#MunchiesMonday Entry 2: Have a Relaxing Afternoon at S.P.A. Foods

Well, hello there, my beautiful fellow vegans!

This is the second entry of #MunchiesMonday, this is the part of @MyMeatlessMeals blog where I take you to awesome vegan restaurants, including shops that sell vegan friendly items, located in Bangkok (or in Thailand).

Disclaimer: I only review the places I have been to and have been impressed by. This is not an advertisement nor it is anything but a mere information regarding my experiences. I have no interest to report anything but my personal thoughts and the facts manifested during my visits. The images featured on my blog were all taken by me, as well as all the content which was written by me. If you wish to quote or use my content- kindly send me an email to get written consents before taking actions. Thank you.
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When the subject of vegetarian food is brought up in conversations that I have experienced throughout my life, the names “The Vegetarian Cottage” or “S.P.A. Foods” are mentioned 95% of the time. It is one the most talked about, visited, praised vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok, and has been open for business for the last 17 years.

Before I began my journey as a vegan, the thought of going to a vegetarian restaurant is very daunting. I, like the next foodie, enjoy excitement on a plate. From what I heard, vegetarian food was meant to be bland, boring, and unimaginative. However, ever since I started cooking my own vegan food, interacted with other vegans, learning more about food, I found that remark could not be further from the truth: especially in this case: S.P.A. Foods by Teeranard is basically a Wonderland for us vegans. Want to know why? You just have to keep reading.

It was a weekday afternoon when my mother and I stumbled upon an online review on S.P.A. Foods, and we were captivated. We looked for the first branch, located in Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 16, on Google Map; then, called the restaurant just to make sure. And off we went.
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S.P.A. Foods is situated inside a housing development. At first glance, seemed more like a very homely restaurant. There is a little sign by the gate entrance that says “This is a meat-free zone”. Stepping inside, you'll see a small garden and the restaurant itself. The actual entrance is located on the right side where a member of staff awaits your arrival eagerly. We walked in and instantly could smell lemongrass, which was very relaxing but also made me really want a cup of lemongrass tea. We were shown to a table by a very attentive and polite member of staff who took our drink order before presenting each of us a menu.

The first thing I saw was Filet Mignon. Yes, Filet Mignon. The image of the sign “This is a meat-free zone” popped up in my mind, but I felt like I needed to ask if I was indeed in a vegetarian restaurant. She smiled and assured me that I was in the right place. My mother was very much dazzled by the great selections on the menu. We ended up ordered 3 appetisers, 2 entrees, and two desserts. As some of you already know, my mother is participating in Gin Je tradition at the moment, which means her dietary is basically vegan and she also abstains from 5 types of vegetables. To learn more about Gin Je, click here.

I decided to order the dishes that my mother could enjoy; so, we were instructed to stay away from certain dishes that contained milk and eggs. We ended up with delicious Vegan Tod Mun (Thai-Styled Faux Fish Cakes), Vegan Caesar Salad, Sweet and Sour Soy Protein with Chinese Kale Wraps with fresh chillies and fresh ginger cubes, Vegan Lamb Chops with Port Sauce, and Vegan Chicken Breast. Now, if you don't already know S.P.A. stands for Soy Protein Advanced Foods. Because, my friends, you'd better believe that their foods are truly advanced! Everything may be made from Soy Protein, but the flavours are anything but. 
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Let's start with the Faux Fish Cakes (I sort of named this myself- it wasn't the name written on the menu). Visually, these may be small in size, but just wait till you take a bite. The aroma of your favourite earthy herbs are the first thing that hit you, followed by the perfect texture, and a hint of spice. They are served alongside a sweet chili dipping sauce with crushed cashew nuts. Whoever said vegan food is boring- I'd like them to try these so they'll know how wrong they were.
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On to the next appetizer, Vegan Caesar Salad. As you know, it is nearly impossible to make caesar salad dressing vegan, considering the ingredients used. Although this Caesar Salad doesn't have the identical taste to the original version, but the dressing was tasty. I was informed by the wait staff that it was made from soy milk among other vegan friendly ingredients. There were crispy “fakon” (fake-bacon) bites placed on top of the salad, which gave it a nice crunch. 
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The next thing to arrive was the Chinese Kale Wraps. Kale Yeah! I was most impressed with how well all the ingredients were orchestrated. The fresh ginger cubes amplified and complimented everything in that one bite. It is also listed as one of the most ordered appetisers on the menu. 

Time for entrees: my mother received her "chicken breast" with steamed vegetables, which she was pleased with how tender and flavourful it was. Of course, we are not looking for vegan food that perfectly replicates the flavours of meat, but we are definitely after that quality. Their vegetable gravy was also delicious. All in all, an impressive dish.
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However, everything on the table was outshone by my main course: Vegan Lamb Chops with Port Sauce. Let's talk about impeccable details in this dish. The famous lamb chop bones were made from cinnamon sticks! At first glance, I couldn't quite make out what they were because the resemblance was uncanny. The lamb was made from Soy Protein, no surprise there, but the lamb fat (yes, they have the fat that usually comes with the lamb bones) was mushroom based. It looked appetising as much as it was delicious. The sauce was on point. The flavours are mild, but very assertive at the same time. I loved how tender and juicy the “meat” was. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed every single bite. And would you look at that beautiful sear! I cannot fault it, honestly.
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After indulging in our starters and main courses, it was time for dessert. We ordered Vegan Coconut “nicecream”, listed on the menu as traditional coconut ice cream, and we were, indeed, in for a treat. The nicecream was served with a side of sticky rice and toasted peanuts: creamy without any cream, delicious without any guilt.
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Our experience at S.P.A. Foods may have reached an end (for my first visit), but I am beyond confident that it is a beginning of lifetime customer loyalty. The first bite I took, I knew that I had to write about my experience here, just so others could have the opportunity to try something this amazing for themselves. Fun fact: I had only realised that S.P.A. Foods was awarded The Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Asia the moment I was leaving the restaurant. However, I wasn't a tad surprised because that was I was thinking the whole time I sat there. If you'd like to learn more about S.P.A. Foods, you may do so by going online and search for other reviews- better yet, go visit the restaurant and see for yourselves. You'd be glad you did.
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