Lion Dance Cafe
Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic world of Lion Dance Cafe, a Singaporean-Vegan-Chinese eatery located in Oakland, CA. This unique establishment offers a range of flavorful dishes that cater to both plant-based enthusiasts and lovers of Southeast Asian cuisine.
At Lion Dance Cafe, you can expect a hipster, casual vibe with options for outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed dinner experience. The restaurant provides wait service and offers takeout for those on-the-go. With gender-neutral restrooms and compostable containers available, Lion Dance Cafe maintains a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Despite the mixed reviews regarding the efficiency of service, customers rave about the quality and depth of flavors in the dishes. From the mouth-watering laksa and nasi lemak to the irresistible mushroom goreng, the menu at Lion Dance Cafe highlights the versatility and creativity of vegan cuisine. Customers particularly enjoy the unique culinary combinations and top-notch ingredients used in each dish.
As the restaurant prepares to bid farewell and close its doors, patrons flock to savor their favorite selections before it's too late. The nostalgic atmosphere and delicious offerings make Lion Dance Cafe a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to embark on a culinary adventure, this establishment promises a one-of-a-kind journey through the diverse flavors of Singaporean cuisine. Don't miss the chance to indulge in a taste of Lion Dance Cafe before it becomes a cherished memory of Oakland's food scene.
Lion Dance Cafe Menu
Location
Address: 380 17th St Oakland, CA 94612
Phone:
Business info
- Offers TakeoutYes
- ReservationsNo
- Vegan OptionsYes
- Outdoor SeatingYes
- Hipster, CasualYes
- Moderate NoiseYes
- Good for DinnerYes
- Street ParkingYes
- Gender-neutral restroomsYes
- Not Good For GroupsNo
- Waiter ServiceNo
- Compostable containers availableYes
- Provides reusable tablewareYes
Last Reviews
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Author: Cat N.
I really wish there was a more efficient way to get your order in if you are willing to sit outside - the wait is to sit inside. My partner and I were so incredibly frustrated that the parklet remained half empty for the 80 minutes that we were in line and there was no way for us or the couple behind us who were also ready to sit outside to put in an order. You have to wait in the same line and move at a snails pace until people vacate the interior to move things along. Bafflingly, we saw at least four open tables inside and yet the line did not move for fifteen minutes because the hostess simply did not seat people. My partner and I agreed that this was one of the most inefficient restaurant processes we had ever seen. Once we did get our order in, it was hit or miss with service. I did have one really kind server apologize profusely when I pointed out that there was a fairly big chip in my beer glass that could have cut my mouth and promptly bring another. With the food, I have no complaints. The quality of the ingredients was unmistakable and there was a remarkable depth of flavor in spite of being vegan. My partner and I were sort of fighting over the noodles haha, they were that good. I am sad for them that they couldn't make it work, and do hope the talented minds behind the food land on their feet somewhere.
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Author: Luciano Z.
Got to experience this gem before it says its farewell. We got here pretty early and didn't eat for a few hours after but it was well worth the wait. We loved the limited menu because you got to try each main dish. Everything was so tasty but my absolute favorite was the laksa. Writing this bittersweet review delighted that I got to experience this wonderful restaurant.
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Author: Caitlyn M.
I've been wanting to go to this place for years but didn't since it was all the way in Oakland. I heard they were closing for good before the end of the month and had to try it. There are huge lines before they open since everyone knows they're closing. We came here for a Friday night birthday dinner and one of our friends lined up at 4:30pm. We had a large party (8 people) so it took a bit longer for us to get seated too. At 6pm we got to the front of the line and we gave them our number to text us when a table was ready. We got a drink at a nearby bar and the table was ready in about 20-30min. The food was amazing! We ordered everything on the menu. Everything was so flavorful that you forget it was all vegan! The favorites were the mushroom goreng, the laksa, the nasi lemak and rendang, and the pandan nian gao. I wish I could go back for the laksa, the curry bursting with flavor and not too spicy. The only dish I was not a fan of was the mala cutlet sandwich, it had something herbal in it that I did not enjoy. It's sad this place is closing but definitely worth the trip and the long lines to get a taste of their food before they're gone!! I haven't been to another restaurant like this that serves Singaporean vegan food
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Author: Sunny O.
they are closing forever, Someone needs to buy the recipe! and continue the restaurant.. or make it a franchise NOW You need to line up around 4pm, 1 hour before they open to almost guarantee food. Folks who arrived at 5:30pm were told there will be no food for them. total 100 people were lined up, that includes folks lining up for their friends. Yes, the Laksa is delicious but too oily and spicy for my taste. Portions are not large, but it encourages you to order sides.. like most "Michelin" star restaurants. Anyway, this was treat cause after all these years, I finally had your Laksa. I don't know why other restaurants don't offer it! This restaurant proves that vegan food is healthy and delicious! Thanks for the memories. You guys did well. Thanks for being famous in the community. Someone needs to seriously keep this place open if 100 people are waiting for food here. Pls don't make this Cafe a temporary memory