Review of Vegan Sesame Chicken (芝麻吉塊) at Veggie Lee Restaurant by kyu

The #sesame chick’n was positively reviewed on Google/Happy Cow, so while it’s not something I’d usually order, it seemed like a safe pick for my first time at Veggie Lee. Though some reviewers complained about the ratio of #veganchicken to #broccoli, I felt it was fair. I thought the battered #fakemeat was pretty satisfying — meaty inside, crispy and light outside, without too much detectable grease. Though it was no doubt intended as a supporting character, I thought the broccoli was really nicely done, steamed to the point where it was just tenderly crunchy. The soy-sesame glaze was fairly typical of American #chinesefood. I was happy to see that it came out of the kitchen steaming hot. The plate was $18.95, which is slightly higher than I’d expect to pay for a similar dish at my favorite spots in the South Bay.

One thing that I haven’t yet mentioned in my reviews of Veggie Lee was the service. It’s an intimate restaurant of perhaps a half-dozen tables, so the older lady helping us was quite attentive, coming by to check on us several times over the course of our meal. Expect politeness and brisk efficiency, not effusive friendliness or idle chit-chat. Getting water, having our leftovers packed up, and paying the bill were all quick and hassle-free processes. All in all, I wouldn’t make the drive to Hayward for the express purpose of visiting Veggie Lee, but if I were in town, I’d certainly dine in and try something new.