10740 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2S3 (Chinatown location)
|and 6925 Gateway Blvd NW #106, Edmonton AB (South location)
Padmanadi is one of Edmonton’s original Vegan restaurants. Even just a few years ago, there weren’t many places to eat vegan food around the city, but Padmanadi was one of the first places that you could go. I often enjoy their food during Taste of Edmonton, and have been a couple times (but never had the chance to go to their monthly buffets). I tried their South location recently, which is just a couple blocks south of Whyte Ave in a small complex (with parking!)
It’s a smaller version of their full restaurant, and has less offerings. They also have a smoothie bar for when you need to grab a quick bite on the go. The interior is newly renovated and has a very clean green space vibe to it. This location is not a full-service restaurant, but more of a fast-casual location. You order up at a counter and get a number and they bring your food to you (kind of like how Famoso used to be).
For food, we got a smoothie to try, breaded cauliflower bites, the Bakmi Goreng, the curry chicken, their famous ginger beef, and the Spicy and Savoury Egg plant (individual portion).
All the prices were very good and reasonable! I opted only to get one individual portion, which comes with rice and two spring rolls, because I don’t often eat too much rice in one sitting (and more of the actual good stuff!).
The cauliflower bites are crispy, light and delicious. It’s served with a spicy sweet mango dip which is really nice as well. Definitely a great option.
The Bakmi Goren is Indonesia-style noodles, blended with an assortment of shredded vegetables. Really liked the chew of the noodles and the flavouring. Great replacement carb to rice to eat with the curry chicken and the ginger beef. Delicious!
The ginger beef is one of their best sellers and I can see why. Soy Beef strips, sweet bell peppers, and julienned carrots in a delicious ginger sauce. I often hear from non-vegetarians saying how they go to Padmanadi but they order the “meat dish” and it’s really good. They are always so surprised when I tell them there are no meat dishes and that it’s all vegan. The texture is so similar, it’s impossible to tell. Really really amazing techniques at Padmanadi.
The Curry Chicken is really rich and delicious. Yellow curry coconut, with chicken, potatoes and veggies. Very hearty and comforting. I could really go for this dish on a cold winter evening when I just want to stay curled up on the couch.
Let's Eat YEG 