[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]ong ago, before Impossible burgers and ‘vegetable-forward’ seasonal menus became buzzwords in L.A.’s restaurant scene, the San Gabriel Valley served vegan and vegetarian food without the slightest sense of pretension.
Due to immigration patterns in the 2000s, the S.G.V. has been a powerhouse for regional Chinese food. Along with this gastronomic bounty came a few meatless menus for the immigrants who were Buddhists, Hindu, or simply health-conscious. For the most part, when you make the trek to these neighborhood gems—almost always a hole-in-the-wall and in a strip mall—that’s who their clientele is, too. There will be a crossover of punk rockers, Millenials taking photos of their food, and older long-haired customers along with their local clientele, because, Los Angeles.
The dishes at these restaurants are affordable, unassuming, and it is very likely that you will have leftovers due to the generous portions. If there are meat substitutes, the menus usually don’t say which vegetables, grains, or legumes they’re made from. Nevermind the decor, background music, or service. It’s all about the food cooked with soul. The best of it all? Parking is always plentiful.
Some of them might not be strictly vegan and unless you are fluent in food-ordering Mandarin, Cantonese, or Vietnamese, it might best to practice flexitarianism while dining here.