In the heart of beef country, a family-run restaurant has defied the odds and carved out a vegetarian success story. Padmanadi was opened in 2002 by Kasim Kasim, who had operated a restaurant of the same name in Jakarta, Indonesia since the late 70s. Kasim realized there wasn’t anyone doing vegan and vegetarian-only food in Edmonton at the time and knew he could make it work. “The first three years we struggled,” says his daughter Maya Paramitha, “most people would have closed, but my dad believed in himself and stuck with it.” Eventually, word of mouth spread and the family was soon able to buy a bigger place.
Padmanadi’s success can be attributed to the family that runs it. Maya says she is blessed to be working alongside her parents and sister. “I’m grateful,” she adds. “You know, most people don’t get to spend 12 hours a day with their family. Our family relationship is very strong.”
That strong family relationship can be felt by all of the customers who visit Padmanadi, and are treated like friends. “We don’t want people to feel like they’re coming into a restaurant per se,” says Maya, “it’s more like they’re coming to a friend’s house.
Think your friends might be familiar with this business? Ask your friends on Facebook to see what they think.
Padmanadi serves vegetarian and vegan twists on Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine. It’s located right in Chinatown, and is probably one of the best vegetarian places I’ve tried in Edmonton. I’m always baffled that it’s vegetarian. They also have a booth during Taste of Edmonton food festival, which is always good!
View this Smart ListThis vegetarian and vegan restaurant may not have meat, but it does have heat. The menu helpfully notes which items are spicy, so you can order accordingly. The tom yum soup and hot and sour soup are both sizzling hot and packed with flavour. The spicy eggplant is stir-fried with chili sauce, while the spicy coconut eggplant is cooked with Chinese radish, tomatoes and a heat-heavy coconut sauce. There are multiple spicy entrée options, including tom yum mutton, vegetarian chicken nuggets, curry and Mongolian chicken.
View this Smart ListA staple in the vegetarian restaurant scene for more than 10 years, Padmandi is located near the downtown Ice District. Serving vegetarian food that blends Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine, Padmandi’s faux meat dishes can fool even the strictest carnivore. The Padmandi menu can satisfy both vegan (egg and dairy free) and vegetarian eaters, while also satisfying the meat lovers.
View this Smart List