Discover NYC's Best Kept Secret: Vegan Dining Gems

A Local’s Guide to Vegan Dining in NYC: Hidden Gems You Need to Try

New York City is renowned for its diverse and vibrant food scene, but sometimes, as a meat-eater-turned-vegetarian-or-vegan, it can be tricky to find delicious plant-based options. Fear not! We’ve created this local’s guide to some of the best-hidden vegan gems in NYC to help you navigate the city’s vegan dining scene.

Gourmet Pizza

Vegan pizza has come a long way, and NYC is leading the pack with some truly scrumptious options. One place that locals can’t get enough of is Veganizer in the East Village. They specialize in veganizing any pizza from the menu, catering to all dietary restrictions including gluten-free. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions - the Three Cheeses and the Magic Mushroom are must-tries.

In the heart of Brooklyn resides L’Industrie, a pizzeria with a twist. They pride themselves on sourcing local ingredients and creating artfully designed pies that will ignite your taste buds. Their vegan offerings rival any in the city.

Indian Cuisine

For those craving a spicy and flavorful curry, check out Chaat Masala in the East Village. This family-owned restaurant offers a range of mouth-watering vegan options that will leave your taste buds dancing. The Mattar paneer (a popular Indian cheese) dish is an excellent duplicate with their house-made tofu unleavened bread - perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Abuli Indian Cuisine in the West Village takes Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine to another level. Their substantial vegan options showcase the depths of Indian vegan cooking, from the vegan samosas to chana masala. Their staff is knowledgeable and willing to accommodate any dietary concerns.

Sushi

If you’re searching for vegan sushi, check out the West Village’s Sushi Namera. They’ve embraced the plant-based trend with their exclusive vegan sushi menu, offering vegan maki (rice-filled rolls), nigiri (small hand-formed sushi), and sashimi. Don’t leave without trying their vegan dragon roll!

Saki East in the East Village boasts an impressive assortment of vegan sushi and Japanese fare. Their soy-based unagi (eel) is a standout and their sushi chefs are highly skilled, providing a visual masterpiece with each dish.

Specialized Vegan Restaurants

For those who want to immerse themselves in vegan dining, consider trying By Chloe in SoHo or Shabushabu Zen in the East Village. By Chloe is a true gem with a variety of plant-based options that range from mac and cheese to chocolate shakes. Their seitan-wrapped stuffed pretzels are not to be missed! Shabu shabu is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, and ShabuShabu ZEN specializes in vegan versions of this dish. From the broth (soup broth) to the ingredients, everything is plant-based and customizable to your liking.

Vegan Breakfast Gems

When in NYC, breakfast can be just as adventurous as dinner. Check out Champs Diner in the East Village, known for their all-vegan brunch, including their tempeh bacon, avocado toast, and carne-asada bagels. The food is affordable and boast big flavors.

For a unique breakfast experience, try Lady Mendl’s Tea in the Flatiron District. They offer afternoon tea with vegan options – the perfect blend of historical tradition and modern ideals. Imagine scones with cashew butter and jam.

Conclusion

Vegan dining in NYC continues to grow and evolve. As more and more restaurants embrace plant-based meals, it becomes crucial to support these establishments. By trying local vegan gems, we can enrich our palettes and explore healthier, more sustainable choices. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian or eat meat, try vegan dining for at least one meal - your taste buds and your conscience will thank you!