Araya's Vegetarian Place is the beloved U-District eatery devoted to meat-free Thai food, and its daily lunch buffet is a Thai-loving vegetarian's dream. For $8.99, diners help themselves to three tables laden with veggie Thai goodness, including but not limited to pad thai, panang curry, spring rolls, fresh tofu and vegetables, and veggie fried rice. A trio of pepper sauces helps diners attain their desired spice levels. Swoon. (Araya's Vegetarian Place, 1121 NE 45th St, 524-4332, 11:30 am–3:30 pm)