussels, pork, and veggies. Every meal comes with pickled yellow radish on the side to help cut through the richness of the meal. Service is not what you come here for. We waited about 20 minutes to be seated and a part of that was because they skipped our name on the waitlist. They claimed they called it, but we were standing less than 15 feet away from the front door and never heard a thing. The music the restaurant was playing outside didn't help. Once sat inside, it is a turn-and-burn operation. Food is ordered, dropped off, payment is collected, and nothing more. Again, don't go here for the service, go for the noodles. The atmosphere is casual and bit cramped. It has a cafeteria-like feel inside and can get a little noisy. Parking can be tricky especially when busy since they share a small parking lot with neighboring businesses. Bottomline, Paik's Noodle is good for a quick and solid bite but that's about it.

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Paik's Noodle - Counter / cooking area

Counter / cooking area

Paik's Noodle - Fried Dumpling ($8.50/8)

Fried Dumpling ($8.50/8)

Paik's Noodle - Beef Jjamppong / Beef Noodle Soup

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Beef Jjamppong / Beef Noodle Soup

Merit Vegan Restaurant - vegetarian - Updated October 2026

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