Bite Of The Day: Dumplings, Chicken & More At Zen Vegetarian House

Amid yesterday’s insistently cold and drizzly weather, we were in the mood for something that was more “yes! heat!” and less lingering winter. So, with umbrellas in hand and tucked into the winter coats we’re hoping will soon be making their home in some far flung corner of a closet, we made our way to the Zen Vegetarian House (773 Flatbush Avenue between Clarkson Avenue and Lenox Road).

Previously, we’d ordered takeout from the restaurant, and this was our first time sitting down at the spot that’s located a little more than a block from the intersection of Flatbush and Caton Avenues and just across from the Flatbush Caton Market.

Arriving around 7pm, we were at first the only ones in the restaurant — a sparsely decorated spot that, while we wouldn’t recommend for ambiance, is spacious and filled with incredibly friendly employees who are happy to explain the ins and outs of their menu. As we contemplated what to get — fried calamari? Miso soup? General Tso’s Chicken? Scallion pancake? — we were soon joined by a number of other people who seemed to be on the same mission as us: get me to a world of soup and hot tea!

First, we started out with hot green tea ($2.50), vegetarian dumplings (six for $4) and hot and sour soup ($3 for a small). Everything was fresh and delicious — and quickly devoured. For an entree, we split the orange flavored “chicken,” ($11) which came with steamed broccoli sautéed in orange and tangerine sauces. Perfectly moist and sweet, this is a dish we’ll definitely be getting again.

Zen Vegetarian House is located at 773 Flatbush Avenue. They are open from 12pm-10:30pm on Sunday and 11:30am to 10:30pm Monday through Saturday. To reach the restaurant, you can call 718-282-2255 or visit their website.