Traveling north on Mission Gorge Road nestled amongst all the usual fast-food suspects there’s a notable exception, The Purple Mint, an Asian-inspired Vegan restaurant in the Grantville, Allied Gardens neighborhood.

Upon entering the restaurant you cross over a Koi pond and into a tranquil and calming main dining area. Buddha images line one wall. Another wall is filled with greenery. A patio is adjacent and surrounded by plants. The Purple Mint defines their goal as “to provide delicious, colorful entrees without sacrificing healthy eating”. Many vegan people complain that the only option they have at restaurants is salad. Here they can have an entire meatless dining experience with healthy and tasty Asian Fusion cuisine.

Using “faux” meats that are actually soy proteins flavored to taste like shrimp, beef or chicken, you will find a variety of tasty dishes. Soy proteins are a great source of plant-based proteins, eliminating gluten and replacing eggs, plus they’re gluten-free. Purple mint also known as Perilla mint is an herbaceous annual native to East Asia and is used in most of their dishes.

The menu is extensive and imaginative. For an appetizer try the “Peking Duck” or Satay “Chicken” Lettuce Wraps.

For the adventurous eater, try the “Jack Fruit” Salad with Jack Fruit slices, “Shrimp”, tofu, pickled daikon radishes and carrots with a house vinaigrette. A play on the iconic dish from northern Thailand, the Green Papaya salad features shredded green papaya and bean curd skin jerky in a sweet and sour vinaigrette.

If you’re a curry lover, try the Yam and Sweet Potato Curry, with king mushrooms and tofu, in coconut milk. Other popular dishes are Kung Pao “Chicken” Orange “Chicken, 

Another specialty is their Pho. Either “chicken” or “beef” with shitake mushrooms and loaded with vegetables.

Treat yourself to a pleasant and tranquil dining experience with great service.

The Purple Mint is open daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Located at 6171 Mission Gorge Road, Suite 118. Call (619) 280-3388 for more information.

Find their menu at: thepurplemint.com.