Vegan-friendly
Indian
Buffet
Delivery
Take-out
Small restaurant offering a vegetarian buffet where you pay weight. Dishes are primarily Indian. Open Thu-Sat 12:00pm-6:00pm.
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Last update on 12 Jul 2023 by NoamBuckman
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37 Reviews
First Review by mephitine
cmcneely
Points +47
YUM!!! - Edit
This small restaurant located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor offers delicious, authentic ethnic foods, the majority of which are vegan (and all are vegetarian). After discovering this restaurant a week or so ago I went back twice more and stuffed my face each and every time. Some mentioned that the prices can add up quickly, but I piled my carton high -- it is a self-serve restaurant that charges by weight -- and it hasn't cost more than $10 each time (without dessert), plus I had a good portion to take home with me. My favorites are the vegan macaroni and cheese, vegan lasagna, curried potatoes, scrambled tofu, all of the lentils offered (especially the spicy ones), and the vegan cookies (of course!). If you are looking for a great place to get some healthy, flavorful food, head to the Earthen Jar. It has surpassed Seva as my new favorite restaurant in the area, which is remarkable to say the least!
Read morePros: ethnic food, prices by weight, one man show
Guest
jevanses
Points +48
Eat as much or as little as you want! - Edit
Don't worry about going hungry here -- start small and take until you're full! It has awesome options, but the place is pretty small. Forget about getting a seat if it gets busy, but waiting is definitely worth it.
Read moreGuest
AndrewL
Points +37
Tasty potato salad - Edit
The potato salad, lentils, and the spicy chickpeas are always good, hearty options at this buffet-style restaurant. Other reviews have mentioned that it's easy to rack up an expensive dinner here, and that may be true given the heft of some of the meal selections. If you're watching your wallet, just be mindful of what you put onto your plate. If your only goal is to eat a tasty, healthy meal, however, there's little fault to be found with this place. Bonus points if they happen to have pankora during your stay -- those things are excellent.
Read morePros: Locally owned, Total vegetarian, Totally tasty
Guest
Gretchen Gehrke
Points +49
Tasty but not as cheap as you think - Edit
The buffet foods are pretty tasty and each is labeled as vegan or non-vegan, spicy or mild, and the primary ingredient. Most of the dishes are pretty oily, but you can't taste the oil in the flavor. It looks like it'd be a cheap meal (I think it's $4.99/lb), but it actually adds up pretty quickly -- I usually spend ~$10-12 for dinner without a drink etc.
Read morePros: fast, buffet, authentic
Cons: not as healthy, small space
Jeffrey
Hi Gretchen, I liked your review. These pay by the pound places can fool you into spending way more than you bargained for!
Read moreGuest
vegan.flora
Points +36
love it! - Edit
I have been going to Earthen Jar for about four years, and I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! This is such a wonderful little place. The food is outstanding (especially the yellow lentils), the owner is so kind and accommodating, and the place is just full of Ann Arbor charm. A little rundown, a little hippie-ish, but genuine. Food is $4.99/lb, plus there are some items that can be purchased separately like cookies and drinks. Definitely try the soy mango lassi, as it's possibly the most delicious thing there. Lots of vegan choices, and everything is clearly labeled (if you're not sure, just ask whoever is working. They all know what is and isn't vegan). It's mostly Indian food, but with some international choices like tofu, lasagna (dairy and vegan), and vegan mac 'n' cheese on occasion.
Read moreEarthen Jar just started having breakfast/brunch on Sundays, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. This offering includes some American and some Indian choices.
Pros: food
Cons: tiny
Guest
animallawgal
Points +83
Love them!!!! - Edit
If you need something in a hurry, they never fail! This is a very "New York City-ish" type of place that we are lucky to have here in Michigan.
Read morePros: pick your own portion, convenient
Cons: only for people who like Indian food
Guest
Keith_Thode
Points +717
My favorite in Michigan - Edit
A fantastic Indian buffet, which also includes a great Lasagna.
Read moreGuest
Seitan_Nic
Points +293
Delicious and cheap! - Edit
This place is amazing! A nice sized buffet, mostly vegan but everything is clearly marked, and the dairy dishes are easy to spot. The owner is very nice and helpful/proud of his food without being pushy. I went three times on my last visit to Michigan, can't wait to go again-- and I live in the vegan haven that is San Francisco!
Read morePros: GREAT FOOD!, Warm, relaxed environment.
Cons: Disposable eating utensils., Ask for a reusable plate/fork and knife, You just have to wash it yourself.
Guest
laloofah
Points +63
I'm addicted! - Edit
I was a visitor to Ann Arbor recently and couldn't get enough of the Earthen Jar's food! The food is delicious and filling (huge selection that's mostly vegan - all vegan items are clearly marked, as are the "spicy-ness factors"), the staff friendly and helpful. I'd eat there daily if I lived there (but I live in Wyoming! Bummer.) I'm having serious sag dal and potato dumpling withdrawal!
Read morePros: Lots to choose from, Delicious food, Friendly staff
Guest
mephitine
Points +45
"Mmmm" - Edit
Very delicious and intensely flavorful Indian food. Limited buffet choices, but enough to tempt me into loading up my tray and ringing up a hefty bill. Tiny little place, you'll miss it if you blink, so keep your eyes open. Right next to Jerusalem Garden, where you can get the best (and cheapest) falafel for miles around. So if you're with friends who can't abide Indian food, take them to Jerusalem Garden and pop next door for a take-out box at Earthen Jar for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
Read morePros: Great food, Good selections
Cons: Priced by weight, Can add up fast
Guest
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