Plant-based guide to chinese restaurants in manhattan
The best travel experiences start with this question: “what will I eat?” As a plant-based food connoisseur I do my research. Manhattan neighborhoods vary in cuisine but one thing they have in common is A LOT of veg friendly restaurants. Below are my some of my favorite Manhattan eateries featuring Chinese cuisine.
Born in China and serving in NYC, MáLà Project is the spice GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of the East Village. Thoughtfully designed with a menu to match MáLà project is a must-visit. Order a dry bowl with all of the veggies and ideal spice level. Do not miss out on the taro, lotus root or the variety mushrooms offered. Pro tip if you’re a drinker: keep the cold Tsingdaos coming.
With a small menu of high quality local and seasonal offerings, the team at Mimi Chengs has built a dedicated community around family recipes. Order boiled or fried dumplings to eat in or takeaway a batch of frozen dumps to go.
Clearly spice is a main priority for me when visiting Chinese establishments. When I say Spicy Moon brings the heat, I mean it. From Dan Dan noodles with Beyond beef to the dry pot lunch specials, Spice Moon seeks to satisfy.
Except no imitations…except for the faux meat at The Original Buddha Bodai. This vegan classic is located in the heart of Chinatown. Come for the sesame chicken and stay for the salty short ribs.
Offering up bevy of Pan-Asian vegan dishes, Luannes Wild Ginger is the old reliable for plant-based eaters. Visit one of their several locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn for quality eats. If you’re in around lunch time give the lunch special a go.
Famous is literally in the name of the last beloved Chinese eatery. Xi'an Famous Foods is the tuck shop you will be forever grateful you were introduced to. For vegetarians, the hand-ripped noodles and spinach dumplings are a must-try (vegans beware there are eggs in both). Pro tip: there’s always more room for extra chili oil.
