Kim's Hunan Express

I went here with my parents over winter break,excited that I found a way to get classic take-out as a vegan. There were so many options, I found it extremely difficult to choose! Aside from a vast array of vegetable and tofu dishes, there were also vegan mock-meats. The staff also fully understands what is and isn't vegan on the menu. We got the vegetable dumplings (came with a delicious sauce), bean curd homestyle, imitation orange beef, and Kim's hunan imitation chicken. The portion sizes were huge, so it's also great for leftovers. The restaurant seems to mainly function as take-out orders, so don't be alarmed by the lack of crowds inside.

This place is in a ghost-like ¾ deserted old strip mall. The parking lot is eerily empty, and the stores are mostly dark. However, there's a restaurant, a Dress Barn and a Starbucks also still there.

Anyhow, don't let that fool you. While there ordering takeout early in the evening, there were 4 other people who came in to place orders. There was also non stop phone ringing and order taking, complete with non stop cooking in the back (you can see through to the kitchen).

The vegetarian choices are plentiful, but when you walk in, it just doesn't seem like a good idea to order the sushi. The decor is old and faded, as is the old-fashioned menu overhead behind the counter.

Still, I ordered. I am pretty glad I did - the prices are really reasonable for the portions, and I love the option for many items to order a small or a large. They have traditional American vegetables for options (green beans, broccoli and "mixed vegetables." They also have traditional Chinese vegetables (baby bok choy, Chinese broccoli). There is fake meat (soy-based for the chicken; no eggs in it) and tofu galore (ma po tofu, braised tofu, homestyle tofu). I like that the dishes are not super salty, as many places can have that be the main flavor component. Again, portions are great for the price!

I would likely go back because it's so cheap, but it is quite a trek to get there...