Vegetarian options at specific DC restaurants

I’m a vegetarian who often doesn’t get to try out certain restaurants such as seafood places or steakhouses. Often when I do pick nice restaurants, I have to scan a menu three times to figure out what my food options are. Still I manage to eat out a good deal and do have my favourite dishes in restaurants which I wanted to share here, sorted according to cuisine:

Indian—At Rasika, my favourite Indian restaurant (6 & D in Chinatown) I usually get the Palak Chaat (fried spinach) and Rabada Patties (potato patties) as appetizers and then get the bindi amchoor (okra) and Goat Cheese Kulcha (stuffed break) and if I get to pick one other dish—the paneer tikka masala (not on the menu). For dessert I get the Apple Jilebi (fritters) served with Cardamom ice cream.

Italian—Al Crostino (U & 13 in the U street area) is a quaint little restaurant that I’ve been only one time but loved it and want to return. That one time I got the tomato, basil mozzarella salad, one of my favourites which was so fresh that it melted in my mouth. For the entrée I got a ricotta cheese based spinach gnocchi “Gnocchi di ricotta e spinaci al Gorgonzola” which was light and fluffy served with a cream sauce—the gnocchi best I’ve ever had!

Thai—Mai Thai (19 & N in Dupont) has become very popular with our crew at work and a good place to go in a large group. The décor is amazing especially compared to the other Thai restaurants around Dupont such as the dingy basement Sala Thai. I love the papaya and mango salads for hot summer days especially if you choose to sit out in the outdoor patio. I also like the vermicelli noodles and the drunken noodles and have been satisfied with the thai green curry vegetables.

Malaysian—Penang (19 & M in Dupont) has a great lunch time special with a an option for spring rolls, salad and entrée for under $10 bucks. The lunch menu offering includes a miso soup which is not veggie. I love the Mango tofu or the Bean curd options.