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• Asian Fusion Labels Vegan and Gluten-free

If you're in downtown Portland, you will probably, as a veg*n, hop on towards the Green Elephant, but, if you want something more authentic in Asian cuisine and don't mind being in a non-veg restaurant, Empire is an incredibly tasty choice. I was suspect and skeptical, to say the least, that this place would have anything near authentic for dim sum or Asian or Chinese cuisine, but I was wrong. The menu is easy to navigate because they label everything that's vegan and gluten-free. It's so cool. There are at least 6-8 incredibly delicious choices for vegans who are also gluten free, and 2 more choices for vegetarians. You cannot go wrong with either or both dumpling choices: spinach or mushroom chive. The latter is pan fried on the bottom, so it's super special like that. The fillings are similar, but the latter has, well, mushroom and chive, and the former is way more spinach. I could have eaten all of these dumplings easily and then been happy with some baby bok choy and sautéed garlic green beans and been done. Delicious. For good measure, they have an awesome kale and rice noodle dish (gluten free and vegan!), as well as a fried rice. The drink list is just as impressive with sake, beer, wine and cocktails. No dessert, though. Delicious, fresh, steaming hot food that hits the spot. Make reservations if you can, because this place is hopping! 4 cows because I am surprised that Portland has a great choice like this!