Chay Restaurant — Restaurant in Bailey's Crossroads

Chay was an awesome experience! I am not a vegetarian and came in thinking that I would find difficulty in finding something that I really wanted. That was not the case! Our party tried and shared three appetizers and four entrees (see photos). We each had our favorites and we definitely plan to come back.

The fried avocado was so good. Great flavor, especially with the sauce. The spring roll was packed tight and that peanut sauce worked well with even dipping a fried wonton.

The Pho was unique! The flavor in the broth was incredible and the tofu/soy proteins really soaked in that flavor. The noodles were an interesting choice (soba) and that dish was just so worth it. As for extra bowls and share it! We didn’t even add hoisin sauce (which is at each table in case you do want it).

My favorite was the clay pot vegan fish. Really unique and also flavorful. Has a fishy taste and texture without the actual meat! The seaweed wrap keeps it all together. I put it on rice and spooned some of the sauce on top and I could have it for every meal! I also really enjoyed the Jade Fried Rice. It’s not so greasy or oily so it’s not too unhealthy, I would assume. Interesting color and it has a nice spice to it! The owner said he grown his own peppers that he uses for it.

My least favorite dish was also my friend’s favorite- the Thai Basil Chicken. It really was good and it was only my least favorite because one dish HAS to be. The vegetables are so fresh but maybe the vegan chicken texture threw me off a bit.

Definitely stop in and try something new - you...

I happily made it to Chay Restaurant in last night. It was a very special experience! Chay is in super clean & vibrant space.

The menu is very large with Vietnamese Staples but also many new dishes I've never seen before. Most is vegan (prob over 90%).

My food was very, very good. Fresh, colorful & really hit on all the details. The lemongrass "beef" in my bowl was of the best I've ever had. Superb texture.

The highlight truly was meeting the owners. One of the 1st things I saw was the owner Thi bussing tables. When you see an ower bussing tables this is a very good sign. He came over and greated me soon after I ordered. What a wonderfully kind and humble person. He shared his story of being in less then ideal health and turning to plant based diet at his wife's (co-owner & chef Lan) behest. After changing his diet, his health quickly improved. He said their goal in opening Chay was not about financial goals but to inspire more to adopt a plant based diet. I was blown away. Thier passion is so evident and genuine.

He subtly pointed me to the house made hot sauce featuring 4 types of chili's grown in their backyard. It was amazing! At the end of the meal, I asked to take a pic with him. He grabbed Lan out of the kitchen to join. 💖

This place is a must try and a must support! A few quick details. No reservations. Space is not very large so could expect a wait time. I arrived around 7 pm and there were a few tables available. You pay at the counter when done. Currently only ordering option for togo...

Best Vegetarian & Vegan food in NOVA!

I'm a big meat eater and am really picky with the vegan/vegetarian food that I eat, but the quality of Chay's food blew me out of the water.

We got the vegetarian pork belly and beef patty, pad thai, sweet and sour soup, and mango sticky rice.

The pork belly tastes exactly like you'd expect from its meat alternative, minus the heaviness and grease of traditional pork belly. It was all the flavor that I could dream of, with a surprisingly good texture.

The pad thai is a staple of the cuisine. It's a strong hitter than you can never go wrong with and remains a top-tier noodle dish.

The sweet and sour soup was the hidden gem of the night. The broth was insanely flavorful, and the protein + vegetables inside were seasoned like nothing I've had in soups before. I'd recommend it to anyone giving Chay's a try. The entire party devoured it even with our different cultural flavor profiles (Mexican, Chinese, and Indian).

The entire evening was a pleasant delight that I feel is becoming harder to find in NOVA. The staff was warm and attentive, the ambiance made me feel at home and at ease, and the food warmed our souls before we ventured back into the cold of night.

I'll definitely be coming back to Chay's, whether alone or in a party. I can't wait to experience a piece of their home again.

P.s. Get a pot of tea and mango sticky rice, you won't...