Laughing
Seed
Café
Vegetarian with an International Flair
Welcome to The Laughing Seed Cafe, Asheville's original downtown vegetarian restaurant. We've provided the finest organic, local, and farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine with an international flair for twenty years and counting.
Reservations
We generally seat on a first-come, first-serve basis; however, in order to better accommodate large parties, we will accept reservations for groups of 6 or more. For smaller parties, we recommend taking advantage of our call-ahead seating option. Simply call the restaurant 15-20 minutes prior to your anticipated arrival time. Our host will be happy to add your name to our wait list in advance in order to reduce your wait time.
Our Menu
appetizers
HUMMUS TRIO (V, GFI option) $9
Spicy black bean dip, traditional chickpea hummus, and a grilled vegetable hummus.
Served with our freshly baked whole wheat pita, and organic blue corn chips.
PAKORAS (V option, GFI) $6/$9
Your choice of two or four of our popular Indian style fritters made with chickpea batter and seasonal vegetables.
Served with our delicious Punjabi sauce and plain yogurt for dipping.
MAKIZUSHI $9
Our veggie filled nori rolls change daily. Please ask your server about today’s selection.
Served with house-made pickled ginger and wasabi.
HOUSE “FAUX”CUTERIE PLATE (V option, GFI option) $12
A vegan “charcuterie” board with house-cured, pickled, and smoked vegetables.
Served with savory condiments, our house-baked crackers, and crostini. Ask your server about today’s selection.
JALAPENO ONION FRIES (V, GFI) $6.5
Hand cut russet potatoes fried with jalapeños and onions. Served with organic ketchup.
For our insanely good vegan chipotle ranch dressing add .75.
LOCAL CHEESE PLATE market value
Please ask your server for today’s options from Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery. Served with our
ginger-date chutney, house-baked crackers, and our current toast selection.
SOUP of the DAY
Ask your server about today’s creation.
salads
Dressings (V, GFI) – Champagne Dijon Vinaigrette, Asian Fusion, Chipotle Ranch,
Lemon Tahini, Sesame Ginger, Green Goddess, and Raw Tangy Tahini
Additions: Avocado $2, Hummus $3, Grilled Tofu $2, Grilled Tempeh $3, Kraut $2, Kimchee $2
SIMPLE SALAD (V, GFI) $6
Mixed greens, grated carrots, red cabbage, red bell pepper, red onion, tomato, and cucumber.
LAUGHING SEED SALAD (V, GFI) $11
Organic spring mix, romaine lettuce, grated carrot, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, cucumber, red onion,
blanched broccoli, mung bean, and clover sprouts, topped with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
LOTUS BOWL (V, GFI) $14
A Laughing Seed salad on a bed of brown rice, topped with avocado and our purple sauerkraut.
CHEF’S SALAD (V option, GFI) $14
Our spin on the traditional favorite. Mixed lettuces, and assorted salad veggies topped with grilled dry rubbed tempeh,
cured portabella mushrooms, Swiss and cheddar/jack cheese, and hard boiled egg.
FIRESIDE SALAD (V option, GFI) $13
Kale and frisée salad with smoked sweet onion, pickled apples, sage roasted pecans,
chèvre, shiitake mushroom “bacon,” and sherry vinaigrette.
ASIAN FANTASIAN (V, GFI) $13
Thin rice noodles, bokchoy, mixed greens, shiitake mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, bell peppers,
grated carrot, blanched broccoli, cilantro, and pumpkin seeds tossed with sweet chili-peanut dressing.
TICO TACO SALAD (V option, GFI option) $13
A fried tortilla bowl layered with romaine lettuce and mixed greens, black beans, rice, cheddar/jack cheese,
spiced chorizo-style tofu, salsa, guacamole, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh jalapeños.
Dressed with chipotle ranch.
MEDITERRANEAN (V option, GFI option) $12
Romaine lettuce, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper tossed in
champagne-Dijon vinaigrette and topped with feta cheese, house-cured olives, and pepperoncini. Served with freshly baked whole wheat pita.
sandwiches
Sandwiches are served with a house-made pickle, and your choice of our side of the day or blue corn chips.
Add fries or a small salad for $2. Vegan Daiya cheese or gluten free bread/buns are also available.
THE SEED BURGER (V, GFI option) $11
A black bean, beet, carrot and onion burger seasoned with roasted garlic and Worcestershire.
Served on a vegan bun with horseradish sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
Add: Swiss, Cheddar/Jack, Chèvre or Feta $1 Avocado $2
PAV BHAJI (V, GFI option) $12
An Indian spiced curry of potato, spinach, cauliflower, tomato, peas, peppers, and cilantro scooped onto
open faced grilled buns with avocado and Punjabi chutney. Served with a small salad.
REUBEN (V option, GFI option) $12
Grilled and marinated “pastrami” style dry rubbed tempeh, Swiss cheese, grilled onions,
house made purple kraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled marble rye.
SLOPPY JO (V, GFI option) $10
A tangy tofu barbecue served on a bun with lettuce, southern slaw, and tahini mustard sauce.
SEVEN SEAS FILET (V, GFI option) $11
Toasted nori folded around a filling of quinoa and oyster mushrooms, then tempura battered and fried.
Served on a house made bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tartar sauce.
CUBAN GRILLED CHEESE (V option, GFI option) $10
Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, cured portobello mushrooms, habanero dill pickles,
and mustard, grilled on sourdough bread.
entrées
BAHN MI JACKFRUIT TACOS (V option, GFI) $11
Two corn tortillas filled with marinated shredded jackfruit, house made kimchee,
spicy aioli, and cilantro. Served with a side of black beans and rice.
HARMONY BOWL (V, GFI) small $10/ large $14
Layers of organic brown rice, organic black beans, grilled and marinated organic tofu or tempeh,
steamed seasonal veggies and our addictive sesame ginger sauce.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST BURRITO (V option ) $13
Spicy “chorizo” tofu, grilled peppers and onions, spinach, black beans, brown rice, and spinach, tossed in chipotle
barbecue sauce and topped with cheddar/jack cheese, avocado crema, and salsa.
Served with a small salad and blue corn chips.
LOW COUNTRY ROLLUPS $12
Our sweet and tangy tofu barbecue wrapped in whole wheat flour tortillas and topped with cheddar/jack cheese
and tahini mustard sauce. Served with blue corn chips and southern slaw.
Or for something a little different, try one rollup with a side of brown rice and steamed veggies. $11
raw entrées
SPINACH PESTO MANICOTTI (V, GFI) $15
Zucchini “noodles” stuffed with cashew ricotta and sunflower seed-spinach pesto.
Served over sundried tomato marinara with house-marinated olives and a drizzle of lemon basil olive oil
DRAGON BOWL (V, GFI) $14
Layers of arugula, cauliflower “rice,” seasonal raw veggies, house made purple kraut and kimchee,
avocado, and sunflower-beet pâté, topped with pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
appetizers
HUMMUS TRIO (V, GFI option) $9
Spicy black bean dip, traditional chickpea hummus, and a grilled vegetable hummus.
Served with freshly baked whole wheat pita and organic blue corn chips.
PAKORAS (V option, GFI) $6/$9
Your choice of two or four of our popular Indian style fritters made with chickpea batter and seasonal vegetables.
Served with our delicious Punjabi sauce and plain yogurt for dipping.
MAKIZUSHI $9
Our veggie filled nori rolls change daily. Please ask your server about today’s selection.
Served with house made pickled ginger and wasabi.
HOUSE “FAUX”CUTERIE PLATE (V option, GFI option) $12
A board of house-cured, brined, or smoked vegetables, which changes seasonally. Served with savory condiments,
house-baked crackers, and crostini.
JALAPENO ONION FRIES (V, GFI) $6.5
Hand cut russet potatoes fried with jalapeños and onions. Served with organic ketchup.
Add chipotle ranch dressing .75
LOCAL CHEESE PLATE (GFI option) market
Please ask your server about today’s options from predominantly regional producers.
Served with our chutney, house-baked crackers, and our current toast selection.
SOUP of the DAY
Ask your server about today’s offering.
small plates
SMOKED PIMENTO CHEESE $6
Served on a cornbread crostini with cranberry/hard cider relish.
CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA (GFI) $9
A soft crust pizza made of cauliflower and parmesan cheese with the chef’s choice of toppings.
FRENCH ONION SOUP $8 (GFI option)
A robust mushroom based broth, buttery caramelized onions and a house made
focaccia crouton topped with melted Gruyere cheese.
PIEROGIS (2 for $8, 4 for $12)
Traditional potato filled pastry with local porter béchamel, candied shallots, and wilted kale.
BEET TARTARE (V, GFI option) $7
Grated beets blended with capers, Dijon mustard, onion, parsley, and spices, served on crostini with cashew ricotta.
salads
Dressings (V, GFI) – Champagne Dijon Vinaigrette, Asian Fusion, Chipotle Ranch,
Raw Lemon Tahini, Thousand Island, Sesame Ginger, and Sherry Vinaigrette
Additions: Kraut $2, Avocado $2, hummus $3, Grilled Tofu $2, Grilled Tempeh $3, Kimchi $2
SIMPLE SALAD (V, GFI) $6
Mixed greens, grated carrots, red cabbage, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
LAUGHING SEED SALAD (V, GFI) $11
Organic spring mix, romaine lettuce, grated carrot, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, cucumber,
red onion, blanched broccoli, mung bean, and clover sprouts, sprinkled with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
LOTUS BOWL (V, GFI) $14
A Laughing Seed Salad on a layer of brown rice, topped with our red cabbage kraut and avocado.
CHORIZO TACO SALAD (V option, GFI option) $13
A fried tortilla bowl layered with romaine lettuce and mixed greens, black beans, rice,
shredded cheddar/jack, spiced “chorizo” style tofu, salsa, guacamole, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh jalapeños.
Dressed with chipotle ranch.
FIRESIDE SALAD (V option, GFI) $13
Kale and frisée salad with smoked sweet onions, pickled apples, cured portobello mushrooms,
chèvre, sage roasted pecans, and sherry vinaigrette
CHEF’S SALAD – (V option, GFI) $14
Our spin on the traditional favorite. Romaine lettuce, mixed greens, and assorted salad veggies topped with
“pastrami” rubbed tempeh, cured portabella mushrooms,” Swiss and cheddar/jack cheese, and hard boiled egg.
ASIAN FANTASIAN (V, GFI) $13
Thin rice noodles, bokchoy, mixed greens, shiitake mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, bell peppers, grated carrot,
blanched broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and cilantro, tossed with sweet chili-peanut dressing.
MEDITERRANEAN (V option, GFI option) $12
Romaine lettuce, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper tossed in
champagne-Dijon vinaigrette and topped with feta cheese, house-cured olives and pepperoncini. Served with whole wheat pita.
sandwiches
Served with a house-made pickle and either blue corn chips or our side of the day. For a small salad or fries add $2.
Vegan Daiya cheese can be substituted. For locally made Eat More Bakery gluten free vegan bread or buns add $1.00
THE SEED BURGER (V, GFI option) $11
A beet, black bean, carrot and onion burger seasoned with roasted garlic and vegan Worcestershire.
Served on our house made bun with horseradish aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
Add: Swiss, cheddar/jack, goat or feta $1 Avocado $2 Shiitake Bacon $1
REUBEN (V option, GFI option) $12
Grilled and marinated “pastrami” rubbed organic tempeh, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, house made purple kraut, and
Thousand Island dressing on grilled marble rye.
SLOPPY JO (V, GFI option) $10
A sweet and tangy tofu barbecue served on a bun with lettuce, southern slaw, and tahini mustard sauce.
entrées
HARMONY BOWL (V, GFI) small $10/ large $14
Layers of organic brown rice, organic black beans, grilled and marinated organic tofu or tempeh,
steamed seasonal veggies and our addictive sesame ginger sauce.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST BURRITO (V option) $13
A whole wheat flour tortilla filled with our “chorizo” style tofu, grilled peppers and onions, spinach, black beans,
and rice and tossed with our chipotle barbecue sauce. Topped with cheddar/jack cheese, avocado crema and salsa.
Served with blue corn chips and a small salad.
LOW COUNTRY ROLLUPS (V option) $12
Our tangy tofu barbecue wrapped in flour tortillas and baked with cheddar cheese.
Topped with tahini mustard sauce and served with blue corn chips and southern slaw.
THAI PANANG CURRY (V, GFI option) $16
Sautéed seasonal vegetables with oyster mushrooms and bok choy in a mild coconut milk based curry sauce.
Served over jasmine rice with strips of crispy fried seitan or tofu, and a lentil papadam.
CAULIFLOWER PICADILLO (V, GFI) $16
A tangy cauliflower hash with currants and olives, accompanied by coconut rice,
Cuban black beans, marinated onions, tostones, and fried corn tortilla strips.
PORTOBELLO ROULADEN (GFI) $16
Thinly sliced and grilled Portobello caps rolled around pickled vegetables and served with creamy
mashed potatoes, smoked tomato gravy, and local microgreens.
STROGANOFF $16
Egg noodles, grilled seitan, grilled Portobello mushrooms and wilted spinach in a velvety sour cream sauce.
Topped with tempura fried cremini mushrooms
raw entrées
SPINACH PESTO MANICOTTI (V, GFI) $15
Zucchini “noodles” stuffed with cashew ricotta and sunflower seed-spinach pesto. Served over sundried tomato marinara
with house-marinated olives, and lemon basil oil.
DRAGON BOWL (V, GFI) $14
Layers of arugula, cauliflower “rice,” seasonal veggies, house made kraut and kimchee, avocado,
sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and sunflower-beet pâté.
fresh live juices $5.25
Bright Eyes
Carrot, Apple, Ginger
Greener Warrior
Kale, Celery, Parsley, Cucumber, Apple
Carrot Combo
Add any combination of the following: Parsley, Beet, Ginger, Celery, Cucumber, Apple, Kale
smoothies $5.25
Nuts and Berries
Strawberry, Banana, Peanut Butter, Almond Milk
The Coolio
Strawberry, Banana, Basil, Orange
Coco Rosie
Coconut, Strawberry, Papaya, Rosewater
soda - iced tea - juice $3.00
San Pellegrino, Virgil's Root Beer, Reed's Ginger Brew, Blue Sky Natural Cola or Lemon/Lime
Pineapple, Orange, Cranberry, Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Papaya, Apple
Black Iced Tea, Grandma's Garden Herbal Iced Tea (rose hips, hibiscus, berry)
hot tea $2.25
Chamomile, Ginger, Peppermint, Kukicha Twig, Green, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Yerba Mate
mocktails $5.00
Strawberry-Basil Lemonade
Raspberry-Jalapeño Lemonade
Blackberry-Ginger-Mint Lemonade
Citrus-Ginger Limeade
Vanilla-Almond Dream
Oasis (Pineapple, Vanilla, Almond, Lime)
Piña Colada
Grapefruit-Ginger Mojito
Cucumber Margarita
Orange Creamsicle
Zen Garden (Celery, Rosemary, Lemon, Green Tea)
Enhancements $3.00
Transform a beverage of your choice into a healing tonic by adding your choice of locally sourced herbal glycerite tinctures, or booze it up with a shot of well liquor for the same price.
Calming/Aphrodisiac - Kava Kava, Damiana
Mood/Hormonal balance - Dandelion, Burdock, Yellow Dock
Digestion/Stress/Hangover relief - Kudzu, Milk, Thistle, Slippery Elm
Immunity Boost - Echinacea, Elderberry, Lemon Balm, Queen of the Meadow
Energy/Focus - Panax Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Schizandra Berry, Spikenard Root
specialty cocktails
Serendipity $9.00
Pineapple, Elderflower Liqueur, Silver Sake, Basil
East of Eden $9.00
Organic Vodka, Apple, Domaine du Canton Ginger Liqueur, Lime
Fireflower Margarita $10.00
Espalon Reposado, Cointreau, Rosewater, Fresh Lime, Buchi Fire float
Revolver $9.00
Espalon Reposado Tequila, Drambuie, Lillet Blanc, Lemon, Smoked Paprika, Chili
Jessica Rabbit $9.00
Cardinal Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Citrus-Ginger Agave, Fresh Carrot, Lime
Ampersand $10.00
Cardinal Barrel-Aged Gin, Fresh Red Bell Pepper, Cracked Black Pepper Syrup, Lime
classic cocktails $8.00
Bloody Mary
French 75
Manhattan
Martini
Pimm's Cup
Margarita
Negroni
Dark & Stormy
Gimlet
Kir Royale
Vesper
Mojito
Hot Toddy
Old Fashioned
Moscow Mule
Cosmopolitan
buchi kombucha $5.00
Fire - On tap
Cayenne and Ginger
Water
Watermelon, Coconut water, Blueberry
Unlimited
Apple and Lime
on tap
Mother Earth IPA 6.9% $4.50
Green Man Porter 6% $4.50
Noble Spice Merchant "Chai" Cider (10 oz.) 6% $5.50
Two more rotating drafts also available.
bottles/cans
Birdsong Jalapeno Pale Ale 5.5% $5.00
Wicked Weed Pacificmost Gose (mango/guava) 4.2% $5.00
New Belgium Citradelic IPA 6% $4.00
Fullsteam Cackalacky Ginger Pale Ale 5% $4.00
Highland Gaelic Ale 5.6% $4.00
Hi-Wire Bed of Nails Brown Ale 6.1% $4.00
Green Man ESB 5.5% $4.00
Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale 6.5% $4.00
Founders Porter 6.5% $4.00
Samuel Smith Organic Lager 5% $5.00
Duck Rabbit Milk Stout 5.7% $4.00
Uinta Hop Nosh IPA 7.3% $4.00
Chimay Blue Label 9% $8.00
Erdinger Non-Alcoholic $4.00
Glutenberg Pale Ale (GF) 5.5% $5.00
Stone Citrusy Wit 5.3% $4.00
red wine
Malbec - Cuma - Argentina '15 8/30
Cabernet Sauvignon-Chasing Lions Oakville, CA '14 9/35
Pinot Noir - Errazuriz - Chile '14 9/34
Rioja - Rio Madre - Spain '14 7/26
Zinfandel - Marietta - Geyserville, CA Lot 63 8/30
BOTTLES
Pacific Redwood Natural Red - Mendocino, CA 20
Cabernet Sauvignon-Earthworks - Barossa Valley, Australia '13 30
Domaine Tour D'Auron - Bordeaux, France '10 32
HALF BOTTLES
Rioja - El Coto - Spain '11 16
Pinot Noir - King Estate - Eugene, OR '14 25
mead
Fox Hill Meadery - Marshall, NC 8/30
Ginger-Apricot
Blackberry
white wine
Pinot Grigio - Lagaria - Venezie, Italy '14 7/26
Chardonnay - Errazuriz - Chile '13 9/34
Rueda - S Naia - Spain '14 9/34
Sauv Blanc - Unique - Loire Valley, France - '15 9/14
Cava Brut - Proa - Penedés, Spain 6/24
Côtes du Rhône Blanc - Guigal - France '14 8/32
BOTTLES
Chardonnay - Monticello - Napa Valley, CA '14 36
Viognier - Alumba - South Australia '15 30
Frey Natural White - Mendocino, CA 20
HALF BOTTLES
Pinot Gris - King Estate - Oregon '14 18
Chardonnay - Steele - CA '14 24
Sauvignon Blanc - Honig - Napa, CA '15 20
sake
Momokawa Pearl Nigori or Silver 8/30
Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo .375ml 18
Snow Maiden - Junmai Ginjo Nigori .300ml 18
Sundays 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
appetizers
Hummus Trio (V, GFI option) $9
Spicy black bean dip, traditional chickpea hummus, and a grilled vegetable plate. Served with house-made whole wheat pita and organic blue corn chips.
House Faux Cuterie Plate (V, GFI option) $12
A vegan "charcuterie" board with house-cured, pickeld, and smoked vegetables. Served with savory condiments, house-made crackers & crostini. Ask your server about today's selections.
Breakfast Nachos (V option, GFI) $9
Organic blue corn chips topped with house "chorizo" tofu, melted cheddar, black bean salsa, and scrambled eggs.
Soup of the Day - cup$4/bowl $5
entrees
Sweet Potato Pancakes $10
Sweet potato pancakes with spiced pomegranate syrup, cinnamon butter, and toasted walnuts.
Tempeh & Root Veggie Hash (GFI) $11
Seasonal roasted root vegetables & marinated braised tempeh served over country grits and topped with cashew bearnaise.
Blue Plate (V) $10
Choice of scrambled eggs or organic scrambled tofu, with vegan biscuits and gravy, rosemary potatoes, seitan "sausage," and grits.
Huevos Rancheros (V) $11
Fried corn tortilla layered with house-made "chorizo" tofu, organic black beans, grilled peppers and onions with your choice of scrambled tofu or eggs your way. Topped with chipotle ranchero sauce, pico de gallo and fresh cilantro.
Brunch Burrito (V option) $11
Choice of scrambled eggs or organic scrambled tofu, black beans, sauteed peppers & onions, cheddar, and vegan "chorizo." Served with brunch potatoes & corn chips.
Fried "Chicken" Seitan & Waffles $12
House jalapenos waffles with Cajun maple syrup and house-made seitan. Served with kale and pickled red onion salad.
omelets
Wild Mushroom $12
Grilled shiitake & cremini mushroom, bell peppers, shallots, and fresh goat cheese.
Greek $12
Fire roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, red onions, Roma tomoatoes, basil, feta, and house cured olives.
The Market $12
Ask your server what we picked up at the market this week!
sides
Biscuit (V option) $1.75
Gravy (V option) $1.25
Rosemary Yukon Potatoes (V) $2.25
House-made "Sausage" (V) $1.95
Grits (V) $1.75
Scrambled Tofu (V) $3.75
Rye or Sourdough Toast (2) $0.95
Eggs how you like 'em (2) $3.95
(V) = Contains no animal products, (GFI) Gluten-free ingredients
Please, no substitutions or special orders on the brunch menu
The Legend of the Laughing Seed
On the Indonesian island of Bouton there is the legend of the Laughing Seed. This plant was sacred to the people of the Spice Islands for centuries. When the seeds of this plant were consumed, the people were intoxicated with laughter and able to communicate with the gods. It is said that this wondrous food satisfied the appetite and created a sense of fullness and well-being which lasted for many days… read more
