Buddha's Vegan Restaurant image

Buddha's Vegan Restaurant

Restaurant Asian restaurant Vegan restaurant

An unassuming eatery with spare decor that serves popular Chinese dishes made with mock meats. People often mention vegan, good, friendly, rice, restaurant, noodles, tofu, great, delicious, fried,


Address

666 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1H9, Canada

Website

www.buddharestaurant.ca

Contact

+1 416-603-3811

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11 am to 8 pm
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: vegan (40) good (22) friendly (16) rice (16) restaurant (15) noodles (15) tofu (15) great (14) delicious (13) fried (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Xinran W. 2 years ago on Google
    Super delicious imitation meats and sauces. We had ordered ginger veg beef and sweet and sour chicken. Even my partner, who was not vegan, enjoyed himself a lot. The service was very friendly and super fast. He even refilled our water and tea even though we were almost done our food. Can't wait to come back!!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Veggie S. 3 months ago on Google • 140 reviews New
    Dishes are greasy but overall are not too bad. Added one extra + star for food because portion and reasonable price.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 maria jose i. 9 months ago on Google
    This is one of the best vegan restaurant that I’ve tried! The food is really good, flavours and taste are amazing! The owner is so nice and definitely if I come back to Toronto I’ll be go here again! ❤️🥰🙌🏻
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyle Y. 1 year ago on Google
    My partner and I are not vegan, but we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. The imitation meat here is no joke - I couldn’t believe it wasn’t the real thing! We had the sweet and sour spareribs, kung pow chicken, and black bean rice noodles. All amazing! Can’t wait to come back and try more delicious vegan food. Also, thank you so much Bruce for your amazing service.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tristen H. 1 year ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Love this place so much! We’ve been here several times already, and it’s always delicious food that makes you feel good at a good price. My partner and I aren’t vegan but we’re a huge fan of their imitation meats and just the food in general. Definitely hits the spot and we never have any complaints. Can’t wait to come back and try more things on the menu.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nels0n N. 7 months ago on Google • 244 reviews
    The establishment was quite tiny, with only around 5 tables. I suggest opting for takeout instead. I placed my order for takeout over the phone. After picking it up and arriving home, I discovered a couple of mistakes. I had ordered fried bean curd but received fried tofu instead. Additionally, I requested the Buddha special noodle soup, but received crispy chow mein instead. I felt a bit disappointed, but the food itself was decent. It wasn't bad at all.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ron S. 5 months ago on Google • 310 reviews
    I found my dish - Crispy Noodles with Mock Duck - mediocre. Not a very good blend of flavors, or much flavor at all. It'd be good for a person who needs a bland diet but for me it was lacking any excitement. The people who run the place are very nice and attentive so if you're just looking for a friendly place to eat this would do you fine.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Google U. 1 year ago on Google
    Don't be fooled, the food at this establishment is amazing! The vegan chicken is some of the most realistic and crispy I've had and the rice was burnt to perfection. I can tell that the cook knows what they're doing. The staff are so friendly and helped us pick a dish, as it was our first time here. I got General Tao's chicken with mixed vegetable fried rice and my boyfriend the Shrimp vermicelli. The appetizers we had were also good, we didn't get pictures of them. They were the dumplings and spring rolls, very crispy and flavorful!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diane 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely experience at Buddha’s Vegan restaurant. Large portions of fresh and delicious food at very fair prices. If you prefer to pay for the food instead of fancy decor/interior, this is your spot. The fried rice with olive leaf is a MUST, recommended by the server. Also got the Hot and sour soup, Mapo tofu, and the Kung pao chicken - the flavour and texture was 💯. Food served up hot and fresh in less than 10 minutes. We’re both not vegan, but didn’t miss the meat at all. Highly recommend this spot and looking forward to return to try the other dishes.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khoi P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very very good stuff. Had the Fried Rice Noodles with Veggie Beef and it was amazing. The sauce is the magic here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my all-time favourite restaurants in Toronto. I come here all the time and the staff are the sweetest people. I ordered #72 (wolf berries and bean curd with seasonal green) and #40 (fried vermicelli Singapore style) for a quick bite and it was delicious as always. They are so accommodating to whatever diet I'm trying, haha. They're the best! 🤤
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TW 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible vegan food. I ordered takeout as Toronto is in another lockdown - what a great way to warm up and raise spirits. I’m still so amazed, I haven’t had vegan Chinese food before, however I’ve had a lot of vegan food in general. This is spectacular! I really appreciate all the hard work and care that goes into making these dishes - it feels so rare and special, I definitely plan to order again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin W. 2 years ago on Google
    Despite being a skeptic of all things vegan and vegetarian, I can unreservedly recommend this place to everyone, including to meat lovers. The food is absolutely delicious and their imitation meats are some of the best I’ve ever had (forget this “beyond meat” business). Would highly recommend any of their fried rice noodle dishes- e.g with imitation “beef” in black bean sauce or with tofu and eggplant. Their sweet and sour “pork” or ginger “beef” is also excellent. Alternatively, just go with one of their tried and true dishes like the eggplant and tofu (pictured), Buddha’s delight, or chow mein. Quick and friendly service- great for a convenient lunch. Portion sizes are huge and meant to be shared (in true Chinese family style fashion). They also have frozen products in the back including their tofu and imitation meats that are available for purchase for those interested in stocking up.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kevin N. 2 years ago on Google
    Edit: ordered takeout again. Lowered to 3 stars. Big portion and fast. But everything just tasted really bland. Crispy noodles were drenched in sauce and came really soggy. Perhaps a side container with the sauce would help. Wasn't flavourful at all. Kinda like everything been steamed Eggplant and tofu black bean was okay. Wouldn't be missing out on anything if you didn't get it. Little hesitant to order from then again next time ---- Ordered mixed veggies fried brown rice, buddhas deluxe and crispy ginger veggie beef This place definitely has a good dollar per meal as the dishes are quite massive and the prices are relatively low given downtown meal prices Fried rice was a little oily and lacked in seasoning. Buddhas deluxe was good, veggies are a bit overcooked but that is based on preference. Was curious about the crispy veggies beef but it was more soggy breading with a sliver of 'beef' in the middle. This meal will definitely last a couple of days!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna L. 2 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Affordable and delicious vegan meals! The only thing I would really want is siracha and hoisin sauce as an option in the counter, because the food isn't spicy for spice lovers. It's good to order dishes and share amogst people to maximize which foods you try! Protip: bring cash!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica Thai (. 3 months ago on Google • 80 reviews New
    Literally best vegan Chinese food ever. My family has been coming here ever since I was a kid. The crispy chow mein noodles and the mock duck are my favourites

  • 5/5 Anna P. 2 years ago on Google
    I love Chinese vegan food, it’s so different from Western vegan food. There’s more options with stir fry dishes and a lot of different ways to prepare bean curds. I ordered the hot and sour soup, the noodles with imitation chicken and everything was delicious. I’m surprised that vegan food can taste this good, to be honest. The owner was also very friendly and cheery. He checked our vaccination receipts once we were seated. I noticed a few locals paid a visit and everyone genuinely enjoyed their meal. This restaurant is by Dundas/Bathurst, pay a visit if you’re ever having a craving to eat healthy food!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samantha 1 year ago on Google
    This restaurant is AMAZING. I got the eggplant tofu stir fry in black bean sauce . It was so good I came back a second time THAT SAME DAY. (I was only in Toronto for one day) wow so awesome to have a fully vegan menu with some fresh tasting Asian food . Also friendly staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jack S. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome little place off the beaten path near Kensington Market. Some of the best vegan Asian food I’ve ever had, managed/owned by a proud and energetic gentleman that oozes pride to his establishment and backs it up with great taste and stellar service. The gluten free options are legit for those who suffer from celiac as they isolate the cook for these items. I will be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Charandeep S. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best food i have ever tried woww
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janet Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Been buying take out for years and never disappointed !! Best food great taste !!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayla H. 8 months ago on Google
    Fast, friendly service and great food! We enjoyed everything we ate. Our favorites were the sausage, calamari, and lemon chicken. Would definitely eat here again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shriraam M. 2 years ago on Google
    We headed to this little restaurant after seeing good reviews in Google maps, and other websites. We were a little skeptical because of how the place looks, but much to our surprise, and true to the ratings and reviews, we enjoyed having our lunch here. The place looks really congested because it had only two four seaters, and two two seaters. There were only two people working at the restaurant, but they were really fast in terms of serving people. Our server was really funny, and he was very friendly. Moving forward, we had fries Tofus, veg dumpling soup, fried rice, and tofu and eggplant curry. The quantity of food given was way too much, and we had to take it to go.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Hugues R. 2 years ago on Google
    This a small restaurant and it is very basic decor. The menu is interesting. We had the tofu and mushroom pot and the duck on crispy noodles + brown rice. It is said that it is the best Chinese restaurant in Toronto and even Ontario. I am very disappointed: the portions are large and the food is fresh. It was served hot. But...it is almost tasteless it is so bland. The tofu was watery and the duck was not even caramelized. It was a tofu it was okay in itself but not spiced at all. So it is uninspiring food. The WC is past the dish washing machine room: frankly I don't want to describe the degree of uncleanness there was....!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda S. 2 years ago on Google
    I’m a new vegan and I’m so happy I found this place. Thank you for existing. The kung Pao chicken tastes like the real thing. I couldn’t believe it. Definitely will be a regular to this place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ceci W. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    One of my all time favourites in Toronto, has been for years! They have a wide selection of vegan Chinese food, which is generally quite hard to find otherwise. Good prices & portion sizes too, every time I end up taking leftovers home. I’ve taken a variety of friends here and everyone has loved it. Accessibility wise, there are a couple of steps required to get into the restaurant. Very friendly staff. Definitely check this place out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aleksander S. 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Huge and tasty vegetarian meals accompanied by jasmine tea. Great choice of dishes at a reasonable price. The service is kind and friendly as well.

  • 5/5 Richard D. 8 months ago on Google
    A quaint little establishment, somewhat hidden in plain sight. This homey feeling restaurant serves up deceptively large plates of tasty vegan takes on classic Asian and Asian-American dishes. As a meat eater myself, I thoroughly enjoyed their takes on tofu imitation chicken as well as their stir fried noodles. Despite the strong competition for vegan restaurants in the area, I would consider this a top choice if you're around the area.

  • 4/5 Ektaa B. 11 months ago on Google
    Great kung pao! Everything else was mediocre. Had high hopes for the fried rice and the mock duck based on other reviews but we were disappointed. Great service and friendly people. They also serve tea at the tables, which is nice.

  • 5/5 Aaron V. 7 months ago on Google
    We love Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant so much. Great prices, large portions, and just so so so tasty.

  • 5/5 Christian C. 8 months ago on Google
    LOVE this place!! The servings are great, the variety is nice, and the people working here are very friendly! More of a takeout place than a dine-in but you can definitely eat there too. A must have if you like Chinese food and you’re vegan!

  • 5/5 Guilherme C. 7 months ago on Google
    IMO the best and most underrated vegan restaurant in Toronto...and all for a great price. So many options to choose from.

  • 5/5 Brian J. 6 months ago on Google
    Favourite vegan restaurant in Toronto by far. Great servings at a decent price. Food is good. The mock duck is a highlight.

  • 5/5 Kristen G. 6 months ago on Google
    I have been here a handful of times and when I come to Toronto, this is my go to place. I love it so much. The food is absolutely amazing and the people that work here are so sweet. They sell their vegan food frozen too! Which is great for someone like myself that lives far away. If you're a vegan or vegetarian, I for sure recommend coming here as your first stop for some amazing food. Their "chicken" drumsticks are absolutely amazing.

  • 5/5 Henry 2 years ago on Google
    You're not a vegan, not a vegetarian, not a problem. You just need to love a place that serves great food at a great price with lots of value. This place is a triple threat. The imitation duck with noodles is incredible. I've had it a few times and it's always a winner. I'm a huge fan of small, quaint, and not fancy ma&pa shops like this. If you want fancy and good with a price tag to fit, there are plenty of other places. This place gives you what's important..enjoy!

  • 5/5 Jason 4 months ago on Google
    2 dishes, 28$, both of us full, food was really good, well prepared, grandmas came in to eat beside us - wherever grandmas eat out you know it has to be good. Suprised dine in is not busier, but lots of takeout happening though while we were there

  • 5/5 Joanne L. 2 years ago on Google
    This was by far the BEST Chinese Vegan restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating at. My dining experience couldn’t have been more pleasant! Tasty food, generous portions and you can tell they pour love into their fare. I highly recommend them! Totally worth a visit. You won’t be sorry!

  • 4/5 Alex S. 10 months ago on Google
    It's a small shop run by a husband and wife. They have some of the dishes you would expect to find at a Chinese restaurant, but it's all vegan! I docked a star because a couple of the dishes we got (the mixed veg curry, the corn and tofu soup, and the mushroom mix with greens) were a bit light on flavor. However, the eggplant and tofu in black bean sauce with noodles was AWESOME! And the "steak" with vegetables over crispy noodles was great. And the fried rice with the fermented olive leaves was a favorite of ours too. Definitely recommend those three.

  • 5/5 Antoine d. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was soooo good ! I had the rice noodles with veggie meat and satay sauce (GF), and my girlfriend had the sweet and sour veggie ribs (GF) The service was excellent and I would love to come back and try other dishes !

  • 5/5 prajesh m. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice restaurant. Each and every dish is Vegan. Loved the taste and the flavor. The welcome tea is worth devouring. The ginger beef is so tasty and so are the dumplings. Ask for a side of Chilli oil if you like your food spicy ...its a delicacy for sure.

  • 5/5 Eric M. 9 months ago on Google
    Had to log in specifically just to rave about this place. They say the best foods are served at the hole in wall places and this is proof. Service was good and food was better. They were out of the broccoli 'beef' but everything else was outstanding. I'm from Los Angeles and this is some of the best vegan food I've had and without a doubt the best Asian vegan. Don't worry about the local and try this gem of a place.

  • 5/5 Laura H. 2 years ago on Google
    Very friendly staff and amazingly tasting food... What else could you ask for!

  • 5/5 Amanda R. 1 year ago on Google
    the best vegan food in the city. the atmosphere is super authentic and cozy. the staff is friendly and i love coming here. my fave is the general chicken, soy shrimp rice, and my absolute fav buddha’s deluxe. so flavourful and filling. really affordable pricing and quick service. would always recommend!

  • 5/5 CheesyCat8 2 years ago on Google
    As a vegan, it can sometimes be difficult to find good places to eat out, but this place really delivered! The food is divine, not to mention their great prices. The staff was also really friendly and kept our water and tea topped up. If you’re looking for delicious vegan food not too far from the subway, I recommend you go here!

  • 5/5 Kyla W. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious food, great service. I got the drumsticks appetizer, small wonton soup and rice noodles with "beef" and bean sprouts. It was delicious, just what I wanted, and plenty of noodles left over for lunch the next day. The wontons had a spice (I think?) I wasn't accustomed to in wontons for soup, but they were homemade and every place has their own style--and it was yummy. (FYI in case you have particular feelings about soup wontons :) They dutifully checked my vaccination when I arrived. They didn't rush my meal and the person who took my order was efficient but friendly. I will definitely eat there again.

  • 5/5 Gang H. 1 year ago on Google
    Small vegan restaurants near Chinatown. As I remember it is at this location forever. Food is good fresh well taste price is very reasonable. We had take out and it was fast even with full house of guest.

  • 5/5 Vivek V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food and very generous portions which is so rare these days. Everything is amazing. I was very impressed by the fake duck, the fried rice and the drumsticks.

  • 4/5 mattyg m. 2 years ago on Google
    The crispy vegetarian Shrimps with spicy pepper salt was as good as the real McCoy. It's amazing how the Chef was able to recreate it. We got a side of sweet and sour sauce to go too. Only limited metered paid parking is available. Since this is only a short distance away from Chinatown and Kensington Market, it makes it worthwhile to stop by while in around the area. #torontoeats #vegetarianfood #vegan #chinesefood

  • 5/5 Matthew B. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely one of the best vegan meals of any kind I've had in Toronto! The flavours, the textures; so delicious. Friendly service, making people happy since 1991. What more could you ask for? Try, then repeat!

  • 5/5 Macy D. 2 years ago on Google
    Buddha’s is a real delight—from walking basically thru the kitchen to our table, our whistling waiter, to the amazing food, we had a great time. We ordered way too much food—deep fried taro, rice noodles in black bean sauce with steak, a tofu veggie soup of some kind, and veggie dumplings. We were able to have dinner the next night! Everything was so delicious, we were talking about it many times after we left. Currently still thinking about that taro…. Toronto has some amazing vegan food, and this was a must-try place! Thanks for the plant based yummies. Wish I had taken more photos, but this leftover taro itself looks delicious!!

  • 5/5 Celina L. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly and attentive service and generous portions. I love taking friends here because they are always so blown away by this gem! The mock duck on noodles and green beans are divine.

  • 5/5 Jenifer C. 2 years ago on Google
    The imitation duck 👌. I remember the days when my parents took us out to specifically get the imitation duck with their crispy noodles and we would just eat at back of our minivan. Little did I know at the time that this was vegan food. It's now been almost 25 years and I still frequent this place whenever I can. It's honestly the best vegan food around here. Please continue to stay open 🙏 so I can share this with my kids one day.


Call +1 416-603-3811 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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