So-Cal Veg Blog

Thai Bamboo Bistro

Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Jul 5, 2009

Thai Bamboo Cafe is a small, unassuming bistro tucked inside the retail maze of Tustin’s “District” shopping center. Veggie visitors will be surprised by the decent selection of options and the frequent use of tofu. (Truly vegan options, though, are limited.) Suggestions include the “drunken vegetable noodles” and “crazy cashew vegetables.” Both dishes are prepared with noticeably fresh and varied ingredients. Also of note are the crunchy, almost oil-less thin “vegetables spring rolls,” a great dish to share. A word of warning, though, as with most Thai cooking, the curries (even the vegetable tofu) contain fish sauce. The staff, however, is happy to answer questions about the food and its ingredients.

The atmosphere of Thai Bamboo cafe is comfortable, if fairly routine for shopping center fare. The somewhat dimly lit interior boasts comfortable booths and tables and the small outside patio is heated during cold nights. There is a flat screen TV inside, often tuned to sporting events, but the sound is usually off and it does not distract from meals orconversations.

Prices are reasonable, especially in light of the large portions, with the main veggie dishes averaging between 8 and 10 dollars a plate. White rice comes with any entree, and may be upgraded to organic brown rice for 2 dollars. Drinks are bottomless.

Of note, too, is the quick service. Once ordered, even on the busiest nights, meals often arrive in under 10 minutes. The waitstaff is attentive and friendly.

Thai Bamboo Cafe offers lunch specials from 11 am to 3 pm but, beware, the soup options that come with the meal are not vegetarian friendly.

Overall, Thai Bamboo Cafe is a decent option for vegetarian-minded customers. Offering the most diverse vegetarian menu of any restaurant in The District, it is a good choice for both herbivores and omnivores alike.