Vegan crispy nuggets from Charm Vegan restaurant

View Larger Map Neighborhood: South Pasadena

Type: Vegan Thai

711 No. K Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena

(626) 441-2484, charmvegan.com

Open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Price: $4.95

Eating vegan on a budget can be difficult, with restaurants often charging extra for specialty ingredients and meat substitutes, but not at Charm Vegan. Their crispy nuggets are tender pieces of soy "chicken" fried to a golden brown and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

—JH