Cheap Eats 2008: Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant

Why go: Raw-foodists, vegans, plain old vegetarians, and even staunch carnivores—the mock General Tso’s chicken could fool anyone—all tune in at this Asian-accented cafe.

What to get: Edamame tossed with sesame; mock fried-chicken nuggets (actually mushrooms and soy protein); spicy Thai tom yum goong soup with mushrooms and bamboo shoots; sweet-sour marinated tofu-skin “sushi” with brown rice; curry fried rice; a take on General Tso’s chicken made with soy protein; Amazing Mushrooms Palate, a mildly spicy sauté of four varieties of mushroom with edamame and ginger.

Best for: Diners looking for an all-natural high—you’ll feel like running a marathon after one of the macrobiotic entrées. Also good for a quick carryout.

Insider tip: Not everything is super-healthy. It’s not the chicken that makes General Tso’s chicken bad for you—it’s the sticky-sweet sauce—and frying is frying.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

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