This quiet Tibetan spot on University Ave managed to escape my radar for 27 years, though it became a 100% vegan restaurant only a couple of years ago when the original chef/owner Samten Choedon retired. He was known for introducing momos to the Bay Area dining scene back when he worked at the legendary Stars restaurant. The new generation of owners are apparently committed to combat climate change and felt a critical obligation to adapt the business model to mitigate global warming. My objectives were not as lofty. I just know eating vegan makes me feel less guilty about my next In-n-Out burger. After finishing a consciousness-raising gym workout, I had some time for a quick lunch before catching my bus. I could tell how chill the space was the moment I walked in. The staff was so calm it was unnerving. I was already being an anarchist and asked if they made an iced coffee. After a momentary hesitation, he came back with a $4 Iced Coffee with a tiny pitcher of extra coffee (Photo 8). It was quite refreshing with a layer of foam on top. I then had the unmitigated gall to ask if they did half-orders of their vegan momos. This time the chef couldn't do it, so I ordered the $15.99 Tofu Curry (Photo 9). I turned out to be the wise choice because it came out pretty quick. Medium soft cubes of tofu were mixed with fresh spinach in a tasty curry with spinach. It came with just enough basmati rice to sop up the curry. It definitely motivated me to come back for the momos and other Tibetan delicacies. FOOD / COFFEE - 5 stars...it comes down to fresh ingredients, proven execution, and taking the extra step to make iced coffee AMBIANCE - 4 stars...a sense of Himalayan calm SERVICE - 5 stars...very serene TOTAL - 5 stars...great food aligned with a higher purpose RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/D428o_rbUK read more

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$9 Cafe Tibet Soup was: good! If a touch under seasoned for an American. $17 Momo Combo Dumplings was: got to try all three. All good but I had a mild preference for the ones with denser potato filling. With the spicy sauce, they all work. Definitely filling but ar least my dishes were built around mild flavors. Gotta use that chili sauce. Extremely healthy btw. 4 stars. If it suited my preferences, I'd score this higher. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - 3 Momo combo. - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Its has been over 25 years that ive been here and my knowledge and taste buds of Himalayan culture and cuisine has expanded, through trips to Nepal. My memory of first eating was a glass noodle (mild) soup and these steamed buns called Ting Mo. Im a believer in spirits and I had just gone to make celebration of Life programs for my guy who passed recently. It was a grey rainy day. But I was called to come back here to get centered, because across the street is a shop where we both bought yak wool fleece lined jackets which I still wear to day. Missed it because they changed their sign. I was looking for the green awning type sign. But I found it. The restaurant had a total make over. Much brighter. Server was great. I order a bowl of the Amdo special with hand pulled noodle and spinach and mushroom momo for later. Of course I ordered ting mo to go with the soup. This time round I ordered medium- hot spice and barley tea. The taste was just how I remember and the music playing was very soothing and brought me back to the Himalayan read more

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This Nepalese family owned restaurant in Berkeley is so lovely. The owner makes everything there and does not sell corporate items like sodas or unhealthy processed items that would be cheap to buy and markup. They make everything with Vegan health in mind and great information and knowledge. I felt so nourished and good after trying everything I could there. They def need everyone to support and share as they took over the business w vegan ahimsa in mind. read more

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Delicious and healthy! The owner is very nice. we finished our big noodle bowls. We cant expect we can enjoy the authentic Tibetan foods like this in the US read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Tibetan thugpa - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Very great vegan food. We stumbled upon this place before our play and really enjoyed our food. We ordered the mono combination plate, the fried eggplant chips, and an eggplant and tofu dish. The momos were our favorite. The dumplings were fresh, moist and flavorful. One set of dumplings consisted of peas and tofu, another with potatoes and other veggies, and then one with chives and mushrooms. The chili oil-like sauce was very good. And the orange sauce the dumplings came with was also hot. The eggplant and tofu dish was great but pretty small. The rice took over half of the plate. But the eggplant itself was cooked very well and the sauce had a lot of flavor to it. The eggplant chips were fine but not our favorite. It had like a thick batter and not as much flavor as we would have liked. The service was good and friendly and she checked in on our throughout the meal. There was plenty of seating and it was not too busy when we were there on a weekend evening. Food is a little pricy for the amount of food you get, but the food is very good overall and we would definitely come back. read more

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The workers are sweet the place is clean and the food comes out fast. Such good food nothing on their menu isn't amazing. I love their house sauce and the momo. There mango lassis are delicious. Got three deserts to split vanilla ice cream, Fragole con panna, and the bhaktsa marku. Every time I go I get the tofu chips which are amazing read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - 3 deserts - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Curried potatoes were good. Subtle flavor, not heavy on the spices. Piping hot! And a good portion size. Still trying to draw a conclusion on the spinach soup... it had a taste that wasn't pure spinach, but I couldn't quite nail down what it was??? Wasn't lemon, ginger or garlic. The strawberry's marinated in OJ and rum were a nice and light dessert, you can really taste the rum. Service was kind. Dining room is a little cramped. The music playing was meditative-like, deep, and calm vibe-ish. I will go back for round two. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Spinach soup - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

A huge WOW!! An amazing menu and the food was out of this world. So many choices; I went for a combo that included a tasty soup followed by a nice sized plate of salad, rice, potatoes, kale and more. I'll definitely return. Enjoyed talking to the owner... read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - A combination of salads, veggies and rice. - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Advertising over 50 vegan dishes Cute interior. Really like the full open windows in front and got a window seat. Traditional meditative music Friendly service but a tad slow with only one wait person. Early dinner just after opening, so very few people. More arrived before I left. Sho-ko Momo, potato version. Very wet filling. A few of them feel apart before I could get into my mouth. The mint is a nice accompaniment. Wolfed down all nine of them! Ngoe-thuk organic version +$4. She wasn't sure what the differences from one on the front page were other than being organic. Hope it's the version everyone raved about in reviews. Red Hot sauce and tamari condiments. Great hand made noodles, broccoli, carrots, left greens, tofu, celery, scallions, pumpkin seeds, mildly spiced. Didn't often get vegan lassi option do mango was refreshing Normally might have fed two lite appetites if shared but this guy was hungry and polished it all off! Bhaktsa-Marku, pasta brown sugar with butter. Whipped cream topping added! Want sure what to expect but nice tasty finishing touch. Chewy and sweet small pellets of pasta. read more

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Firstly, love this place. I was admittedly a little bummed when they changed ownership bc it was one of my favorite places to eat in the bay! But... they are still awesome. I have not had hand pulled noodles THIS good since I left NYC. Pretty spectacular. Also, great service read more

Best momos ever. Shoko momo is my favorite. Couple it with the lentil soup for a delicious meal. Service is quick and friendly. The vibe is authentic Tibetan, intimate and relaxed. Definitely recommend. My go-to spot for momos. They have three different vegetarian options and multiple meat options. Can't go wrong. All are amazing! read more

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I always like the momo combination dish and share it with friends. Hands down the spinach one is my favorite. Their momo has thinner skins compared to other Tibetan restaurants. That I like I don't really eat salt and the last dish I had was too salty for me. There's a gluten free section. in the menu Speak softly when chatting cause noise travels in this restaurant Brand new all glass restaurant front read more

I came here late in the afternoon for lunch, (this was my first time eating at Cafe Tibet). I had been expecting my date to meet me there, but unfortunately ended up having to stand me up due to traffic and work-related issues. I ordered the Eggplant Chips as an appetizer (more like "chips" in the British sense), Bod-Jha/Tibetan Butter Tea, Tingmo, and a bowl of the Cafe Tibet Soup. I also ordered the #30 momo combination plate to-go for my partner and I to share later. The space itself is cozy, relaxed, and very charming. Everyone working there - from the servers to the chef - were incredibly warm, welcoming and friendly. The best part though? Everything was delicious!!!! And Vegan?!?!! And Organic!?! I'll be back very soon. Also my partner loved the momos, and can't wait to try more of their dishes. read more

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Very tasty, friendly staff, healthy and hearty food. Very fair prices. Not pushy to get you to eat or leave quickly. read more

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Love this little place so much. Absolutely wonderful food!! Best momos ever!! Would 10000% be a frequent flyer if I lived locally. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Tofu momos - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

This restaurant delivers on its promise of delicious and flavorful vegan food. I've never had Tibetan food before, so had no idea what to expect. I'm so glad this was my 1st experience. My friend and I ordered a series of dishes and they were all soooo good. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - I tried the butter tea (it's vegan too). - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

No pictures because I devoured everything on our plates-This place was phenomenal! Everything was so fresh and flavorful, not over-salted, and made with so much care. The house-made hot pepper sauce is to die for! Can't wait to come back!! read more

Great food and great service! We ended up getting catering from them for 100 people. Must try!

Cafe Tibet is in my top 5 restaurants in the East Bay. I love their Ngoe-thuk pan friend sweet potato noodles with tofu and vegetables, which tastes so delicious and the portion so generous I get supremely happy! With their Himalayan seasonings, vegetables choices and take on fried rice, noodles, soups, and organic veggie dishes make unique and healthy. I am gluten free so I can't eat the Momos (Tibetan dumplings), but every person I've brought orders them and says they are scrumptious. There is an influence of Indian cuisine in some of the dishes and appetizers, and their macrobiotic plates are also generously portioned and super tasty. No boring, bland vegetarian food here. I have been eating here for 6 years, and the change to vegan was an enviromental choice by a family member who took over, but it hasn't affected the yumminess of their offerings. The past 3 years eating in NYC, LA, SF and the East Bay I've noticed a foodie revolution going on in the later surpassing everywhere else. I read a list recently that put Oakland as number one on a list as best city to eat out nationally. I am lumping all of the East Bay into that category, but I would agree, Oakland, Berkeley and Albany have it going on. It's probably the influence of Berkeley's Chez Panisse which started the whole farm to table revolution using quality ingredients to make delicious healthy food. In any case Cafe Tibet is part of that community, has a super sweet vibe with Thangkas all over the walls and a prayer wheel at the entrance, worth keeping on your Best of the Bay list. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Ngoe-thuk - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Visited Cafe Tibet in Berkeley to try Tibetan food for the first time, and it was quite good! I ordered one of their noodle soups as well as a curry rice and both had great flavor and choice of ingredients. Just so folks are aware, even though the menu includes meat options, the restaurant is currently phasing it all out to vegetarian, which I think is nice even though I typically enjoy meat. The service and ambiance were also really nice. The server was very easy to talk to and shared some things about Tibet. Overall, this is a nice local restaurant to support and I will be coming back here for the good food! read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Recently visited Cafe Tibet and the restaurant is small and quiet. I wasn't expecting such a peaceful atmosphere, but it ended up being really cozy and homey. The food was all vegan and absolutely delicious. We tried a few dishes, and our favorite was the potato dumplings--sho-ko momo. Would definitely come back again! read more

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Excellent vegan food at this restaurant. Food is fresh and service is courteous and friendly. Ambience is peaceful. Please visit this place and try the food, regardless if you are vegetarian or vegan. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Sweet potato noodles - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I got the daily plate with Kabocha squash, brown rice, kale and salad. The prices went up to $17.99, but the business owner Tashi threw in a free Indian chai (score!). I learned he assumed ownership rather recently so he will be revamping the menu to focus on vegetarian dishes. As for the interior, it's a bit dated and in need of renovation which Tashi is planning to do. He said the landlord is replacing the windows and he will replace the current flooring. Can't wait to see it when it's all done. I always found Tibetan food to be nourishing. It's delicious too. And I absolutely support his ultimate goal of educating people about Tibetan culture which is slowly being lost in the future generations :( with that said, I will be back. read more

Visited twice in 24 hours that's how good this place is!! This place is completely vegan, and even the non vegetarians in our group were blown away! The flavors are incredible and the atmosphere was calming and friendly. Pricing is very fair. The momo's with the special mint sauce was incredible and a MUST order. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Combination Of Any 3 Momos - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I went back with a couple friends today to try a few more dishes. It was so satisfying. The lentil miso soup with seaweed on top is really good and smells amazing even though it might not look much. read more

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Amazing vegetarian cuisine!!!! Great service. Small and intimate ambience. A favorite dinner spot when we are In Berkely.

This was my first time trying Tibetan food and WOW was it amazing!! Everything was so delicious. The Sho-ko Momo in particular was AMAZING!! I couldn't recommend it more! It was also a lovely atmosphere and the service was excellent. I will absolutely be coming back soon!! read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Bhaktsa Marku - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Very friendly staff!! Would definitely visit this place again :) Food was great too, I ordered the Tofu w/ Mushroom & Spinach read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Tofu W/ Mushroom & Spinach - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ate here when visiting the area and found delicious food in a peaceful environment with a Himalayan vibe. My favorite dish was the squash medley, but everything I ate was delicious. Highly recommend. Wholesome food but also very tasty. I want to go back and try more items on the menu! read more

I enjoyed eating at Cafe Tibet. Really tasty vegan food, very different flavors than i'n used to, and it was delicious. The waitress was so helpful and lovely. Highly recommend read more

Got takeout. The vegan food was above average. Will go back many times. It's nice to have a vegan restaurant close by.

Healthy, homely, tasty and reasonably priced. It was my first time here and I can confidently say we will be coming back often! Food they serve are rare in the bay area. They serve honest food which I value. I highly recommend the barley soup, it warmed my soul and its so different from the other soups I've had. The owner was so nice and welcoming, we really enjoyed our dinner here read more

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The extremely strong incense was intolerable to me; it was especially concentrated in such a tiny indoor space with insufficient air circulation. I arrived to meet a group of 11 other people but had to leave after a minute, and wish I could have stayed, but breathing that level of particulates and other fragrance for an hour is not for me. I'm okay with light incense but this was more extreme than any setting I've ever encountered. People with asthma or MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) may want to call ahead to ask. read more

5 STARS. Hands down favorite restaurant ever. Ngoe-thuk with tofu is off the hook!!! I like it extra spicy because I am insane, but I enjoy it with some red wine, ting-mo and the delicious red chili sauce they make. Samten is such a great server and restaurant owner, so warm and welcoming. I can never get enough. The ambience is calm and romantic, and the food is priced well for the quantity and quality. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

This family restaurant is super quaint inside and the dishes are so unique. I'm a huge fan of their Momo's and definitely want to come back to try more of their dishes! I would categorize the flavor profile as very light, not super strongly salty like other places, which makes the dinner feel very very healthy. They have a bunch of vegetarian and vegan options, so I would highly recommend this place for vegetarian and vegan foodies! read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I am giving this place 4 stars causr its a small family owned restaurant but the food today was just strictly ok. We ordered the ting mo (good), then tuk (noodle soup), vegan platter (not at all enjoyable) and tofu momos (super soft n squishy-not momo texture tho pretty to look at). The food was simple bland. Everything lacked salt, ginger, garlic and seasonings. We loaded up on their chili sauce to give food taste which I am sure we will regret tomm morning:). The rice wine my husband had was also watered down and tasteless. I think maybe our flavor profile just didn't match with them coz the ingredients all seemed nice but no flavor. read more

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They amazingly consistently delicious and healthy food. Love it. Been there thrice already and feel happy after eating here.

This is a really small, cute, hole in the wall type place. I'm pretty sure its family run and everything is prepared on the spot, homemade and fresh. I don't really ever have Tibetan food so was pretty confused on what to order, but decided on the chicken curry after seeing some nice pictures on Yelp. I originally wanted the momos but they said it would take 25 minutes to prepare, and didn't really feel like waiting that long (it does speak to the freshness though!). The curry came with a drumstick and piece of chicken breast along with rice. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients put into it, and I was really happy that the chicken wasn't dry at all! The curry isn't your typical thick curry but rather more of a sauce. It was really good, especially with the rice. Overall, the ambiance of the restaurant is really cute and I'm glad this place is still around. read more

Cafe Tibet - Vegan Restaurant - Chicken curry - Vegetarian Near Me - Berkeley, California

A seriously lovely and authentic little Tibetan cafe in the heart of downtown Berkeley. From their website, Cafe Tibet was the first Tibetan restaurant in the entire Bay Area!! We were the only ones there right when they opened for lunch on a quiet Thursday. The owner was kind and respectful, even offering us kapse (Tibetan losar pastries) in the middle of our meal. - Chicken Sha Momo: $11.99: incredibly beautiful and deliciously savory dumplings, with a subtly sweet, spiced sauce at the bottom and a light vinegar salad garnish. They were steaming, juicy but not soupey, and filled to the brim with flavorful chicken. Perfect to share. Momos are a must-try! - Then-thuk with tofu (amdo special): $10.99: this was a huge bowl of lightly salted soup teeming with hand-pulled flat noodles, thinly sliced daikon radish, tomatoes, and medium chewy tofu. Consistency got thicker as the pasta slowly dissolved. It didn't have a super strong flavor, but was reminiscent of homecooked comfort food. Refer to the menu on their website for updated prices. They also have sections of curries, special organic and gluten free dishes, organic macrobiotic vegan sol-dher, and organic green tea. A large selection of high quality dishes! We left with full bellies and a larger appreciation for Tibetan culture and cuisine. read more

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