홍대 Hungover creations~

     홍대 is back, and in full force. Ugh~ devilish chocolate bar!!
There are always a few things that hit my mind faster than a shot of soju, 홍대 is: lots of dancing, lots of drinking, lots of laughing, and some sort of hangover. It's not always guaranteed that all of these things will happen, but being prepared for at least 80% is a smart thing to do.
     The past few weekends have granted me a "next morning" glory of groggy cooking, simple (or uncomfortably complex) head-healing noms. Here's nearly everything~ (I'm still stuck cooking with my eyes...ugh the repeated meals~)

green pea and chickpea white pepper hummus, whole grain mustard, smoked tempeh, sprouts, spinach, lettuce, and cucumber on balsamic toasted foccacia (from The Baker's Table)~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

red lentil, green pea, and torn tofu dahl~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

spicy cheezy (nutritional yeast) ramen, loaded with broccoli, carrots, and garlic along with chick'n style tofu~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

the best "pick-me-up" tea~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

premix 콩나물비빔밥 (soybean sprout bibim bap)~ photo taken by VeganBeats

post mix  콩나물비빔밥~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)  

     And the best cure for any 홍대 hangover (whether from too much fun, dancing legs shake, sleep deprivation, eye spoilings, etc.) kick it with your friends, spend the day laughing in bed, snuggle up~ 

Ashoka Indian Restuarant

     This past weekend I met up with some friends for an early lunch at Ashoka Indian Restaurant. We stumbled upon buffet time to an empty and sweet smelling place overlooking the main street of Itaewon. The space was really open and allowed the soft sunlight to blanket all of the artwork and plants decorating the room.

the buffet lounge (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     When explaining my dietary "limitation" (cough) the staff was super kind and walked me through the buffet line telling me all of the ingredients in every single vegetarian option. They were very patient too, when I double-checked on ghee issues. Everyone else I was wish is omnivorous, so there wasn't much of an issue for them.
     We were all served water and breads, naan is never vegan but I got some roti to share with the crew. It was flat...really flat. I feel like it may have been frozen and reheated.

roti! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     My appetite wasn't raging (홍대 막걸리) but I wanted variety..a filled plate none the less. I got iceberg (I don't care nutritionally naked it is, I LOVE it), some chickpea salad, diced cucumber onion and tomato salad, carrot and eggplant curry (sorry I didn't write down the names), a small dosa, and some spinach curry. The chickpea salad was delicious, fresh, flavorful, and healthy. The cucumber deal was refreshing as well...the curries weren't spectacular. But that's expected with any buffet...

plate (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Maybe this makes me a snob, but Indian food is best when made to order. Freshness is key, freshness offers pure honest flavor. I love Indian cuisine, but often it feels too heavy. I feel like if I ever went to India~ I'd be the gas queen. (sorri kids, but let's accept beany truths)
     The bill came out pretty pricey, and considering I dropped 20,000W for the plate...I guess I should have gotten more. But I wasn't super hungry... I'll come back, but next time, I'll make some space in this tummy of mine, and probably opt out on buffet and order something fresh.

pretty tables (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Directions:
Itaewon station (line 6) go out exit 1. It it on the 3rd floor of the Hamilton Hotel.
Hours: 11am-11pm, Buffet is Friday-Sunday. (lunch buffet(23,000W): 12-3pm and dinner buffet (29,000W): 6-10:30pm)
Phone #: 02-792-0117
Website

Vietnam Wrap up, guide, help...the go to sources (lots of links!!)

     This post is a general hint list of great resources, places to now and where to check out while in the adventurous land of Vietnam!


     I went to three destinations total, spanning all throughout Vietnam (though there is a LOT more to see)! I started my adventures in Hanoi (the capital) then went South to Ho Chi Minh City, to Mui Ne and then routed back to Hanoi. 


Here are some helpful phrases that are worth knowing:


Hello~ Xin Chao (Jzin Chow)
Good morning~ Chao buoi sang
Good afternoon~ Chao buoi toi
Hi friend!~ Nay E! (Nay,ye!)
Good night~ Chuc ngu ngon 
Thank you~ Cam on (Caam oon)
No good/ too expensive~ Come phy


GREAT website: newhanoian.xemzi.com  Has classifides, restaurant reviews, events, things to do, etc...


GREAT travel agent: Lai, She is located just inside iProvecho. 
     Address: 18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (about three blocks from Hoan Kiem lake)
     Phone #: 0912223996


HANOI:
Where to eat~
Vegan restuarants:
GREAT Vegan food at White Cloud! 
     I ate food from here three different times, and was pleased each time. The food is made with love, be patient. If you want food quickly, this is NOT the place. Put at least an hour aside. It is worth the wait and the place is super cute. 
     ~I highly recommend the spring rolls (of course), the banana flower salad, fried mung beans, and tofu cooked with tomato sauce!!
     Address: So 2 Ngo 12 Dang Thai Mai,HaNoi

                  No.2, alley 12, Dang Thai Mai street, Hanoi
     phone #: 04)-6258-1622/ 0912-143-647
     hours: Monday through Sunday 11am to 2 pm and 5pm to 9pm

Phat Truong Tho

     This is an all vegan place that offers a LOT of vegan meats, more quirky than yummy in all honesty. It is more than affordable and the interior is stunning, but that all it really has going for it. The best dish is the grapefruit salad, this is worth coming back for. But if you want to explore a vegan variety...I'd steer elsewhere. 

     Address: 184B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
     Directions: At the end of Xuan Dieu (West lake would be on your Left is you are walking   

                    towards it), across from the turn into Cong Doan Hotel
     phone #: 04-7307-8838

Vietnamese street food: Quan An Ngon

     This place means 'delicious food' and has an interesting concept, taking street food inside. You can dine family style next to loads of people, order lots of food on the cheap and be more than entertained by the busyness that is going on around you. NOT very vegan friendly, but you can find something (tofu, and specify for soy sauce!)

     Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

     Phone number: +84-4-3942-8162 

Western Food: iProvecho

     Daniel Hoyer is the head owner and chef behind the food here. It is not very vegan friendly, but the guacamole I had was lovely. Fresh, creamy, full of flavor...and served with fresh made tortilla chips. While your here, grab a drink, sit at their glass bar that opens over the streets, nom on some Mexican glory and who knows, book a tour somewhere! Defiantly worth checking out!

     Address: 18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
                  It is about 3 blocks from Hoan Kiem lake.
     Phone #: 0912223996
     email: provechohanoi@gmail.com

INDIAN Food:

More affordable: Foodshop 45

     This place has a lovely interior and is great to go with friends while on the go to a bar or out on some nightly adventure. Lots of people came in and out, so it's more popular than I may give it credit for. The staff was very kind, but the food isn't amazing. It's affordable and with everything in Vietnam, you get what you pay for. This is more vegetarian friendly than it is vegan friendly. But I had an alright experience. 

     Address: 59 Truc Bach street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 

     phone number: +84-4-3716-2959 

Quality: Namaste 

     This meal was beautiful, aesthetically, through taste and experience. The food was a bit more expensive, but well worth it. Gopi, the owner is very attentive and clearly has a passion for food. Everything is made to order, is fresh and able to be slightly manipulated. Not originally vegan items were made vegan after I let Gopi aware of my dietary restrictions. He helps you out too, not letting you over-order and giving great advice on what works well with what. 

     ~*I highly recommend the pakeezah, a coconut appetizer that is just so strange it works! And the Kapuli salad is DIVINE!!!

     Hours: Open 7 days. 11am-2:30pm (last order is at 2) and 6-10:30 pm (last order at 10)

     Address: 47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

     Directions: East of the Northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake

     Phone #: 84-4-3935-2400 

     Website: www.namastehanoi.com 

  

WHERE TO GET YOUR DRINK ON:

~***Bia Hoi= BEER***~

Barbetta: A classy bar that's always got good people in it. You can sit on the roof and sip on some delicious cocktails while the moon shines overhead. The staff doesn't speak very much English but no worries, if you can read it, you'll be fine. The drinks are all creative and from all the ones I sampled (mojitos, to beachy drinks, to rums)~ you can't go wrong with anything. 

     ~Drinks are around 80,000-100,000 dong ($4-5) 

     Address: 34C Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Mao's Red Lounge: This place is dark, to the point where you have to feel around to figure out where to park it. But the drinks are cheap, it's FULL of people to talk to and meet. It is located in the Old Quarter, so if you'e aiming to meet fellow travelers, you're in luck. There are a LOT of drink options, so if you want the cheap bia hoi, or the frothy coconut milk cocktail~ this place has it. 

      ~IF you are all dressed up (why in Vietnam>!!) you will sweat loads...

     Address: 7 Te Hien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

    Phone #:           +84-4-3926-3104 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +84-4-3926-3104      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting 

Half Man/Half Noodle: I'll be 100% honest, I don't remember very much about this bar. I remember loving the name. I was...a tad tipsy at this point (damn those fruity cocktails!!) but I do know that this is one of the only places that serves food rather late for the hungry kids! In Seoul, where you can a full course meal at any hour, no matter the point of inebriation, in a country where everyone sleeps around midnight (at the latest) those drunk munchies are left to munch. Drinks are affordable, but...honestly, it's the name isn't it!     

     Address: 62 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoiend_of_the_skype_highlighting

     Phone #: +84-4-3926-1943 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +84-4-3926-1943      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~Hoan Kiem Lake: a beautiful walk, peaceful, full of people watching, photo opportunities, and also legend has it an ancient turtle lives here!

~Check out the Old Quarter, there's a big backpacker's district here (travelers, LOADS of places to crash here!) shopping opportunities, comforting AND exotic foods!

~Shop around: eat the fruit, buy scarves, bikinis, and iPho tees!

~ Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A place we were going to check out (another reason, man they keep popping up!) Apparently all the tribes and communities of Vietnam are represented here and it is more than interesting!!!

     address: D Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi

     phone #: +84-4-3836-0350 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ho Chi Minh City

     Ani and I only stayed one night and two days here. Even though we were there for a short time, we experienced all the main tourist points, here's my two cents^^*!~

WHERE TO EAT:

Vegan noms: Saigon Vegan

     A more than extensive menu offering lots of traditional Vietnamese fare, just without the flesh!>.<# Everything is more than affordable and like all places in Vietnam~ BE PATIENT. This place is affiliated with Loving Hut (murmur) and due to that, low prices and Vegan safety. 

     ~I recommend the bi cuon springroll, it's fresh and subtle. Also the Goi Nam Bao Rau Ram (mushroom with flagrant knotweed salad) is interesting and packed full of flavor!! And the coffee is BOMB!!!

     Address: 240 Bui Vien Street, District 1

     Phone #: +84-4-3837-2686

~* Bui Vien street is backpackers district, loads of places to crash, find cheap drinks, wander, and meet people*~

WHERE TO STAY:~

Hong Han Hotel: For only $25.00 a night you sleep in a clean big room, complimentary breakfast on a cute balcony, and a staff that speaks English! Ahn (brother) gave Ani and I a map along with easy directions of where to go and how to do it. Very relaxing area, located in the middle of bars, restaurants, stores and shops. We had a great experience here and if you're wanting a bargain, and a CLEAN place, stay here!!

     Address: 238 Bui Vien street, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam     
     telephone: (84-8)-38-361-927 

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~China Town: This is the biggest one in Asia (besides all of China!!) and is full of options and opportunity. Enjoy some Chinese fruits and snacks, or shop for vegan meats on the cheap. There are black cashews (roasted with the skin still on) and they're AMAZING! There are loads of things mirroring China, knock off bags, breaking toys, hammocks...worth to play around in! And a great people watching experience!!

~ War Remnants Museum: This is a MUST. It's upsetting and powerful and very informative. It provides a side to the war that Americans especially are unaware of. IT's heartbreaking...recommended to go after eating...you won't be hungry after. 

     Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
     Telephone number: 930-5587
     Open: 7:30-11:45 am and 1:30-5:15 pm
     ~~~*It is 15,000 dong to get in ($0.75).

~ Into Yoga and meditation? Check out the YMC: Yoga and Meditation Center. Classes are nearly two hours long and come in at 200,000dong ($10.00!!!) The instructors speak English, along with the desk staff. It's a bit hidden away but it is walking distance from the War Remnants Museum!!

     Address: 335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 4, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

     Phone number: (08)-3929-1707

     e-mail: info@ymcvn.com

     website: www.ymcvietnam.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MUI NE

     Ani and I stayed here for only a couple days and were in paradise. There is so much to see, explore, eat- pure brilliance. A MUST go for anyone if you're in Vietnam. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Vietnamese noms: 

Vietnam Family Resturaunt: The spring rolls here are amazing, and the drinks are fresh and refreshing. The food is affordable, healthy, and quality. The family that owns this place is very kind and accommodating and understand English. The owner speaks the best. They have two dogs that are just too cute to handle! 

     ~get the spring rolls and the mango vodka!!!

     *located on Nguyen Ding Chieu Street near Mai Am Guesthouse. 

WHERE TO STAY: (and eat at!!)

Mai Am Guesthouse: Hands down the BEST hotel experience I've ever had. The family running this joint are beyond accommodating and so genuinely kind. I've never been more relaxed and "at home" in any other place. The food they serve here is great, the coffee wonderful, the location superb! You're RIGHT on the beach, so you wake up to a breeze, the sea air wafting around you and the sun shining smiles! The rooms are large and clean and the rooms are $25.00 a night. Bikes and motorbikes are available upon rent. The location is great also, lots of restaurants and bars around, along with tourist shops and the Fairy stream is nearby. 

    ~~Eat their springrolls, a vermicelli noodle nest wrap instead of the flat noodle! The coffee is strong and sweet!!

     Address: 148 Nyguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ham Tiem Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh     

                Thuan Provine, Vietnam

     Phone number:             (+84)-062-3847062 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (+84)-062-3847062      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      
     email: guesthousemaiam@gmail.com

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~ Rent a motorbike!!! and EXPLORE!

~The White Sand Dunes: Impeccable, breathtaking, straight up spiritual. Seeing such beauty with your own eyes can't compare to anything also, no effects, movies, pictures. This place is magical. Miles upon miles of stretched out sand dunes, high hills, and a direct connection to the soul. PLEASE PLEASE go here!!

~Fairy Stream:(pictures part 2) This is a beautiful stream full of stunning views and giddy glory. It stretches for a long time, and is hidden behind some dingy neighborhoods. The water looks murky but it's only because of the runoff sand and clay. You're in a canyon, surrounded by red and white sands, thick clays, and tropical plants. I took so many pictures because everywhere I turned, my eyes were astounded, and in that my heart nearly stopped! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOMETHING I WISH I DID, AND YOU MUST DO!!

~*Ha Long Bay: sadly a typhoon hit while our overnight plan was supposed to happen. I just have to go back again. ^^*!~

WRAP UP/ POINTERS:

*You can get your Visa On Arrival...I used this VietnamVisaPro, all together (stamp and service fee is $35.00)

*bring a LOT of tank tops, this will soak up the sweat...and you'll be sweating

!*Ladies, ditch the make-up...not worth it

*When wandering or shopping, remember to SMILE...it goes a LONG way

*Remember that your freedom does not travel with you!

*Enjoy and be open to what life brings you!

*Drink a lot LOT of coffee and 

*Eat all the fruit

The New Hanoian 

Tripadvisor Vietnam

VEGANS/ VEG-HEADS~ Vietnam is do-able!!! GO GO GO!!!

Hanoi: Namaste

     After Mui Ne, Ani and I received news that a typhoon was in the works and cancelled our plans for Ha Long Bay. (One of the hundreds of excuses to kick it back over to Vietnam!) Ani and I headed over to iProvecho to work things out, get funds returned, and in the process, a newly opened Indian restaurant was recommended to us. Daniel and Lai were really positive about their dining experience and how great everything was, from the food to the ambiance, to the owner. Ani and I made plans to check out Namaste Hanoi!
     Namaste is authentic Indian cuisine, offering Northern and Southern Indian fare. The menu is more than extensive (which is usually always a bit unnerving). Entering the space, I was impressed with its cleanliness and elegence. Everything was beautifully organized, dressed tab;es, golden walls, a very attentive and smiling staff. We both had a feeling that we were in for something special.


interior of the bar (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We were seated in the back room next to a fully stocked wine bar and within sight of the kitchen. Gopi, the owner greeted us himself and was so kind and caring. He was very helpful and accomodating and considerate of my dietary limitations.

interior of the back seating (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu was overwhelming...the most difficult decision was coming up with what we wanted to order. Everything sounded so damned good! And having Southern and Northern Indian options was in itself loads of excitement for me. I've had only North Indian food~

the sauces (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We were first served drinks and started with the pakeezah (55,000 dong= $2.75), which is a pancake stuffed with coconut, capsicum, and dry fruits. The pakeezah was served with an interesting "special" chutney. Gopi gave a great introduction to this dish. The pakeezah itself is a bit of a sweet starter so alone it could be a dessert, but paired with the chutney it works well as a started.

pakeezah (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We also got a Kabuli salad (45,000 dong= $2.25), this was delicious! It is composed of soaked chickpeas, onion, cucumber, garam masala, cumin seed, and mustard. Again, delicious. The chickpeas were nutty, tomatoes fresh and sweet, potatoes cut into tiny morsels that sopped up the flavors and spices, and the cucumbers were refreshing. There was a great combination of textures and I couldn't get enough of this. (Next time I'm in Hanoi, I'm getting a bunch of these!!)

Kabuli salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Gopi recommended getting a bread but everything was not vegan. Upon explaining my dietary restrictions, he offered to make the Tawa paratha (35,000 dong= $1.75) special for me!! (how kind)

Tawa paratha (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The tawa paratha was flaky and from what I understand it is made by taking the dough and slapping it hard against a flat surface. The 'slapping' creates air pockets and thus making the bread fluffy. It was also crunchy and stretchy!
     We were both anxious and overwhelmed by everything available, I swear we both were juggling between several plate options. Everything with potential sounded so good!

the spread (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     After snappy debating in my head, I went with the Vegetable jalfraize (70,000 dong=$3.50) which is a Northern Indian plate. This dish is described as 'mixed fresh vegetables cooked with onions and capsicum in a spicy gravy.'

vegetable jalfraize (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The jalfraize was very different from all the other Indian curry dishes I've had. Instead of being mostly 'soup' this was like a stew. It was full of chunky vegetables, fresh herbs, and the "gravy" was thick and coated everything generously. I'm glad that Gopi recommended getting that bread, it was like having a deluxe dipping meal! (I love dips...ask hummus!)
      Ani ordered a Kesar kulfi (60,000 dong= $3.00) which is an Indian saffron ice cream. There were no vegan desserts but Ani's eyes lit up when she had this and she said it tasted like caramel, and you could find chunks of saffron in it! Gopi said the ice-cream is made fresh, which explains the interesting cube-like shape!

Kesar Kulfi (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Gopi was wonderful and really added a lot to Namaste, he added a personal touch and educated us about his creations. The entire meal was filling and lovely. I'm glad he told us how far to go when it came to how much we ordered. 

     In comparison to other restaurants, Namaste is pricier that most but  Namaste is an experience. Everything is made to order, fresh, and made with love. 

Great food...great options...and worth going to over and over again!

Hours: Open 7 days. 11am-2:30pm (last order is at 2) and 6-10:30 pm (last order at 10)

Address: 47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Directions: East of the Northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake

Phone #: 84-4-3935-2400

Website: www.namastehanoi.com

Foodshop 45

     Night number 2 was Indian food, drinks, and meeting with some fine folks! After hours of wandering, kicking it, and planning Ani and I wandered to Foodshop 45, a local Indian place for some dinner!

blurry picture of Foodshp 45's face (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The street that Foodshop 45 is on is densely packed with independent restaurants and people eating by the lake. It's a bit scary because shop owners run in front of your car nearly getting hit waving you to their place. I kept thinking about how this may be a strange way to gain customers, give me a heart attack, get my anxiety up...oh yea, I think I'm hungry!
     Anyways, Foodshop 45 was stock full of smiling nommers when we went, and was pretty cute. We went to the second floor where there are seated tables and floor seating...we went for the floor and the room was beautiful.

floor seating room! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Romantically lit and deep reds and browns complimented this room really well. Instant relaxation was surrounded by the dramatic draping fabric clinging to the ceiling. I kept thinking this could be the set of a fabulous date...fiber filled date...eeek!

lovely! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Everyone was starving and most of everyone knew what they wanted right off the bat...ghee is in a LOT of Indian food so, I had to be the stickler. First ordered was some naan and samosas...the plates of sauces and dips were cute, and all but one was vegan!

top left and clockwise: creamed mint chutney, tamarind sauce, and pickled limes, cucumber, and carrots! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

butter naan (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I'm the only one that went vegan (no worries!) but I can't lie and say that some of the other orders didn't look nice!

I think chicken biryani and a yogurt sauce (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The biryani had a wonderful smell to it, I'm thinking lots of graham masala and cumin!

mutton (photo taken by VeganBeats)

a saag dish (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I went with a simple vegetable salad (25,000dong= $1.25), Indian food tends to make me feel really weighed down. I'll just say it, all that fiber man~ throws me through a loop. After Indian cuisine all this lady wants to do is lay down and digest...or nap.
     The salad was simple and clean, sliced cucumber (yum), fresh sweet tomatoes, pickled onions and sliced carrots. It was drizzled in a simple rice vinegar and lime juice sauce.

vegetable salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I also ordered a kadhu curry (50,000 dong= $2.50) which is just curried pumpkin. It was this or an okra and eggplant dish. I wanted something light and naturally creamy so..natural choice.

kadhu curry (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Everyone else got their dishes and the servers forgot my pumpkin dish. We reminded them and while everyone was finishing up I got it. It was alright, not out of this world by any means and lacking in spices. I made a dish similar to this a couple years ago. Halloween jack-o-lantern guts and a homemade curry powder...those large pumpkins are minor is flavor and...well this curry mirrored that. The curry was more a soup and the pumpkin was shredded...I was hoping for some chunks. The dishes were inexpensive and you get what you pay for!

Address: 59 Truc Bach street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
phone number: +84-4-3716-2959

After dinner, more motorbiking! We went to a bar nearby and enjoyed some cocktails on West lake while a live singer crooned some sad depressing songs. Everyone left for a show while Ani and I strolled around West lake homewards.

We had a plane in the morning...was Ho Chi Minh city ready for these two Fabulous ladies?

Otsal eats

     I have no idea where the time has gone...it's been a while since I've been updating the vegan world. I've been super busy with new classes, adjusting, and sending a good friend off home.
     One of my dear friends left back to her homeland, spending time with her has been more than memorable and brilliant...after a full weekend and a day of bike riding, we along with some others went to dinner at Seoul University, Indian noms!!

Welcome to Otsal^^!~

going down the staircase this is the cute sign! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

They have some vegan friendly options, more vegetarian friendly than Vegan friendly though (ghee, cream...butter...le sigh::)
The interior was really cute, smooth steamy lighting (I felt so instantly comfortable) and there were lots of seats around, booths too! The plce has large LCD tvs rolling through series of bollywood...whcih my eyes couldn't help but be attracted to.
     My buddies and I were rather hungry so upon getting the menus...conversing came to an automatic halt. After asking questions and going through the option(s) I went with the pakodas and the dahl fry~

pakodas (I think it was 4,900W) photo taken by VeganBeats

The pakodas were chickpea flour and chopped veggies, lightly pan fried, and came with a tamarinade sauce. It was cute, and the portion I think was perfect. Not overwhelming, and filling enough...but def left room for some dahl!! Not the BEST pakoda I've ever had, but these were tasty.

fry dahl (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 The dahl was served in a cute silver bowl and was served still warm! I guess I shoudln't be too impressed with that, but I've had Indian food here that..just disappointed. The lentils were simmered so wonderfully, smooth, flavorful and melted in your mouth. Each bite held so much spice and spices...The portion wasn't huge but wonderful, each spoonful was savored and thoroughly enjoyed. I definately will come back sometime just for this dish!

Overall, Otsal was an enjoyable experience and GREAT way to stat closing up the night with friends.
This joint is in the basement of a building that has a vegan bakery on the top floor!!!
So vegan pitstps..chyea!!

How to get here!
서울대입구역 exit 2, walk straight for about 2 minutes, and it's in the basement on your left (Muffini is on the 4th floor)

Seoul University station, line 2
Walk out of exit 2 and walk straight for about 2 minutes.
On your left, in the basement.