Welcome to Cha-Ya
At Cha-Ya, we celebrate the essence of vegan Japanese cuisine in a cozy Berkeley setting. Established over two decades ago on Shattuck Avenue, this cherished eatery emphasizes freshness and flavor, crafting each dish without any animal products. Highlights include the delectable Hana Gomoku Sushi rice bowl, the tempura-fried vegetable selections, and the rich, comforting Cha-Ya nabe. Guests rave about the unique textures and vibrant flavors, making every meal a delightful experience. The intimate atmosphere and dedicated service enrich your dining visit, making Cha-Ya a true favorite for those seeking healthy, guilt-free Japanese dishes. Join us and discover a bowl of heartwarming tradition!
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1686 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709 Hotline: (510) 981-1213
If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Berkeley, California, let the tantalizing aroma of authentic Japanese cuisine lead you to Cha-Ya. Nestled at 1686 Shattuck Ave., this fully vegan restaurant has earned its reputation as a beloved dining destination for plant-based food enthusiasts and Japanese cuisine lovers alike. Their commitment to offering dishes free of animal products resonates deeply with a growing clientele devoted to sustainability and health. Cha-Ya's inviting atmosphere features a cozy charm, with only about ten tables fostering an intimate dining experience.
The menu at Cha-Ya is an enticing journey through the flavors of Japan, with each dish thoughtfully crafted to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. For a true taste of what Cha-Ya has to offer, you might try the Taku-Sui Potstickers, which blend a medley of vegetables and protein in a light broth, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Another highlight is the Cha-Ya Delight, a splendid compilation of seasoned organic brown rice topped with vibrant vegetables that ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Don't overlook the Dengaku, which features broiled eggplant, tofu, and Portobello mushroom glazed with miso paste, elevating these humble ingredients to sublime heights.
- Curry Rice: A comforting bowl featuring organic tofu and seasonal vegetables drizzled in a savory golden curry sauce. A wonderful choice for those seeking an extra level of warmth!
- Vegetable Tempura: Crisp and lightly battered vegetables, a crispy delight best paired with the accompanying tempura sauce.
- Cha-Ya Sushi Plate: A beautifully presented introduction to sushi made entirely without fish, featuring a refreshing kappa roll and assorted vegan nigiri.
Reviews from delighted customers echo the sentiments of a hidden gem where flavors harmoniously come together, creating compelling culinary experiences. E. C. remarked on how each dish uniquely stands out while seamlessly blending to create memorable meals. Another reviewer, Ken R. K., praised the novelty of textures and flavors, highlighting the restaurant’s ability to surprise and satisfy.
Yet, the authenticity of the flavors extends beyond just the food. The minimalistic yet quaint setup pays homage to the spirit of traditional Japanese dining, offering a sense of nostalgia that enhances your meal, reminiscent of an older-school café. Reviews describe the ambiance as quirky, yet homey—an honest reflection of the comforting, clean food served here.
It’s important to plan accordingly when visiting, as Cha-Ya is a cash and Venmo-only establishment, which adds to its charm—and helps it maintain its delightful, unfussy vibe. For anyone in search of nourishing, flavorful Japanese vegan cuisine, Cha-Ya is undeniably a must-visit. With over two decades of service, it stands as a testament to the fact that excellent, plant-based food doesn’t just exist—it flourishes.
So the next time you're in Berkeley, do yourself a favor and indulge in a meal at Cha-Ya. Your taste buds will thank you!
The food is always a hit, as someone who doesn't eat any fish, this place is absolutely wonderful catering. The service is well, and foods brought to your table quickly. Small place with only about 10 tables, very cozy and makes eating the meal even more special. This is a go to spot whenever I'm in Berkley as the flavors are Individually noticeable, yet come together so pleasantly.
Great vegan food! Novel textures and flavors. Venmo or cash only. All of the dishes we tried were incredible.
Truly, one of our most favorite spots in Berkeley! Clean home-cooked food. A slightly quirky ambience: it reminds us of an older school café or cafeteria. We really appreciate the Chaya nabe and vegan version of pork buns. This restaurant has a sister location in San Francisco that we also really adore. They accept cash or Venmo, so be ready to have one of those forms of payment available.
A good ole standby. Still dishing up classics and really good for the money. It's been here for over twenty years. Recommended!
Fully Vegan Japanese restaurant, cash or Venmo only! (5/5 green stars) Cha-ya has been around for decades and it's still a good choice for tasty, vegan Japanese food. Yes, it's actually a fully vegan restaurant even though it's more widely known as "merely" vegetarian. If you search for vegan Japanese restaurants in Berkeley, the limelight may be stolen by Tane Vegan Izakaya, also on Shattuck Ave. But Cha-ya is well worth a visit for lovers of Japanese food and/or vegans and vegetarians. It's not as hip or stylish as Tane (honestly, Cha-ya could do with a bit of a makeover) but they do the best version of several Japanese dishes that I've had. From the website: "no product derived from animals of any kind are ever used" (no meat, dairy, fish, gelatin, etc.). Definitely considering having the agadashi tofu and goma ae to share (or have all on your own). Then, one of my favorites is the Taku-Sui which is described as Pot stickers, tofu, zucchini, nappa cabbage, snap peas, asparagus , broccoli, cauliflower, silver noodles, and mushrooms in a light broth and served with a ponzu citrus sauce. This dish has inspired me to make something similar at home, quite often. The Cha-ya nabe is similar but with delicious fresh ingredients like kabocha squash and spinach instead of the potstickers. Another favorite, if you're in the mood for lots of salty miso, is the Dengaku: Broiled eggplant tofu, and portobello mushroom with miso-paste glaze. There's a second branch in The Mission district in SF and remember that this Berkeley branch is Cash or Venmo ONLY! I'm also giving Cha-ya 5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact because Cha-ya is a completely vegan restaurant. Adopting a plant-based diet is the top thing you can do to mitigate climate change, deforestation, animal cruelty, and food scarcity. They could do a better job at providing information on ingredient sourcing, however (e.g., is any pesticide-free or organic?) Please join in and include a Green Stars rating with your own reviews!
Everything was beautiful and very fresh! Such a unique restaurant that offers a vegetarian's dream for Japanese food. Very healthy and guilt-free food that looks and tastes like it's made with love. I wish there were more locations!
Delivery order was a bit sad looking after the travel. Quality and taste made up for it. Especially loved the potato croquette in the curry and the way they steamed the veg separately was super inspiring. Back in the college days I used to just boil it all together and it was mushy/absorbed all the individual flavors. Definitely get the sea veg salad and the summer greens roll - super refreshing. Everything was topped with Kaiware sprouts and a variety of carefully selected/handled veg. Bookmarked forever, definitely will be a go-to healthy delivery selection if they stay in our range!