Golden Era, San Francisco

welcome to Golden Era!

Vegan “meat” is delicious cooked Asian Style in the Tenderloin. Golden Era has a huge menu full of exciting dishes cooked up in a spicy Vietnamese/Chinese fashion. A few of us had been talking about going for many months, as our friends eat more vegetarian foods since they became pescatarians.

I’ve been going to Golden Era for a long time because I live nearby, but I found out it’s a haven for vegans everywhere. People come from all over the City to eat there because it’s so delicious. There is no dairy or eggs in any of the dishes but they won’t be missed because the flavors are bold and stand on their own. Choices are numerous for entrées including: rice plates, specialty clay pots, soups, and noodles. They’ve got plenty of good appetizers, too, like the Vegetable Fu-Young, something that we tried when we went. It’s a rich tasting fried patty of various onions and veggies spiced just right. It could be a meal in itself so make sure you have someone to share it with!

vegetable fu-young

I love the Pot Stickers. They’re soft, warm and have a hint of sesame with the dipping sauce. They taste just like meat ones (not that that should matter) but they are made with tofu! Oh, and the Vietnamese Spicy Sweet and Sour Soup #12 is a nice starter for two or meal for one. It has the sweetness of pineapple but sour lemony and pizzazz of peppers and veggies. It’s served over a flame so it cooks on the table.

Prices are not bad-ranging from 8-12 dollars a plate. My husband and I always get the “chicken”#46 it’s a deep fried soy protein spiced so it tastes like sizzling chicken. The texture is crunchy and on the hotter end of spice meter! The Pho soup #16 is warming to the soul and belly with the added protein soy like chunks thrown in. Loke the more traditional beef pho, this one is served with bean sprouts, basal, and jalapeño’s for a finishing touch!

vegan pho

The most recent time that I went, I bravely ordered something out of my comfort zone that was new to me: # 31 Vermicelli w/Fried Rolls & Tofu. This it’s what was left-after gobbling the tofu rolls! It was so nice to wrap lettuce with the noodles and fried tofu rolls. It sort of feels like you’re creating your own dish right at the table.

They don’t have liquor, beer or wine and unfortunately don’t permit corkage. I like to think of it as a chance to rest your liver! There were several non-alcoholic beverages like Thai Iced Tea and Young Coconut Drink. Of course water is always available. Their vegan desserts are kind of exciting. The Vegan Strawberry Cheese Cake is surely something to savor.

Golden Era is located on 572 O’Farrell Street between Leavenworth and Jones. Go to Golden Era for a yummy time and order up a storm, then take the rest home for a meal later.

spicy vegetarian chicken

yummy spicy tofu

looking for inspiration from above at Golden Era