Capitol Hill’s vegetarian noodle bistro offers a variety of vegan-friendly dishes.

As an “opportunistic vegan,” I always look for new vegan spots to hit up in Seattle. Our town has long been known for its underground slew of conscious eaters. As a result, a number of Seatown eateries offer vegan options – or, in some cases, full menus. Non-vegans don’t have to worry, though — vegans know how to dance with this thing called flavor.

A perfect example is Capitol Hill’s In the Bowl Vegetarian Noodle Bistro – a fully vegan, Asian-inspired restaurant that prohibits animal products on the premises. What they do allow is fresh produce, homemade sauces and faux meats, including rarely imitated fare like duck, fish and prawns.

The Chicken Nuggets ($6.95) are so crispy and tender that it’s hard to tell they aren’t made from chicken. In The Bowl turns the Asian flair up a notch by serving a sweet and sour dipping sauce alongside the nuggets, instead of the usual ketchup. With an American favorite familiar to any palate, this appetizer has a taste that most will enjoy.

For those intimidated by foods that don’t end in “umber 7 with fries,” check your worrisome ways at the door and try the Melting Culture ($7.95), a mouth-watering platter of roti rice triangles with green curry dipping sauce. The triangles are remnant of pan-fried flatbreads found in Africa (chapatti) and India (paratha), and the coconut milk flavor of the sauce makes a great passenger on the triangle train. Order a side of the flaky flatbread with any of the curries offered at the restaurant. Yes, it is that tasty.

The Beef Tokyo Noodle ($9.25) is for any Johnny Pad Thai in search of a safe, new obsession. The udon noodles, cooked to perfection, swim happily alongside the vibrant, fresh veggies and faux beef. A ginger-teriyaki sauce married all the ingredients, and was a nice compliment to the already marinated “beef.”

If you crave something ballsy, have the duck in a noodle or stir-fry dish (prices vary). Duck hardly ever shows its face on vegan menus so In the Bowl’s take on it — smoky in flavor, with a comparable texture to moist Tofurky—was a nice surprise.

For those who are touchy about texture, the prawns might not be for you. If you’re itching for some imitation seafood, try the pseudo-fish in one of the Curry Episode dishes. Just in case you want to impress anyone, think twice about ordering anything too spicy. Their ish will melt off your face if you order anything with more than a two-star rating.

I give this restaurant a full cup of gravy. You’ll have to stop in at least once a week (with your Tupperware!) to try all their goodies.

In The Bowl Vegetarian Noodle Bistro  |  1554 E. Olive Way, Capitol Hill  |  (206) 568-2343