1075 E. Bullard, Suite 103 (near the corner of Bullard and First)
429-8357

3 entrees, 1 appetizer, rice, and noodles: $35

by Jessi Hafer

Luby Chinese Restaurant is a small, unassuming restaurant with an extensive menu, and it certainly isn’t a strictly vegetarian restaurant. However, Luby is a standard for vegetarians because of its sizable vegetarian menu. In fact, Luby now carries a wider array of “fake meat” dishes than ever before, so it’s a great time for first time visitors and for frequent vegetarian patrons to give the menu a look.

When I order at Luby, I order with anticipation for the textures of their “meat substitutes.” Why would a vegetarian want a “meat substitute?” Personally, I don’t look at it as meat-ish (I’ve been vegetarian my whole life). I look at it as an opportunity to try a dish I’ve never had before—not so much for “meat,” but for what comes with it. I had never had anything at all like sweet and sour chicken until I had the sweet and sour “chicken” at Luby. So when I go to Luby and find out that they have substitutes for chicken, beef, pork, scallops, and even shrimp (!), I know I’m in for something different. Luby also has vegetable dishes, tofu, and high protein “meat substitutes” as well as the usual omnivore-friendly fare.

Though I may pick a dish because of the expected texture, I usually find that it’s the fantastic sauces that overwhelm my initial expectations. Luby also uses a good amount of complimentary vegetables. The results don’t feel interchangeable; each is a balanced, unique, and wonderful dish.

On my most recent visit, I had the Fried “Shrimp” appetizer. Though I enjoyed it, I’m not convinced that the appetizer did the “shrimp” justice, so I plan on trying the Aromatic “Shrimp” next time. I also plan on trying the “Chicken Salad” with peanut sauce on my next visit. I had my old favorite, the Sweet and Sour “Chicken,” a marvelous comfort food with pieces of fried “chicken” substitute, bell peppers, pineapple, and absolutely perfect sauce. The Homemade Tofu is wonderful, with a mildly spicy sauce that is beautifully absorbed by the well-textured tofu (much better than grocery store tofu). We also tried the Yo-Shung Pork, which had yet another intriguing texture. This is another spicy sort of dish, so it is well contrasted with the Sweet and Sour or perhaps with the Lemon “Chicken,” which I’ve enjoyed in the past. We enjoyed our entrees over both rice and crispy pan fried noodles.

We expected more leftovers than we had, but our enthusiasm was to blame, not the portions. Just about everything on the menu can be made either vegetarian or non-vegetarian, so there’s definitely something for everyone. There are few tables at Luby; dining in is possible, but Luby is really perfect carry-out. So pick up a menu and then take your food home so no one can watch you overdo it…