Bodhi Corner delights the senses, offering vegan and vegetarian options at no cost to flavor

Tucked onto the corner of Chestnut and 35th in the bustling Hampden neighborhood, Bodhi Corner brings authentic Thai cuisine to the neighborhood. This family owned restaurant offers an extensive menu of familiar and adventurous dishes, many of which can be customized with a variety of protein options

In fact, their plant-based protein options are what make them particularly appealing. As a slowly transitioning vegan, Bodhi corner caught my attention with their offerings of mock-chicken and mock-duck in addition to traditional protein options for all entrees.

The pineapple fried rice with mock-chicken was a personal favorite. Granted, if I had bitten in expecting firm, sinewy chicken breast, I would have been taken aback. Knowing what I was getting into, the soft, chewy texture of the mock-chicken paired with a savory, miso-like flavor was very enjoyable and filling. The sweet notes throughout the rice were delivered via pineapple and cashews. The lime added much needed acidity and the cucumber was a refreshing addition. Granted, fried rice is a dish almost guaranteed to be good, but the vegan chicken option was an absolute delight that will have me going back!

My sister, Rachel, ordered her go-to - drunken noodles. Though she is a proud meat eater, she opted for tofu and mushrooms as her protein so we could share. The noodles were “supple and elastic” and the veggies were “really fresh.” The whole dish filled her up very quickly, which is good considering the $16-dollar price tag.

We shared an order of chive dumplings. Like dragon fruit, the dumplings were beautiful but disappointingly flavorless within.

The thick, sweet, salty sauce made up for the lack of flavor in the actual dumplings, but Rachel and I agreed we could have done without them.

Our meal ended on a high note with an order of mango sticky rice. Slices of ripe mango were laid on a bed of fragrant sticky rice, topped with toasted sesame seeds, and served with a white sauce reminiscent of sweetened condensed milk with a much thinner texture. When ordered to-go, you get the pleasure of drizzling the sauce yourself.

Before dessert, Rachel and I both unbuttoned our pants with discomfort. But the magic of dessert made room in our stomachs, and we found ourselves fighting for the last slice of mango.

All said and done, the meal was very satisfying, though some dishes were not worth their price. The wide array of options, some familiar and some adventurous, make this restaurant a great choice for a large group of people who may have different tastes. The ability to customize any entrée as gluten free, dairy free, shellfish free, or vegan while selecting any protein option, meat or vegetarian, ensure all diners will find something that fits their needs.

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The Space: Small, easy to access exterior. One outdoor table

The Bill: Appetizers: $7-&9 Entrees: $13-20 Desserts: $7

The Packaging: Leak proof and secure, food was carefully laid out, sauces on the side, utensils included

Ease of ordering: Website has a direct link to order pickup and delivery. The online menu is separated based on item type, and their large menu is easily navigated

What We Liked: Pineapple Fried Rice; Drunken Noodles, Thai Iced Coffee, Mango Sticky Rice