Edna C.
Yelp
A vegetarian Vietnamese place called Tofoo with a smiley face in the logo? I'm sold!
I first found out about Tofoo Com Chay when they generously donated many meals to local hospitals as a token of appreciation to healthcare workers. The little boxes of tofu-based veggie and rice bowls were quite a contrast to the steak with garlic noodles we got earlier from Pho Ha Noi, but I enjoyed the wholesome vegetarian feast from Tofoo so much that I wanted to visit their shop.
Tofoo Com Chay is a little hole-in-the-wall near Downtown SJ, the quintessential locally owned small business. As a deli-style grab-and-go eatery, much of their food is on display, including the various kebab skewers and the entree options. There is also a simple menu with photos posted, featuring Vietnamese staples such as Bun Bo Hue and vermicelli noodles with spring rolls. They also offer drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee and Thai tea, as well as some desserts too.
Everything is plant-based, yet there is a range of flavors and textures. The kebabs have a street food feel and a delightfully crunchy fried exterior, the bean curd rolls have a memorable sweet sauce, and the black pepper sausage has a nice kick to it. Several of the other dishes have a light soy sauce seasoning so it all tastes quite homemade.
My go-to is the combo plate, which is Panda Express style where you choose a carb option + 2 sides. It's a steal for $9, with huge portions that could easily be two meals, although it's so delicious I usually finish it. They add some salad on top too, for a refreshing contrast to the saucier entrees.
Surprisingly, the fried rice at Tofoo is some of the best I've ever had. It's so fluffy, not greasy at all, and has great flavor including a subtle charred taste (like what that crispy burnt rice tastes like at the bottom of a clay pot rice or doolset bibimbap).
Despite the simple ingredients, Tofoo doesn't lack in presentation--the "shrimp" skewers look so cute and realistic, even though it's actually tofu.
Other notes:
- Wasn't all that impressed when I saw them microwave the food in front of me (shouldn't it be staying warm on the warmers? Is the take-out container even microwave safe?!) But then again, other places could be doing this in the back and I would never know
- There are a few tables outside (dine-in is probably best if you are looking into trying their noodle soups)
- Prices have gone up a bit, so although it's not dirt-cheap like several reviews mention, it's still very reasonably priced considering the quality, the small business, and the challenges of maintaining a restaurant throughout COVID era
- It's metered street parking, but this neighborhood isn't too busy
- Service is so friendly, total mom-and-pop vibes