Souen Part I

Souen is an organic vegan macrobiotic restaurant just south of Union Square. According to Souen's website, "The idea of macrobiotic is very simple. It is thought that by eating balanced foods such as grains and vegetables that are more local and in season, we can maintain good physical and spiritual health and live in harmony with nature"

Souen's menu includes balanced foods such as soup, salad, basics (noodles, tofu, tempeh, seitan, pickles, steamed vegetables, hijiki), planet platters (see below), small plates, sushi, chef's specials, vegetarian plates, tempura, and a favorites section. For non-vegans they also serve fish and seafood. To visit their website click here. There are three locations in New York; Union Square, Soho and the East Village. I usually frequent the original location at Union Square. On a recent visit, I ordered the following items for take-out:

Chef Salad

Broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, daikon, avocado, cucumber, sprout, yam and seaweed on a bed of mesclun. Served with choice of carrot dressing or oil-free sesame vinaigrette. I really enjoyed the chef's salad with carrot dressing. The combination of all ingredients created a nice balanced salad.

Sesame and Carrot dressing

Small Planet Platter

Brown rice, bean (navy), hijiki seaweed, and steamed vegetables (kale, kabocha, carrot, taro, and cabbage). I almost always order the small planet platter because I love kabocha squash. One of my favorite root vegetables.

Yuba

Fine tofu rolls marinated in light soy sauce, then steamed. Very light and tasty.

Goma-ae

Steamed greens (snap peas) with black sesame sauce. These greens were steamed perfectly. I liked the crisp texture of the snap peas. I hate it when greens are steamed or cooked too long. When that happens, I feel like I'm eating baby food. Not here though!

For more delicious healthy food stay tuned for Souen Part II.