Sanel L.
Yelp
Title: Helen is a Queen, and Thanh Tinh Chay is Her Vegan Kingdom
Listen, if you think vegan food is just sad salads and tofu that tastes like a damp sponge, Thanh Tinh Chay is here to prove you so, so wrong. This place isn't just a restaurant--it's a whole experience, and I'm officially obsessed.
The moment we walked in, we were greeted like old friends. But the real magic happened when we had the absolute honor of meeting Helen, the mastermind behind it all. She's basically the fairy godmother of Vietnamese vegan food. Everything here is made fresh, in-house, with organic ingredients--and trust me, you can taste the difference.
Now, let's talk about the feast we devoured:
Helen Wrap - Like a Vietnamese hug in lettuce form. Light, refreshing, and so flavorful, I could eat this every day.
Combo Steam Cake - Soft, slightly chewy, and packed with umami goodness. My taste buds did a happy dance.
Crispy Dumplings - We loved these so much we ordered them twice. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dangerously addictive.
Lotus Salad - Who knew lotus could be this good? Fresh, crunchy, and full of bold, tangy flavors.
Spring Rolls - Classic, simple, and perfect. Dipped in their magical sauce, they disappeared in seconds.
Helen's Special Fried Rice - I don't know what Helen did to this rice, but it's on another level. Fluffy, flavorful, and just ridiculously good.
Stir-Fry Rice Stick Noodles - Saucy, slightly smoky, and pure noodle perfection.
Veggie Fried Roll - Basically a crispy, golden pocket of joy. The dipping sauce takes it over the top.
Helen Taco - A Vietnamese-Mexican fusion masterpiece. Who knew vegan tacos could be this next-level?
Helen Noodle Soup - HOLY BROTH. Deep, rich, and comforting in a way that made my soul feel warm.
Lemongrass Chicken - This "chicken" is so good, I had to double-check it was actually vegan. Unreal.
Vegan Cheesecake - Creamy, decadent, and the perfect mic-drop to end the meal.
Service & Atmosphere
The service? Flawless. The staff? Kind, welcoming, and clearly love what they do. The vibes? 100% immaculate.
But the real MVP is Helen, who made us feel like VIP guests in her own home. Her passion for food is contagious, and she's created something truly special here.
Final Verdict:
I walked in expecting a good meal. I left a changed person. If you're in San Diego and don't eat here, you're making a huge mistake. Whether you're vegan or just vegan-curious, Thanh Tinh Chay will blow your mind.
Run, don't walk--your taste buds will thank you.
thank you Zapher for bringing me here I LOVE IT yummmmmy