Araya’s ube soft crystal dessert (Image: Araya’s Place)

Once of Central Seattle’s dedicated vegan eateries is gone.

Araya’s Place Madison shut down as it reached its tenth year in Madison Valley last month.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support over the past decade,” a message posted by the vegan Thai family of restaurants reads. “It has been an incredible journey serving you at Araya’s place in Madison.”

Part of the city’s vegan dining scene since 1987, the Nualkhair family continues to operate an Araya’s on University Way and another in Bellevue. There is also a Los Angeles Araya’s.

Araya’s final months in Madison Valley were marked with challenges including the ongoing E Madison construction and a series of reported break-ins.

The Thai tradition in the E Madison kitchen that was once home to a location of Jamjuree will, meanwhile, continue. Kirkland’s Hanuman Thai Cafe has expanded across the lake into the space.

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