I've reviewed some dishes from Rui's Shanghai Bistro before on Instagram, Facebook, and I think maybe even Yelp. They are my number one choice for great Chinese takeout that's close to me. This place is not like the usual Panda Express (ew, ew, ew!) or your local cafeteria-like spot that produces a congealed mess of orange chicken and chow mein. By the way orange chicken isn't a Chinese dish. The more you know.
Rui's produces their food to order. They have a massive menu with dishes that I haven't seen since I grew up in Taiwan. It's pretty great being able to have access to food I normally can't get to unless I roam LA or Rowland Heights.
I'd say my favorite dishes there would be the toothpick lamb, or something in the red meat category. Ooooo they have this awesome pork belly dish that has tea eggs in it. That one is bomb.
Going there was little saddening because I was smelling all of the things I'd normally order, except this time I can't. LUCKY ME. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have an extensive vegetarian section that also includes vegan selections.
I ordered their spicy basil "chicken" and the eggplant in garlic sauce. Also tried out their noodles with green onions. Everything was really good!
Mock chicken doesn't have the texture of the real deal. I mean, they try... but it's nowhere close. It doesn't shred like chicken does, but it has the chew. The mildly spicy sauce with fresh jalapenos and basil is what really made the dish.
This garlicky eggplant, on the other hand was BOMB. Vegan or not, if you like veggies, this would make anyone happy. I wish I had a jet-fuel burner, or whatever they have going on in that kitchen, to get my eggplant at home to retain its color, but still be cooked through. It's like magic. Crazy, well-liked heat and well seasoned wok, is apparently the only way to make this happen. (That's the Chinese cooking gospel according to my pops.)
I'm thinking that Chinese or Asian restaurants in general, will probably be my best bet in this vegan adventure. Can't wait to go back to Rui's and try other vegan dishes. If you're in Redlands, give it a go. Vegan or not, I'm sure you'll find something you'd enjoy.
You buying?
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