Vegan/Vegetarian, yes. But the flavors are spectacular and a non vegetarian would come away with a smile on thier face.
I was especially impressed by the bulgogi, which they were able to create a wok hai smokiness to. And because it was plant based, you didn't have any of the gristle or fat, so its chewability factor was 10 out of 10.
The basque style cheesecake was terrific.
John Nechman writes: This past weekend, we were thrilled to discover (thanks to Phat Eatery’s Kevin Lee) Kin Café, an amazing new vegan/vegetarian spot nestled within the Asia Society building in the Museum District (1370 Southmore). The charming proprietor Vivi totally won us over, but equal to her charms is her magic in the kitchen. We had some of the tastiest pastries I’ve had in all of Houston and promised to return to try her lunch specials as well. Yesterday, I had the chance to do just that with three of my favorite people – Michael Shum and Jay P. Francis and his wife Irene.
This is not an extensive menu, but you cannot go wrong with any choices. If you love Asian teas, you’ve come to the right place. And if you don’t know them well, just trust whatever Vivi suggests for you. Today, we shared a pot of Taitung Red Oolong from the mountains of southern Taiwan. Packed with hints of honey, nuts, and citrus, this is one of the most exquisite tea I’ve ever tasted. Of course, that’s what I said about the tea Vivi served us on Sunday morning…but there can be more than one “Best,” I guess!
Vivi is keeping the food menu simple for now, but there’s nothing simple about her brilliant recipes and cooking techniques. Michael and I both did a half-and-half combo of vegan japchae made with sweet potato noodles that Vivi spent months searching for to find the perfect ones for this recipe. It’s topped with slices of vegan bulgogi that that may be the best vegan beef substitute I’ve ever had. The other half of the combo is a bánh mi that floored me as well. This fistful of joy is packed with thick slices of omelette-like lemongrass tofu topped with shredded daikon and carrots and critically, her tangy version of kimchi. For my money, this is the tastiest vegan bánh mi in town. If she could make it with the same bread they use over at Cali in Midtown, this might be the best bánh mi in the country.
Vivi also shared with us her Asian-inspired fluffy, creamy Basque cheesecake (not vegan, but I was happy to cheat a little) and an order of pan-fried vegan dumplings that she is contemplating adding to the menu. Please beg her to do just that! You will, once you try them.
Third Ward/Museum District is Houston’s home for the best of vegan food. And Kin Café just continues and strengthens the area’s claim to that title.
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