Xiang Yun Tea Room

Pros:
— Tasty, self-​serve buffet with a nice variety of hot foods, two soups, and fruits/​salads
— Extremely cheap! The Sunday lunch is only $ 5 donation. Some of the food ingredients are really expensive at the Asian grocery stores.
— Tastes healthy and light
— It is indeed similar to the vegetarian buffets in Taiwan
— Friendly and welcoming environment inside (temple-​goers and people just eating meals here)
— Lots of other tasty-​looking «pastries» (like steamed buns) and dishes (like radish cakes) sold on a table next to the buffet platters
— I liked the informal, cafeteria-​style dining room with long tables.
Cons:
— Most of the food was warm at best
— Maybe the food couldn’t stay hot because the room was so cold inside. (Bring a jacket.)
— Driveway off 360 just south of Lakewood can be missed if you’re not looking for it
My parents thought it was weird/​slightly against Buddhist beliefs to ask for donations for the food.
I wish they sold a cookbook like Casa de Luz does.

I went with a friend for lunch on a Thursday at 11am. It was DELICIOUS. Top notch vegetarian food! I chose the rice plate and my friend had the wet noodle bowl. Both were fantastic, flavorful, and SO filling. When they first bring you the plates, you will feel like it isn’t enough food (unless starvation is your normal MO), but after you eat it and eat the additional sides they bring out, you’ll roll out of there full. Suggested donation is $ 7 per plate + $ 3 per side. Hot tea is included. Staff is all volunteer and superb.

Absolutely lovely. Came here the day after Christmas, so there were two options on the menu – one rice, the other noodles. Our group decided to order half of each and all share. They brought us some soup to start that was delicious; some kind of really flavorful broth with a spicy condiment you could add in. I opted out, but those who didn’t enjoyed it. We also got two types of tea: lotus and «Chinese», which some people thought was green. The lotus wasn’t loved by all, but that was a matter of personal tastes and everyone appeared to enjoy the the other tea. Then they brought in the food. The rice was absolutely delicious and was several vegetable and some kind of tofulike protein. The real strength of this place is it’s seasoning. They really know how to dress up vegetarian food which makes it anything but boring. The noodles were also very tasty, but I think I preferred the rice. They had similar vegetables in them because the cook uses whatever fresh ingredients he has. I’d love to come back on a regular day when they have more of a selection.
The staff seemed really kind. One woman came and spoke to our table and ended up inviting us for a tour in the temple after our meal. The interior was really beautiful and she had some interesting things to say. The temple was kept quite warm inside, so I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything too bulky. On the flip side, I felt a bit silly in my short dress as everyone there appeared to keep covered up so you’ll probably want to consider that. It wasn’t a big deal though.
All in all, I had a really nice, interesting afternoon here.

I always drove by this Buddhist Temple on 360 and never thought once that this place would offer lunch when one day, my coworker mentioned it. So I drove in and parked not knowing what to expect. I followed the other Unilocaler’s instructions to the tea room (park, walk up the steps, and turn right into the Tea Room).
I ordered the rice and noodle plate as well as a bag of Man Tou to go. I grew up in a Buddhist household so I’m pretty familiar with Buddhist vegetarian food, but this place blows all the others out of the park. I have never had such yummy good wholesome vegetarian food. I loved how the place was so quiet and peaceful with a wonderful view overlooking greenery. And the food was very tasty. For a small donation of $ 7, you get hot soup, a delicious entrée, traditional Chinese dessert, and tea.
If any of yall have been to Taiwan, the food definitely brings you back to good ol Taiwanese cooking. Simple ingredients leaving you satisfied and feeling healthy.
Totally spreading the word and will be coming back for more!
Don’t you just LOVE Austin? Surprises like these make it so wonderful to live here and to call myself an Austinite! :)

I enjoyed a lunch of vegetarian Chinese food and tea on a rainy Sunday afternoon as the remnants of Hurricane Patricia passed over Austin. We formed a line at the buffet around 12:30, which was later than the opening time of noon since the service in the temple had not yet concluded, but how could anyone possibly complain with a $ 5 suggested donation buffet? I think the buffet might just be offered on Sundays. The food was clean and flavorful. I’m still thinking about the yellow curry dish with potatoes and peas. I would think of this as more of a community /​religious center than a restaurant, at least on the day that I went. I would recommend sitting in the back room if you arrive before they start serving on Sunday so that you know when the food is ready. A woman holding out a jar collected donations at the front of the buffet. I thought going back for a second helping seemed rather inappropriate & glutinous, especially at a Buddhist temple. My reservations quickly faded away as one of the nice ladies who worked there said we were welcome to have more food. Everyone neatly stacks their dishes in a bus tray by the door. The front room where we ate was cozy and even had a few low tables on a raised wooden floor where you take off your shoes. The windows looked out on to the picturesque tree-​covered hills of northwest Austin. It was a relaxing break from the constant interruption and clock watching found in most restaurants. What a pleasant change in pace and nice escape, while still close to home.

I had a lovely afternoon of tea and great vegetarian/​vegan food here today with a friend. This is such a delightful and unique experience — I recommend it for anyone who wants to try something new and different. Please be aware that tea room runs on donations, and that their meals have suggested donations, ($ 7 per meal, $ 3 per pot of tea). I suggest you have cash on hand for your visit.
We arrived, and walked up the beautiful steps under the large gate and into the initial courtyard. The space is gorgeous with carvings and relief work, bonsai, very beautiful. To your immediate right is the entrance to the gift shop and tea room, well marked. When we came in, we were very warmly welcomed by the volunteers. They were very informative as to what the different dishes they had available that day and even went so far to go find out answers to additional questions we had. As we were free to sit anywhere, we chose one of the glass tables in the main space, which all had wicker stools that were very comfortable. There was also a really neat looking set of four tables in a raised portion of the space that had mats available for those who wanted to remove their shoes and sit at a shorter table on the floor. Around the room, there were tons of different trinkets — beads, art, hanging lanterns, tea pots, packets of food and all sorts of things for sale.
We were immediately served a generous pot of green tea — a very nice start. We both ordered the rice option. Soon after, we were served what I can only describe as a tomato broth soup that was lightly herbed. It had a chunks of carrot, tofu, and a stewed tomato in it — delicious. After that, our rice plates came out in perfect timing as we finished our soup. Our rice plates included a generous portion of rice, tofu done two different ways and a medley of vegetables which included bok choy, zucchini and carrots. It was all really nicely seasoned and had some great different tastes to it. They also offered us a spicy condiment which I did not partake in, but my friend did and she said it was good. After finishing our meals, we ordered a pot of the lotus tea. It was a lovely and light tea with subtle floral notes. We sipped on it for a while and chatted, and were even offered fresh hot water, (which we appreciated) added to our pot so we could to continue enjoy it, (and we did).
When we got up to leave, we chatted with two of the ladies for a little while and they were so incredibly nice and gracious! They were excited to tell us all about their temple and the different things they have going on there — such as cooking classes, yoga, tai chi, services, as well as a Saturday luncheon after their services which includes shaved ice. Really, this was an fantastic out of the ordinary experience and I really want to come back here to try more of their outstanding cuisine.

For years I have driven by the Buddhist Temple and admired the architect. It was only this year that I found out they serve a minimalist lunch. What I mean is you only have three choices. Rice Plate, Wet noodles or Dry noodles. I should also state that all dishes are vegan. No meats in sight.
When a co-​worker suggested we go here I was in. This temple is beautifully done. I wish I had more time so I could wander inside the different sections.
The tea room is smallish. They have about four sit on the floor tables and five sit in a chair tables. Also there is the gift counter and the register counter. After you pick your table, the person on duty will come to your table to take your order. I seem to be stuck in a rut and order the Rice plate.
Each time I go the rice plate and it features different foods. The commonality is it is served with a cup of flavored rice. Two vegetable or noodles are served on the side. Sometimes I have no idea what is on the plate but everything is so good. Lots of flavor. Once one of my co-​workers got the wet noodles. It was a big bowl of soup and noodles. He loved it.
The portions are substantial and the price… only $ 7.95. This includes tea with the meal.
It is definitely worth the trip here.

The people there are so nice. All veggie options but they serve a lot of food. Get the fruit tea!

Make a right turn at the golden Buddha statue and you’re at a Buddhist temple in Austin. I had no idea this existed. I’ve been to a handful of temples abroad, but it didn’t even hit me that there would be one so close to home. Even more surprising is that there’s a great vegetarian restaurant here!
Walk up the main stairway and immediately on your right is a door that will lead you into the tea room. Everything here is a suggested donation. All of your money goes to the temple. If you’re looking for a meal full of good karma, this is our place. They have a few different teas for $ 3 donation and their food is $ 7. I’ve tried the fruit tea. It’s so good!!! It was a white tea filled with kiwi, apple, lemon and I seem to recall another fruit, but don’t remember exactly what it was. There are three meals to choose from and hey all change slightly every day. You may choose between a rice dish, noodle dish, or noodle dish in soup. On the day of my visit, I went for the auspicious noodles. It was a sautéed dish that contained noodles, Napa cabbage, carrots, onion and mushroom. It was also served with a red sauce to add a little bit of spice. While the dish itself wasn’t complex, that’s what made it so great. All of the mild flavors really blended together well.
This place is closed on Mondays, but you’ll find it open from 11−2pm in the other days. I was warned that they get very busy on the weekends.

Looking for something new near the office… constant challenge in this area. Saw the Unilocal reviews and gave it a try (dragged some skeptical carnivore coworkers with me). Was very impressed. Good food, fast, and healthy! I will be back.
When you get to the monastery, walk up the steps and make an immediate right, it’s tucked in the corner there.

Excellent healthy vegetarian lunches for 7 dollars! Great portion sizes too. Everything I’ve had there has been excellent – I usually get whatever the noodle option is for that day (the menus aren’t set so things change.) I think they are closed on Mondays.
One of the Buddhist nuns scolded me once for not finishing the undercooked part of my broccoli, but I think it’s the Buddhist philosophy of «waste not.»
I hope this place never closes.

I am sooo happy to have a vegetarian/​vegan tea room open right outside my neighborhood! Have never dined in. but the tea room has a very cute setup. I have eaten the auspicious noodels, auspicious noodle soup and the rice combo! I liked them all.
The rice combo is sticky rice with some tofu meat (I got sea weed cakes & some minced soy granules), steamed veggie & a bowl of soup! very yum!
Noodles taste like a good veg lo mein — has a good amount of veggies.
Everything felt a little low on the salt. but i would rather have it on the lower than higher side.
Overall good stuff! i really hope they sustain!

Do you want to feel good about yourself AND fill your tummy with delicious goodness? Then come here for lunch! and bring CASH MONEY.
The place can be hard to spot if you don’t know what you are looking for. Going South bound Capital of Texas Highway, about a quarter mile before the 2222 exit, you will see a giant golden Buddha on the side of the road. That’s your turn in. When you walk up to the temple, You will see a billboard of posters to your right, enter to the door left of the billboard and then go enter to the door on your right. You will instantly see tables and chairs, and/​or tables with pillows to kneel on.
Stephanie helped us with our order, explaining how it all works. Essentially the food changes based on what the temple has and its all a suggested donation basis. The cash you pay for the food all goes to donating to the temple. They also told us they had freshly made sesame buns, where they hand grind the black sesame to make the paste themselves. Its a labor of love buns is what I called it, and easily brings me back memories of Taiwan. All the dishes are vegetarian and delicious! They also have different teas available in pots. We had asked about one of the pickled vegetables that were eating, and while Stephanie didn’t know, she went and asked for us which I thought was super nice of her to do so. Then an Taiwanese lady come out and when I asked her, she went back to the kitchen and brought the giant root that it was. This all made me feel like I am eating with family! Turns out its a burdock root (thanks Errol and your brain of knowledge) which is popular in Asian cooking for its healing effects.
Before we left, I bought 2 bags of sesame buns because those are not available all the time. It was 5 buns to a bag for suggested $ 6. I gave them $ 15 for two bags. I left happy. More people should absolutely come here for lunch, but just remember, to come here with an adventurous appetite to be ready for whatever they have made that day.

Pause, the trembling wave
Casa De Luz and Asia.
small leaves drift slowly…
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(Editor’s note: When Errol M does Buddha, he gets all contemplative. Don’t think of this place as a temple, think of it as one of Austin’s best vegetarian restaurants. And avoid bringing negative people here. Depending on how you see life, Xiang Yun is as good as it gets.)

Wonderful tea. I could not get enough of the seaweed appetizers! I took some home and ate them as dinner later that day! Everyone was very nice, and this place is great for vegetarians! I look forward to going back!

The Buddhist temple on 360 now has a lovely little tea room. Everyone who came by our table was extremely gracious and kind. We were served lots of little appetizers in addition to our primary course at no charge (including some very yummy noodle rolls!). We ordered the «combo» which was very tasty (and came with enough food for us to take home). Payment is accepted in the form of donations. My wife and I are definitely coming back.

My wife and I heard about this tea room from a friend. We decided to go for lunch yesterday and check it out. It’s a cute traditional tea room inside the local Buddhist temple and everything on the menu is vegetarian. The chef is the veteran abbot who was the main cook for many years at the main temple in Taiwan. Everything is absolutely delicious. I’ve never tasted Chinese food like this before – perfect seasoning, healthy, clean, simple, and full of flavor. We returned today again as it’s a special day celebrating the Buddha’s day of enlightenment. They prepared a special rice porridge and handmade vegetarian BBQ pork buns and generously offered it to all visitors. This is a nonprofit enterprise and the suggested donations for meals are very low. I will return often to support them and eat the amazing food.

The Buddhist temple on 360 (just north of 2222) has recently started a daily lunch service in their tea room, and the food is amazing. Fresh, all vegetarian, and like nothing you’ve ever had before (unless you’ve had Taiwanese-​style Buddhist vegetarian food before, in which case, it’s exactly like that.)
Each day, the tea room has three set lunches to choose from (one with rice, one with dry noodles and one with soup noodles), as well as a handful of side dishes you can order additionally. Each set lunch is $ 7 and each side dish is $ 3. Hot tea is included for free, unless you get one of the special fruit teas, which is a small additional amount. (Note that the prices aren’t prices exactly — they are «suggested donations» to support the temple. Cash only!)
I asked if they have a set rotation of what food they serve, but they said no — they cook whatever they have fresh that day. So make sure to go with an open mind, and you WILL NOT be disappointed. My set lunch today happened to be turnip and carrot soup, yellow rice with kale, curry potatoes, steamed broccoli and tofu skin rolls, and I got all three available sides — roasted peanuts, sliced lotus root and pickled cabbage. It was all so delicious — fresh, clean-​tasting and lovingly made. It was also far more food than I could eat, so they provided a take-​out box for the leftovers. (They were very particular in making sure I got every grain of rice off my plate into my take-​out box, because it’s a sin to waste food. :))
If you go, be sure to ask what they have available for retail sale too. I picked up some vegetarian BBQ steamed buns and 5-​grain raisin steamed breads. They said they often have taro cakes and turnip cakes too — they just didn’t have any that day. (Suggested donation: $ 1 each bun/​bread.)
The staff all look like they are temple volunteers, and the chef was the abbot of temple in Taiwan for many years before moving to Austin. It’s truly a rare opportunity to have this kind of amazing food available here in Central Texas.
The tea room itself is lovely — a bright, light room simply decorated with blonde woods and Chinese-​style decorations. You can choose to sit at a Western table or more Japanese-​style on a platform (remove your shoes).
Parking is a snap — just turn in to the temple parking lot right off 360 (you will need to U-​turn if you are coming from the south) and park anywhere in front of the temple. Go up the stairs and turn immediately to your right. There is a sign board right outside the tea room door.
I highly, highly recommend this place. Come with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.