A new Wai Wai Kitchen opens next week in the space that Manow used to occupy. No solid date yet (they're waiting on city inspectors to give them the go-ahead), but here's something to look forward to: plenty of vegan eats, campy drink names, along with Dallas' most rambunctious drag queens at the wig shop next door.
Wai Wai's appetizers suitable for vegans include edamame and plain Vietnamese-style fresh summer rolls, served with a fish-free peanut sauce. Papaya Salad is also vegan and includes fresh papaya, tomatoes, Thai chili, ground peanuts and fresh lime. Vietnamese Salad comes with mixed greens, vermicelli noodles, cucumber, onions, cilantro and sweet chili dressing. They also serve an Indonesian take.
The Bangkok Roll is a spicy sushi roll with mango, cucumber, carrot shreds, chili sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.
Unfortunately, all curries and Pad Thai include fish sauce. But most other entrées can be made vegan by omitting fish sauce and egg. Tofu can be added to any dish.
You have to appreciate the idea behind Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee-Mao), a dish of stir-fried flat rice
noodles, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and basil leaves. Pad See-Eew
Noodles are stir-fried with broccoli, Chinese broccoli and a sweet soy
sauce. And there are other noodle options, too--as well as fried rice (check out the basil or the pineapple versions).
House entrées include Hot and Spicy Basil, a stir-fry of
garlic, jalapeños, bell peppers, onions and basil leaves in Thai chili
sauce, as well as some garlicky options and a cool ginger stir fry. Dishes at Wai Wai are well portioned, service is quick, and delivery is
available for those days when you wanna lounge at home with your
favorite Tarantino flick.
Or whatever.
I'm just happy I won't have to
deal with all those bougie SMU kids at the new location. Cuz I'd much
rather enjoy my Bangkok Roll and Hot and Spicy Basil watching drag
queens diggin' on new weaves.
