Unearth The Voyage
Craving plant based food that does not feel like a compromise? Green Elephant in Portsmouth proves vegetarian cooking can be lush, layered, and downright addictive. With creative Asian flavors, a stylish dining room, and drinks that match the energy, this spot turns skeptics into fans fast. Come hungry and leave convinced that meat free can still be bold and satisfying.
Signature Spicy Pad Thai
The Spicy Pad Thai at Green Elephant is the dish that converts doubters. Rice noodles glide through a glossy tamarind sauce, while chili heat blooms gently then settles into something craveable. You get lime brightness, roasted peanut crunch, and just enough sweetness to keep you chasing the next bite.
What makes it sing is balance. The wok char kisses bean sprouts and carrots, creating that irresistible snap. Tofu holds its shape with a seared edge, soaking up the sauce like a sponge without going soggy, so every forkful lands with substance.
Ask for heat levels tailored to your comfort. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of extra peanuts elevate it even more. Pair it with a local beer from the bar and you have a full on weeknight victory that tastes like comfort and celebration at once.
Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
These steamed vegetable dumplings arrive in a bamboo basket like little pillows of joy. The wrappers are thin and tender, giving way to a gingery filling that feels clean yet deeply savory. Dip them in the soy garlic sauce and the flavors pop with a gentle umami rush.
What you notice first is the texture contrast. The dumpling skin is silky, while the minced vegetables inside keep a pleasant bite. Nothing mushy, nothing bland, just careful seasoning and a touch of sesame that lingers.
They make a fantastic shared starter before bigger plates land. If you love a bit of heat, ask for chili oil on the side and swirl it into the sauce. You will finish the basket faster than planned and still consider ordering another round, because they are that comforting.
Crispy Tofu with Tamarind Sauce
Crispy tofu at Green Elephant is a masterclass in edges and tenderness. Each cube is golden outside yet custardy within, ready to soak up a tangy tamarind glaze. The sauce threads sweetness, sourness, and a whisper of spice, making every bite bright and addictive.
You get a scatter of herbs and maybe a crunch of sesame that keeps things lively. It is simple, but not plain. The kitchen clearly understands how to treat tofu like a star, not an afterthought.
Order it as a shareable appetizer or pair it with jasmine rice to make a small meal. Add a side of sautéed greens and you will feel fully satisfied. You will leave wondering why more places do not lean into tamarind, because here it transforms tofu into a headliner.
Khao Soi Curry Noodles
The Khao Soi at Green Elephant delivers cozy richness without heaviness. A coconut curry broth wraps around soft egg free noodles, fragrant with turmeric, shallot, and warming spices. On top, a crown of crunchy noodles adds playful texture that crackles with every spoonful.
The broth is the showstopper. It tastes layered, like it simmered with care, offering depth without tipping into cloying sweetness. You will taste lime and pickled mustard greens that cut through the creaminess beautifully.
If you like extra spice, ask for chili paste and swirl it in slowly. A squeeze of lime sharpens the edges and keeps you reaching for the spoon. This bowl represents what Green Elephant does best, turning plant based comfort into something both travel worthy and weeknight friendly.
Indian Inspired Massaman Curry
Massaman curry at Green Elephant leans into gentle spice and deep warmth. Chunks of potato and carrot soak in coconut gravy that is nutty, mellow, and fragrant. Tofu brings protein and texture, while roasted peanuts add crunch and that signature Massaman character.
The sauce coats rice beautifully, turning each bite into pure comfort. You notice cinnamon and cardamom hints playing quietly in the background. It is satisfying without being heavy, a dinner that leaves you content and energized rather than sluggish.
Ask for brown rice if you want extra nuttiness. Pair with a crisp local lager from the bar to refresh your palate between bites. It is the dish to order when Portsmouth winds blow cold and you want warmth that builds from the inside out.
Thai Basil Fried Rice
This basil fried rice arrives shimmering with wok heat. You get fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chilies weaving through each grain, plus carrots, snap peas, and tofu for satisfying substance. It smells like street food energy and tastes even better.
The rice stays distinct and bouncy, never clumpy. Basil adds peppery lift while the chilies keep things lively without overwhelming your palate. Every forkful has contrast, from tender vegetables to seared rice that carries a whisper of smokiness.
Add a fried egg substitute if available, or keep it simple and let the basil do the talking. A splash of chili vinegar brightens the whole bowl. It is a go to order when you want comfort with momentum, something you can inhale and still feel great afterward.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice at Green Elephant brings sunny flavors to the New Hampshire seacoast. Sweet pineapple cubes mingle with cashews, raisins, and bell peppers for a sweet savory combo that just works. Tofu soaks up the seasoning and adds heft without weighing things down.
The dish strikes a great balance. You get bursts of juice from the fruit, crunch from the nuts, and the gentle perfume of curry powder in the background. It feels playful yet carefully composed, like a vacation in a bowl.
Ask for a lime wedge and squeeze it right before eating to sharpen the edges. If you enjoy heat, add chili flakes sparingly so the fruit remains front and center. This fried rice is proof that vegetarian food can be whimsical and still absolutely satisfying.
Miso Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Thick udon noodles meet a glossy miso glaze in this irresistible stir fry. The sauce is savory and slightly sweet, clinging to noodles that are chewy in the best way. Broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots bring texture, while tofu catches a light sear that holds everything together.
What stands out is the depth from miso. It gives a rounded umami that feels comforting but not heavy. You keep going back for the way miso, sesame, and garlic echo each other in little waves.
Great with a side of sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to refresh your palate. Ask the team to nudge the heat up or keep it mellow based on your mood. The result is a weeknight champion that delivers warmth, chew, and pure satisfaction.
Chili Garlic Green Beans
Chili garlic green beans are proof that simple sides can steal the show. The beans arrive blistered and tender crisp, glossed in a savory sauce that hums with heat and garlic. They snap when you bite, releasing that wok fired aroma you hope for.
There is just enough chili to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the beans. Garlic adds richness, and a hint of soy ties everything together. You end up nibbling them like fries and suddenly the plate is gone.
Pair these with fried rice or noodles and you will have a perfect textural contrast. If you love extra crunch, ask for toasted sesame sprinkled over the top. This side makes vegetables feel exciting, and it proves that Green Elephant knows how to make restraint taste big.
Scallion Pancakes with Curry Dip
These scallion pancakes flake into shattery layers that crunch then melt. The scallions perfume each bite without turning greasy, and a light chew keeps you reaching for another wedge. Dip into the yellow curry sauce and the combination becomes irresistible.
The curry dip brings warmth and gentle spice that plays off the pancake richness. You taste turmeric, onion, and a bit of sweetness that rounds things out. It is a comfort snack that feels like a treat but still fits a lighter meal.
Perfect for sharing with the table while mains are on the way. Add sparkling water or a crisp cider to cleanse your palate between bites. This appetizer is a smart introduction to Green Elephant because it shows how balance and texture can carry a vegetarian menu.
Drunken Noodles
Drunken Noodles here go big on aroma and chew. Wide rice noodles tangle with basil, bell peppers, and chilies in a sauce that tastes smoky, sweet, and bold. It is the kind of plate you smell coming and instantly want to claim.
The heat is assertive but balanced. Vegetables stay crisp tender so every bite has bounce, while tofu absorbs flavor like a champ. You will find yourself alternating between fast bites and slow pauses just to appreciate the depth.
Ideal with a cold local beer from the bar to tame the spice. Ask to adjust heat if needed, but leaning spicy is especially fun. This dish nails the crave factor, delivering drama without meat and proving plant based noodles can be the main event.
Refreshing Papaya Salad
Green papaya salad is the palate reset everyone needs. Shredded papaya stays crisp and juicy, tossed with lime, chili, and a savory dressing that wakes everything up. Tomatoes and long beans add color and crunch, while peanuts bring the finishing snap.
The flavors are bright and clean, perfect before a richer curry or noodle dish. You get sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in nearly equal measure, which keeps the fork moving. It is refreshing without feeling plain, and it somehow makes you hungrier.
If you prefer mild, ask the kitchen to keep chilies gentle. For more punch, request extra lime wedges to squeeze to taste. Either way, this salad shows how Green Elephant turns simple produce into something exciting and memorable.
House made Drinks and Local Beer
The drink list at Green Elephant complements the menu with thoughtful sips. You will find bright cocktails built around citrus, ginger, and herbs that mirror the food’s energy. Local New Hampshire beers round things out, giving you crisp, clean refreshment to balance spice.
Ask the team for pairings based on your order. A lime forward cocktail loves Pad Thai, while a malty ale cozies up to Massaman curry. Non alcoholic options shine too, with sparkling iced teas and zesty lemonades that feel just as celebratory.
It is easy to settle in at the bar before a table opens, especially during evening hours. The pours are consistent, the glassware looks sharp, and the vibe stays relaxed. You will sip, snack, and suddenly realize vegetarian nights out can be just as fun as any steakhouse.
Lunch vs Dinner Hours Strategy
Timing matters at Green Elephant because hours vary by day. Lunch service runs Friday through Sunday, while dinner hours start at 4 PM Monday through Thursday. Planning around that schedule helps you avoid hangry decision making and guarantees your favorites are available.
Weeknight dinners feel cozy and calm, great for date nights or catching up with friends. Weekend lunches are livelier, perfect for fueling a beach walk or browsing downtown Portsmouth. Either way, the staff keeps the pace smooth and friendly.
Make a quick call or check the website before heading out if your schedule is tight. The kitchen handles takeout efficiently too, so you can bring curry comfort home. Once you experience both lunch and dinner, you will know exactly when your cravings hit hardest.
Service, Atmosphere, and Design
The room at Green Elephant blends modern lines with warmth, so it feels stylish and welcoming at once. Lighting is soft, music stays conversation friendly, and tables are spaced for comfort. You settle in quickly, then notice small design touches that make the space feel considered.
Service is attentive without hovering. Staff members know the menu and happily guide you on spice levels or gluten free choices. Water stays full, courses arrive at a nice pace, and you feel looked after.
It is the kind of place where vegetarians bring omnivore friends and everyone leaves satisfied. The vibe is relaxed enough for weeknights but polished enough for celebrations. That balance turns a casual dinner into something you will think about when the next craving hits.
Practical Details You Will Want
Green Elephant sits at 35 Portwalk Pl in Portsmouth, a short stroll from the waterfront and shops. The price point lands comfortably at two dollar signs, which feels fair for the quality and portions. With a 4.7 star rating and over a thousand reviews, expectations are understandably high.
Hours shift by day, so plan around the 4 PM dinner openings on weekdays and midday service Friday through Sunday. Call +1 603 427 8344 or peek at the website for the latest updates. Parking options nearby make arrival stress free most days.
Whether you dine in or order takeout, the food travels well. Curries and noodles keep their character, and containers are packed thoughtfully. Once you lock in your plan, just show up hungry and let the kitchen make the case that vegetarian food can be rich and crave worthy.
