A fusion of Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine, Padmanadi has been disproving stereotypes about vegan food for more than 20 years — and doing so with such flourish that it has opened satellite locations in south Edmonton and Calgary.
Arriving here is truly an experience in tranquility. Entering the spacious, brightly lit dining room — with a decor made up of customer portraits and a life-sized statue of the Buddha — you can feel your shoulders drop a little, your jaw unclenches.
But the true transcendence happens when you finally taste the food. For me, it’s the silky, signature curry (veggie) chicken and chili green beans that lead to a state of plant-based bliss and enlightenment. — Jesse Cole
Padmanadi
Central McDougall| 10740 101 St NW, Edmonton
Strathcona Junction | 6925 Gateway Blvd NW #106, Edmonton
780.428.8899 | padmanadi.com
You know those days when it’s a dozen below freezing and you feel like you’ve got half a cold? When you just want to fill your stomach up with something warm, nourishing, but most of all, healthy? Well, that’s what The Moth Cafe is all about.
Everything about this quaint, plant-based cafe and bistro exudes health and wellness, from the half-dozen medicinal teas (I got the Echinacea and Elderberry) to the hearty and fresh veggies packed into the soups and sandwiches.
Beautiful, lush greenery adorn the ceiling and bright, white decor gives the whole place a cleansing, healing vibe that just makes you want to stay a while, crack open that book you’ve been meaning to finish and get a little rest and rejuvenation on your lunch hour. — Jesse Cole
The Moth Cafe
Boyle Street | 9449 Jasper Ave, Edmonton | 780.244.9702 | mosaicsandmotharchive.com/themothcafe
As a long-time paradise for plant-based eaters, An Chay is a calming oasis in a busy city. The floor-to-ceiling windows, relaxing music, and warm decor create a refreshing atmosphere for downtown lunch breaks — or a chill location for your next date night.
On the day I show up to give the vermicelli special a spin, I’m coming off of a cold, worried my taste buds aren’t back to total capacity. But I’m at An Chay, so I have nothing to worry about, because there’s flavour-a-plenty. The vermicelli and lemongrass work wonders, and texture well with the crunchy peanuts, crisp greens and shredded bean curd. Forget my next spa day (self-care is important!), I might skip it and go to An Chay instead. — Liam Newbigging
An Chay
Wîhkwêntôwin | 11203 Jasper Ave, Edmonton | 780.752.2203 | anchayrestaurant.site
This article appears in the Mar/Apr 2024 issue of Edify
