The last time I ate dim sum of the herbivore variety was in a Buddhist monastery. Not exactly an easy place to find, the restaurant is crowded into Milpitas Square, a thriving strip mall of Asian businesses. During lunch hours, look for a herd of patrons queuing right out the front door, patiently looking over the menu during the half-hour wait for a table. Service is adequate, although a little slow during the lunch rush.
Prices are basement bargains, and quantity and freshness rate fairly high.
The dim sum selection is modest, so forays into the regular menu are a good idea. These include renditions of shrimp, lobster, chicken, duck, pork and beef, all of which appear in Lu Lai's repertoire. Though the restaurant serves some very good imitation meats, Lu Lai's real forte lies in artfully cooked vegetables. Soups here are very simple and flavorful. For men of the cloth the world over, food is the one earthly temptation not abandoned for higher levels of enlightenment.