buddhas vegan toronto

This vegetarian restaurant in Toronto has been a low-key hidden gem for 30 years

Asian-inspired vegetarian food might sound like a relatively new invention to some, but there's one restaurant in Toronto that's been doing it for 30 years.

Buddha's Vegan (previously Buddha's Vegetarian) has such a way with veggies, not only do they serve great vegetable dishes but they also serve imitation "meats" that range from beef and chicken to shrimp, lamb, drumsticks, sausage, and duck (actually bean curd sheet).

buddhas vegan toronto

The spot was originally opened in 1991, and was taken over by Sammy Lam in 2012 when the owners were looking to retire.

buddhas vegan toronto

Lam is not only the owner but also head chef, and has been in the food industry since 1984 when he immigrated to Toronto from Vietnam.

buddhas vegan toronto

Lam's entire family is vegetarian, and he wants to encourage more people to adopt a vegetarian diet "for the environment and better treatment of animals."

buddhas vegan toronto

After he took over, the restaurant began its transition from a vegetarian restaurant to a fully vegan affair to better align with his values.

buddhas vegan toronto

Devout Buddhists themselves, his family is actually strict enough that they don't eat onion or garlic, and this diet can be accommodated at the restaurant.

buddhas vegan toronto

They've increased the incorporation of mock meats into the menu over the years to encourage those that aren't vegetarian to try more plant-based dishes, and have developed more Asian fusion recipes.

buddhas vegan toronto

"We're known in the community for our affordable prices and larger portions," Lam tells blogTO. "It's important to us that plant-based Chinese food is accessible and affordable to everyone."

buddhas vegan toronto

Their larger portions are also intended to be shared, as Lam says "in our culture, there is a special sense of joy associated with sharing meals with loved ones."

buddhas vegan toronto

The prices and portions also reflect the generations that have lived in Chinatown and Kensington where Buddha's is located for the past 30 years, and in a way are helping to preserve a community.

buddhas vegan toronto

"The area is becoming gentrified, and we're slowly noticing that the elder Asian community is being pushed out as the area becomes less
affordable," says Lam.

"It's a sad sight to see but the Asian community is resilient."

buddhas vegan toronto

Buddha's and Lam himself are proof of that, having weathered a pandemic that not only was appallingly unkind to the Asian community, but also to restaurants across the board.

buddhas vegan toronto

A patio can't be installed at the restaurant so they've had to rely solely on takeout and embrace the use of delivery apps, and have seen a decline in business.

"We're incredibly grateful for the community we have that has
shown us support throughout the pandemic by ordering from us," says Lam.

buddhas vegan toronto

They've also taken their mock meat offerings one step further, creating a mini market and selling it for home cooking purposes.

buddhas vegan toronto

It's safe to say these probably aren't even the last changes that will take place at this longstanding veggie restaurant, but it's also unlikely the Toronto vegetarian community will let this place go anywhere anytime soon.

Lead photo by

Fareen Karim


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