Located off of El Camino in the San Carlos Plaza is Korean restaurant Kaya Tofu and Barbeque.

The first aspect of the restaurant noticeable upon walking in is the atmosphere.

The place is fairly big on the inside and it usually isn’t very filled, so the only sounds are slight murmuring from other people and the ambient noise coming from the kitchen, so it is easy to have a conversation with the people around.

Korean food tends to not have many dishes that cater to vegetarians and even less to vegans, but it still works.

Before ordering, some traditional side dishes are placed on the table in generous amounts. There’s kimchi, seasoned potatoes, broccoli, and more.

Another good appetizer that appeals to everybody is the veggie pancakes, it’s crispy on the outside and softer on the inside and it filled with cooked vegetables and comes with a soy-like sauce that makes it even better. It also comes with eggs, but it can easily be taken out upon request.

For main dishes, there are plenty of meat filled dishes that can even be cooked by the customers on small grills in select tables. For vegetarians or vegans, the choices are slim.

The only choices are different types of tofu soup, which come out steaming hot with choices of a ramen version, and one with mushrooms. It also comes with a little bowl filled with rice to add another aspect to the meal.

If spice is desired, they have you covered. The spiciest and medium versions look red from all the chili flavor added to them, and be warned, it is very spicy and will require multiple glass refills in order to eat.

If the spice is too much, just ask for a mild version, it is an obvious difference not only in taste, but it also is white unlike the red spicy versions.

Food aside, the experience is just about average.

While the waiters are nice, they are quiet and not very attentive, attention will usually have to be asked for if something is needed and not much verbal feedback will be returned.

The location is somewhat bland. It’s located in the middle of a small shopping center so the only other attractions around are other restaurants, CVS, and other places like such.

So, if just a quiet dinner out is what is in mind, Kaya Tofu and Barbeque will work just fine.