I was in the Boston area all summer and this was one of the best meals I ate. Even my husband, who is not vegetarian, enjoyed the flavors and preparations here. The eggplant kung pao was amazing. Large generous portions, well-seasoned sauces, and vegetable-forward options. The Singapore noodles were good too. We ordered takeout so can't comment on ambiance or service. read more

I'd been meaning to try this spot for a while since moving to Boston a year ago and finally had the opportunity to visit. The family running it were very friendly, and there was plenty of seating available. I tried their most popular dish, General Tso's, and it tasted delicious! I enjoyed the texture of the "meat" protein with the flavorful blend of savory, chili spice, and sweet citrus. I would 100% get it again and will be back if I am able to make the trip again! read more

Only two tables occupied, surprised how slow it was. Made the 30 minute drive to get there through Boston traffic. Friendly and efficient service Gratis miso soup little weak Crispy fried order mushroom had meaty consistency, lite crispy batter I had mapo tofu, super spicy, plenty of tofu in chili red sauce with medley of chopped veggies served with brown rice The chocolate cake was dense brownie like and hit the chocolate and strawberry buttons of flavor. Only a distant visitor, so won't be able to try the two pages of options and page of special dishes. It's just nice to be able to offer anything and not have to worry about your veganism. Pros: Plenty of choice, Service read more

Had a nice dinner at Zhu's Kitchen -- a fully vegan Asian spot in Arlington, MA We're trying to up our protein lately, so we started with edamame and agedashi tofu -- both satisfying and a great start. For mains, I had the General Tso's with soy cutlets, and hubby had the Sesame Tofu. We both asked for extra spicy ... but honestly? It wasn't spicy at all -- more sweet than anything. I even wondered if they accidentally gave us the same sauce or swapped them because we requested spice. The flavors were still tasty, just definitely more tailored to a Western palate. That said, everything was well prepared and really satisfying -- and it's always a win to have another fully vegan spot around And yes... the last pic is quite literally the doggie bag read more

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One of the best vegan spots in MA and even Thai, can't wait to have again. Had: Scallion pancake (one of my favorites I've had) Malaysian curry stew (very good) Pad-Thai (clean, no sodium overload, big portion) Soy Ice Cream Vanilla (great) read more

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Delicious vegan chinese food! I had the tofu delight and scallion pancakes from here at a catered event. The tofu delight was so good that I was actually worried they used beef broth in the sauce before learning the restaurant was all vegan. Scallion pancakes were wonderfully crispy as well. Highly recommend! read more

Zhu - Tofu Delight, Scallion Pancake - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

This place used to be good. Dinner here last night, three dishes were ordered. All three dishes is bland.

We ordered takeout and it was DELICIOUS! The Mapo tofu (favorite) and Malaysian curry stew were packed with flavors and very tasty. Miso soup was yummy too, not exactly the same taste as other miso soup but close enough. Only drawback was small portions of side rice for both dishes. Nonetheless we will be ordering from here again. read more

The flavors are comforting, if somewhat understated. The menu boasts good variety and the service was efficient. The space is inviting and cozy but a little basic. I think it merits four stars for the fact that it manages to do all this while being completely vegan, yet without centering the fact that is vegan. It just tastes like good pan-Asian cuisine, slightly on the healthier side. read more

A couple of appetizers that are really nice; the king oyster mushroom (fried) had a nice texture. There was also a fried triangle samosa, with squash or sweet potato inside. read more

No spice was specified for one entree so they applied that to both entries. Scallion pancakes are soggy and tasteless

So I stopped in on a Wednesday, about 1:30/2pm or so and the restaurant was empty. (Another party came in a little after I did, but I nearly had the whole restaurant to myself. The weekday lunch special is a pretty decent value for $12, a main, miso soup, a spring roll, and all but the two noodle options also come with brown rice. The Thai Tea was tasty (and I didn't even think I liked Thai Tea much) but a smidge expensive. I will acknowledge that that could be because of the fact that we're still in a plague and the cost of ingredients could have gone up. Maybe that's not the normal, I don't actually know. I eat pretty much everything, so in no way am I a connoisseur of vegan food, but I left the restaurant pleased with my choices and a full belly. What more can you ask for? read more

Zhu - Thai Iced Tea - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

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The food here is very very good. We ordered a ton of appetizers and entrees and really enjoyed all of it! So nice to have a good variety of vegan options like this. read more

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Love this spot, delicious comfort food. Amazing flavors and a good amount of gluten free options

Ordered take out for the first time here. I do not agree with the reviews. Would not eat here again. Ordered lemongrass hot n sour soup, king oyster mushrooms, roll sampler, pad Thai, orange seitan. Called this order in over the phone. Upon arriving to pick up fifteen minutes later, I could see my bag sitting on the bench next to the employee who continued playing on his phone for a few minutes before coming to help me at the glass window. Paid for my order. Get the bag and ask for chopsticks since we were eating this away from home. No spoon included though we had two soups. The mushroom app was good. Flakey batter and salt and peppery. The orange seitan was very orange and okay though too gooey for me. The pad Thai was terrible. Tasted nothing like it should. Zero bean sprouts and no cilantro though I asked for extra. The lemongrass soup was fairly watery. Some good ingredients floating around, but not enough. The rolls were supposed to be two each. The autumn roll was a small one cut in half. Sauces they came with weren't good nor were the rolls. It was an expensive mistake ordering here. So many great vegan options elsewhere. read more

I'm so fortunate to now live in easy walking distance to this vegan restaurant! I usually order online and schedule a time for pickup. All my experience has been positive, and frankly, I love going to a restaurant where I know everything is vegan. My recent favorite is the seitan lo mein, which is about 2 meal's worth for me. I also love the curry vegetable noodle soup (which they have prepared mild at my request) and the soy protein salad (which is very simple, and comes with delicious peanut dressing on the side). All of their seitan items are excellent -- I love the seitan skewers too (note that these are mostly seitan with just a few pieces of pepper/onions). The item I don't see mentioned in other reviews is the soy ice cream (there are 4 flavors). It is delicious! To my knowledge, this is the only restaurant in Arlington that has soy ice cream. The people who work here are all very nice. There are plenty of tables and booths, and it is a quiet place to enjoy a meal. read more

Wow - got delivery and it is incredibly fresh. Veggies are cooked through and have good body, even ones like zucchini and broccoli that don't always travel well. Appropriate size (small) on the rice that comes with meals. Loved the Malaysia dish. Definitely are putting this in our rotation. read more

I was hesitant at first to try this place since I'm a meat lover but the food was actually quite tasty and well flavored.

I had a fabulous dinner here. My roommate and I were looking for a nice little treat to get and came here. I am not vegan but my roommate is and honestly I couldn't tell the difference. The soy fingers tasted just like chicken fingers. It was a wonderful experience. 10/10. I'm definitely coming back. read more

tl;dr - Five stars on savory stuff alone; minus one on dessert After a full day of travel back home to Greater Boston (Medford, this time around) on no less than two busses, one Lyft, a plane, another bus, the Red Line, and one MORE bus, a delivery involving my favorite things (in general, SAVORY PANCAKE AND DUMPLING THINS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, plus cake) was precisely what I needed when I finally crashed at the Airbnb. I'd have gone my old Meju/Jae's route for a kimchi scallion pancake if they had not closed (nooooooo!), so I looked around for something similar and found Zhu. I must say, what a lovely scallion pancake this was! Quite a crisp-chew combination, and just the right flavor and salt balance. I think I liked Meju's less-stretchy texture a little better, but this one was excellent in its own right. The steamed veggie dumplings were simple, tender, and very good as well. I loved their sweet, bright sauce, though I might add some soy or other umami touch to really make it stand out. Finally, the requirement: some cake! The chocolate cake was....eh, just fine, I suppose. To Zhu's credit, vegan baking is hard, and except for the almost stiff-jelly twinge of texture from whatever the subbed for egg behavior, it was almost there. I think instead of mousse (which was likewise okay but would be AMAZING with more salt and fat) inside and out, they should do a richer frosting for the top! Otherwise, though, I happily ate the whole thing (I was really happy with its generous size, too) and would probably have eaten another if it was in front of me. read more

Zhu - Streamed veggie dumplings (green at left), chocolate cake up front, and scallion pancake to the right of the mug - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

Wanted to try something completely new, so, being a complete omnivore, what better choice than a vegan restaurant. I tried the BBQ seitan (as I'd never tried that meat substitute before) and while the sauce was a bit too sweet for me, the protein itself was pretty good. Definitely couldn't replace beef for me, but I enjoyed it. The highlight for me, though, were the cold noodles. I've had cold noodle dishes before, but none in the way this was prepared. The green tea noodles themselves were beautifully understated, and the sesame and peanut sauce was plain addicting. I also really appreciated the addition of lettuce (on the bottom of the plate) for some needed crunch. It may be one of my favorite noodle dishes right now, and I can't wait to go back to get it again. Additionally, the service was great. This restaurant is also a block away from a stop on the 77 bus, so there's really no excuse not to try this place out if you live in the area, even if you're not vegan. read more

Zhu - BBQ Seitan and Cold Noodles - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

Hands down the best vegan meal I had on my one-week visit to Boston! I had the orange seitan and fell in love. For $15, it came with brown rice and a cup of miso soup and was more than enough (I had leftovers for lunch the next day). The orange sauce was just exquisite, tangy and exotic. I wish I could re-create it at home. The seitan was also yummy and would appease any meat-eater....no weird texture or aftertaste, and tasted very meaty. It also came with a ton of broccoli so you don't feel too unhealthy ;) I would happily go back to Boston just to try other things on Zhu's menu! The atmosphere was also very pleasant. It had an elegant, dimly-lit vibe, perfect for date night. (Although I didn't feel weird dining solo there either.) I went rather late (after 8pm) and it was quiet and the staff was super-friendly. Really, there's nothing to fault about this place. read more

The citrus soy protein main dish looked and tasted surprisingly similar to beef. That was a win. It was served with broccoli that retained a nice crunch. The lunch specials seem reasonably priced. Unfortunately, in the delivery process some sauce got into the compartment of the small egg roll that came with the lunch, so it was soggy. The miso soup was bland. My side order of vegetable dumplings was not outstanding. The sauce didn't seem to be the soy-vinegar combo that I'm used to. I'm not a vegan so I wouldn't go out of my way to order from this restaurant again. My vegan husband was not wowed either. read more

Zhu - Citrus soy protein - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

These guys do a great job on service, ambiance AND food. A top vegan option. In fact a place you can bring your omnivorous friends too! I've brought the kids a number of times and they are welcoming and helpful. Water glasses stay topped off and food comes out rather quick. The ambiance is pleasant, with comfortable seating. I haven't been here when this place was 100% full, I hope i just come at the wrong times for them (I do try to eat at off hours to avoid crowds) because I want them to do well. On cold days, you are thankful that they seat people on the side of the restaurant away from the door. One of my big pet peeves is sitting near a door on a cold day, and worse, some fool holding it open too long:) The food is great. Lots of great vegan options and when you order the imitation meat you get good quality, good texture and a full feeling. I will say that if you are ordering a dish, and you're hungry, be careful because you can be left feeling super full or still a bit hungry depending on the dish you select. The sauces on the dishes are tasty I must add. Give these guys a try. And if you go to lunch at say 1:30 you will have the place to yourself! read more

Zhu - Crispy tempura - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

With a vegan in our party my mom friends decided that we would all forgo meat and dairy in solidarity for our night out. Vegan mom recommended Two friends ordered the general gaos "chicken," and another ordered the orange "chicken." Both dishes are large enough to share. I tasted both and thought the orange "chicken" was better than the general gao. One friend ordered what looked like an amazing cocktail, and I tried to buy a beer, but it was out of stock, so I got hot sake, which was low quality, but cozy (as expected). Nobody in their right mind heats up a good quality sake! The wise vegan in our group got a giant tofu noodle curry soup that looked amazing and she devoured it. I ordered the fried yam appetizer, which turned out to be sweet potato fries. I also ordered a salad with ginger carrot dressing, and it just ended up being a bowl of romaine and some cucumbers with dressing on the side. The service was good and our dishes came out very fast. The best part about this place (other than it being a hard to find 100% vegan restaurant) is that the prices are moderate. I will be back with my kids! read more

Their pillowy steamed dumplings with their tangy sauce might be the best dumplings I've ever had. I love, love, love their kung pao eggplant (if you can't do spice you can request that it be mild). I only ever take out, and the food is always ready pretty quickly. I've ordered the lunch specials, and a range of entrees, and the rice pudding. Everything is truly delicious. read more

Food was great here so I'm still giving this place 3 stars, instead of 2. Service really lacked here and seemed like the staff did not care enough to ask how the food was or if we needed anything else. After our meal, we basically had to get the waitress' attention so we can get our check and leave. Although I was disappointed with the service, I enjoyed my meal and they do provide large portions for what you're paying. I think take-out would be better here than coming in for a meal. read more

Zhu - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

Great vegan place. We ordered starters - skewers, Dumplings and curry samosas. For the main course we choose individual options which all came with soup as part of a meal package for individuals. Ended the sumptuous lunch with desert of fried ice cream and brownie cake. Starters were very good but the skewers were top class In the main course the noodle option was not upto the mark. But the egg plant and terayaki option were top class. Deserts were very good read more

Zhu - Eggplant String Beans Tray - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

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Of course I miss eating at Zhu but they've done a great job of providing takeout while keeping everyone safe. Everything is vegan and delicious at this spot. My favorites include the Soy Skewers, Seitan Spareribs, and Sweet and Sour Soy Protein. Even meat eaters have enjoyed eating here with me. The only warning I have is that whenever indoor dining and going to the movies becomes a thing again, beware of fellow diners and movie spoilers! I found out a huge Star Wars: The Force Awakens spoiler while dining here. read more

I'm not currently a vegetarian, but thought I would try this place which is near my home. I enjoyed all the food, which I picked up for takeout. The entrees I tried were the Malaysian curry tofu and the orange seitan, which were both good. The lemongrass hot & sour soup was pretty good. I thought the miso soup was ok but not as tasty as what I typically get from Japanese restaurants. I'll probably try this restaurant again and check out some of the other dishes. read more

Great choice for Vegan Chinese. The barbecue and orange seitan were good as well as the black pepper. The vegetarians in the family appreciated meat free dining! read more

The fried satan with stringbeens was very good. Service was excellent. Will definitely be back.

I'd wanted to visit Zhu for a long time and finally made plans with a friend to meet here. Had a great time and ate some great food! There are kind of a lot of items on the menu and everything sounds good, but we settled on stir-fried udon noodles with veggies and the sizzling teriyaki tofu platter. The udon noodles were good, but the sizzling platter was fantastic. Literally was sizzling when it arrived at our table, and the sauce was very yummy. The place felt clean, the staff was very nice, and the atmosphere was cozy. There was some nice twinkling lights inside, which my friend and I appreciated. Excited to come back to explore more of the menu. read more

Zhu - Top/left: stir-fried udon noodles with veggies and tofu (good); bottom/right: sizzling teriyaki tofu platter (great!). Came w/ miso soup :) - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

I love Chinese food and this place is incredible. I don't even miss the meat! I often go with friends and it's required we go when my vegetarian daughter comes to town. read more

Zhu Vegan: so fresh (even their basic salad is 'fancy' because it's so fresh. Scallion pancakes: perfect and not a bit oily. Eggplant dish; so beautiful and delicious. Thanks for having great miso soup on the menu. Lovely service. Will be going there again, for sure. Affordable, too. Great experience. read more

I have never been to a Vegan restaurant and was excited to try Zhu. Why not enjoy a dinner that has pan Asian dinner options with no animal products? Well I can tell you it was delicious! I enjoyed every single thing we ordered - especially the Genera Taos and the curry! What I loved most about the food is that it was just good food. I didn't think about it being Vegan (nothing wrong with Vegan) I just thought about it being good food. We came with 2 friends and were happy to see a cocktail, wine and beer menu that had anything we would want. The staff were also very nice and attentive, not overbearing but not missing in action. The space is on the smaller side and intimate. I will definitely come back for another round! read more

Zhu - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

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This place was excellent! We came back again, visiting from AZ. Appetizers, Thai tea, soup, meal and even dessert were so good. Try cute family business, with exceptional quality food. The second time we came, I believe the 2 sons served us. They were very excited to be there. I wish I lived closer; I would be a regular. read more

i love zhu's!! my go-to all vegan asian eatery all of the dishes i have tried are consistently delicious, fresh, and come out supet quick! i love the miso soup that comes with the entrees and i love their lunch specials. i always rotate between ordering the sesame tofu and orange seitan! read more

Zhu - Miso Mushroom Soup - Vegan Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

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The service could use some attention, but the food and atmosphere are outstanding. Best hot sour soup in the Boston area.

I had decided to go Vegan for a month to try and eat healthier and I was really impressed with this one. It is located in East Arlington. It is a little bit of a pain to find parking at times because you have to on the street, but it also isn't the worst. I had ordered the Pad Thai and vegetable dumplings, both were amazing! They replace the meat in the Pad Thai with tofu and honestly you can't tell the difference. I always order steamed dumplings that have pork on the inside from other places, so I didn't know how I would feel about the vegetable ones. I was surprised at how content I was with the food, not to mention the portions were very big. The interior is clean with a nice set up. The staff is also very respectable. On top of it all, the food is great! Especially if you do not normally eat vegan food and are a picky eater, trust me you won't even taste the difference. It is worth it! I would come back again. read more