Description
There's nothing bland, unsatisfying, or overtly cosmic about the food at Cha-Ya, a Mission District purveyor of vegan-friendly cookery. In fact, Cha-Ya's sushi, noodles, soups, and dumplings are so rich, flavorful, and fulfilling, the place can stand as a splendid Japanese restaurant in its own right. Potstickers hot from the fryer burst with fresh, crisp flavors. A dozen vegetables and gingko nuts hide under the silky, jiggly surface of the Moon Garden (steamed tofu custard), and every bowl of sukiyaki contains half the produce section at Whole Foods. There are skewers of broiled asparagus and eggplant, nigiri topped with carved mushrooms, and tempura-fried Cha-Ya rolls filled with yam, avocado, and asparagus.
