Yuan Su Vegetarian: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Yuan Su Vegetarian in Portland’s outer SE neighborhood is one of the most committed vegan restaurants you’ll find in the city. Despite the name, there’s nothing merely vegetarian about it. The entire menu, all 148-plus items, is 100% plant-based. No dairy, no eggs, no animal products of any kind. It’s a fully vegan Chinese and Taiwanese kitchen, and it’s been pulling in loyal fans from Portland and well beyond for years.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Yuan Su Vegetarian

Everything on the menu is vegan. That’s the short answer. The restaurant doesn’t serve any animal products and doesn’t cook with them. You won’t find egg, dairy, or meat hiding in sauces or broths. The kitchen also skips MSG and GMO ingredients. One quirk worth knowing: the chefs don’t cook with garlic or onions, which is common in Buddhist-influenced Chinese cooking. It changes the flavor profile slightly compared to a standard Chinese-American restaurant, but regulars say the seasoning is still bold and satisfying.

Signature dishes to order

The faux meats are the real draw here. General Tso’s, kung pao dishes, hot and sour soup, pot stickers, spring rolls, and fried rice all show up with plant-based proteins that reportedly have a texture close enough to the real thing that first-timers do a double take. The veggie ham hot pot is a standout for groups, and the Northwest Vegetarian Society recommends Combo #1, which bundles a spring roll, veggie ham fried rice, veggie beef with broccoli, and sweet and sour “chicken” into one plate. Portions are generous. One entree can easily feed two people.

How to order

Yuan Su Vegetarian is at 11140 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97266, open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8:30pm and Friday through Saturday from noon to 9pm. Sunday is closed. You can dine in, order takeout by phone at (503) 477-5775, or order delivery through their site at yuansuvegetarianor.com. The dining room is spacious with round tables built for family-style sharing, so it works well for groups. Parking is easy in the shopping center lot.

What to watch out for

The no-garlic, no-onion policy is the biggest adjustment. If you’re used to the punchy aromatics in most Chinese restaurants, the flavor here will be a bit different. It’s not bland, but it is distinct. Also, gluten-free options aren’t clearly labeled or documented on the menu, so if you’re managing a gluten sensitivity, call ahead before ordering. The faux meats often contain wheat-based proteins like seitan. Finally, the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so plan on a possible wait on weekend evenings.

Is Yuan Su Vegetarian worth it?

Yes, easily. A 4.7-star Google rating across nearly 900 reviews and a 4.5-star HappyCow rating from nearly 100 dedicated plant-based diners tell a consistent story. People drive from Seattle specifically to eat here. It’s ranked among Portland’s top 25 spots for vegan food. The prices are fair (most entrees fall in the $$ range), the portions are large, and the fact that it’s entirely vegan means you never have to parse a menu or quiz a server. If you want thoughtful, flavor-forward vegan Chinese food in Portland, Yuan Su Vegetarian is the place to start.