The Loving Hut: Healthy Pan-Asian that Defies Expectations

I’m going to wander slightly here—outside the borders of Norcross and outside of my formula of picking an authentic ethnic restaurant you’ve likely never heard of—to bring you this healthy edition of Ethnic Eats. 

The Loving Hut is a vegan Pan-Asian restaurant that defies expectations. First, its location at 6385 Spalding Drive in Peachtree Corners in a squat business park meant for professional offices, it seems. Next, its active community of health-minded patrons seem that they should be more Little Five Points than Peachtree Corners. Last, its menu, delicious and inventive without any meat, cream, cheese or other animal product.

And the restaurant has 22 owners and is run by a non-profit organization.  

Patty Durand has been a regular patron in the 18 months that the restaurant has been in business. She’s not vegetarian or vegan--just into eating healthy. She worked her way through the entire menu and can say with conviction that “every single thing is fabulous.”  Her standbys include the Chow-Mein and Au Lac Sandwich, a baguette stuffed with seasoned soy, daikon and carrots. 

Mammoth spring rolls, crispy dumplings or vegetarian sushi start things out, giving a sampling of the continent from Vietnam to China. The Heavenly Salad has Thai roots, with shredded carrots, purple cabbage, white onions, cilantro and soy strips with a peanuts and cilantro topping it off.

Noodle soups, like the Fabulous Pho and Royal Noodles Soup, also give nods to the Vietnamese chef.

The Guru Curry was a delight: Different types of textured soy protein soak up the gingery coconut cream broth. Potato, carrots and mushrooms give the dish interesting texture and depth. Try it with the nutty, delicious brown rice.

The Loving Hut is part of an international chain of vegan restaurants; each location has its own menu.  Manager Tammy Chiu has been a vegetarian for 21 years and vegan for 3 years—she is one of 22 owners of the Peachtree Corners Loving Hut.

Chiu said the restaurant is different because it has a purpose, a mission: to be a bridge of people to discover vegetarian and vegan food. She said that most people working at the restaurant are volunteers. "Every body has sacrificed time and money," said Chiu, to keep the restaurant going. 

There is a popular buffet night held monthly that features international dishes that are not on the menu and vegan cooking classes are also held the restaurant. Visit http://lovinghut.us/georgia or facebook.com/lovinghutga for more information.