Even Meat Eaters Can’t Help but Fall In Love With the Menu at This Plant-Based Restaurant in Washington

So, here's the thing: I like meat. While I don't think a meal needs it to be complete, I can't remember when I wasn't pleased to see a piece of fried chicken on my plate. That said, no one is more pleased than I am to see vegan and vegetarian meals finally getting the recognition they deserve! And it's no wonder — plant-based dining is becoming more popular nationwide, attracting talented restauranteurs and chefs. Washington is no exception, and hunting down a delicious, meat-eschewing meal has never been easier.

Still, if I were to recommend one vegan restaurant in Seattle, it would be South Lake Union's Kati Vegan Thai. With its lofty interiors and mouth-watering dishes, this is the spot I'd bet could convert even the hardcorest-core carnivore.

Kati Vegan Thai grew from founder Fon Spaulding's childhood memories of cooking alongside her mother and grandma in Bang Phra. Surrounded by Thailand's bounty of fresh ingredients, their motto was simple: "Make it easy." That is, don't hide a food's quality with unnecessary spices and short-cut techniques. This philosophy is at the heart of Spaulding's restaurant, where those early lessons translate into a menu that celebrates traditional, from-scratch methods, organic ingredients, and freshness. And trust me — you can taste it in every bite.

Though at first glance, Thai seems well-suited to vegan and vegetarian cooking, it actually requires several sauces that are traditionally derived from seafood. At Kati Vegan Thai, fish broths and sauces are substituted with plant-based options — bringing deep umami flavor to curries and stir-fries while staying vegan-friendly. Not only that, they're made in-house. While that's a bummer for snoops who'd gladly sleuth out the brand and stock it in their home pantry — in other words, snoops like me — it's yet another indication of the kitchen's dedication to freshness.

Feeling peckish? This eatery's entrées prove that veggies are just as filling and satisfying as meat. If you're out for dinner, it's hard to go wrong. Diners craving comforting Thai classics will find much to love in the pad see-ew, pineapple fried rice, and massaman curry. For those with more adventurous palates, I recommend the chuchi artichoke with rice, a crave-worthy creation that will convince you of the artichoke's place in Thai cuisine — a synergy I'd not previously considered.

If you haven't been saving your appetite, don't worry — Kati Vegan Thai has plenty of inspired appetizers and drinks to kick things off. And, with floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish wood-clad interiors, and flattering lighting, it's the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a date. My favorite light bites? The garlic jackfruit on sticky rice and devil's wings — firey-hot, deep-fried oyster mushrooms that pack a satisfying crunch. Pair your night's grazing with one of the bar's hand-crafted and oh-so-good drinks, and your Friday is off to the races!

At one point in time, you could be forgiven for having reservations about vegan dining. But if you're still vetoing restaurants for not serving meat, you're stuck in the past. All across Washington, plant-based eateries are redefining the game, proving that vegan and vegetarian meals can be satisfying, hearty, and utterly crave-inducing. Still need convincing? Head to Kati Vegan Thai in Seattle. This spot could convince the most cynical carnivore to buy a vegetarian cookbook.