Buddha Bodai 佛菩提素菜
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant, Chinese Restaurant, and Dim Sum Restaurant$$$$
Chinatown, New York
Has a stamp of approval from The Wall Street Journal and Village Voice
"Pan fried dumplings, watercress dumplings, and BBQ pork (vegetarian)"(5 Tips)
"Try the GF Mixed Veg Meat w Basil in Taro Bowl!"(3 Tips)
"Try the Shredded Shitake Mushroom With Broccoli - #vegan #kosher"(8 Tips)
"Try the Pan Fried Dumplings - (via @Foodspotting)"(3 Tips)
120 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- vegetarian food
- barbecue
- bee chi
- good for groups
- ribs
- (15 more)
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Village VoiceAugust 15, 2014Top of the line, and most recommended, is the "whole lobster" spinach torso, asparagus legs, and a tail composed of shredded tofu textured like lobster meat, though falling short of it in flavor. Read more
Josh AAugust 7, 2014Chinese vegetarian kosher dim-sum. Only in NY. Very tasty. They did seat us with other people so be advised if you're a privacy freak. Fair amount of soy substitute too if you care. Highly recommended
Jason VinesDecember 21, 2014Best eat in Chinatown. Offer traditional dishes - if the waiter says they don't recommend a dish for you, heed their advice unless you're familiar with the cuisine. Delicious, friendly, affordable.
Carlos SanchezJune 7, 2015What a gem - delicious food, affordable, elegant, and clean. Easily Top 3 Dim Sum in Chinatown. Strongly recommend the House Special Congee and Pan Fried Dumplings (although everything was superb)
Joseph TerranellaJuly 15, 2016The veggie rib substitute is excellent. Also to avoid carb overload order a plate of vegetables from the bigger menu like the sautéed watercress.
Tina ZFebruary 4, 2019Come for dim sum, not dinner. The bbq veg meat is spot on - authentic flavor and convincing texture. They were attentive to my friend’s peanut allergy and told us what dishes contained peanut oil.
The Corcoran GroupJuly 17, 2013We could've sworn we were actually eating pork-filled dumplings when we came here. This vegetarian dim sum restaurant is totally legit, even to the meat lovers among us.
Lori LuoAugust 10, 2014Looking to accommodate some vegetarians? Buddha Bodai serves up a tasty number of dishes, and does an excellent dim sum (pan fried turnip cake, BBQ "pork", and congee) as well.
devon roseSeptember 3, 2018must get: watercress dumplings, bbq pork rice roll, fried taro, radish cake, and the congee is pretty good- Village VoiceAugust 15, 2014In Main Street's smorgasbord of Chinese restaurants, this joint is unique, offering an entirely vegetarian menu, with meatless renditions of congee, steamed dumplings, & bean curd Sichuan-style. Read more
The best. Dim Sum til 3:30p, gluten free available/kosher/vegetarian. Watercress Dumplings, Bee Chi and Spinach Rice Roll, Fried Taro Custard or Turnip Cake, Sweet Tapioca or Coconut Dumplings.
Vegan dim sum!!! 💚 the taro cakes are the best (comparing both vegan and non vegan spots). Save room for coconut pudding!
Jessica J.March 1, 2015Tried a little of everything. The #bonelessroastpork looks, tastes, and smells the same as actual roast pork. Definitely try the #vegetarianmeat. You won't be disappointed.
Love this spot. If you are a vegetarian or vegan who loves chinese - you'll be amazed with their variety of dishes to choose from.
PaulinaJune 19, 2013All serious vegetarian spot. It's really good! Gotta flag down for services like any Chinatown restaurant. My friend, a vegetarian was speechless at how big there selection was for vegetarians.
Rachel StineAugust 19, 2012If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you must try this place. Although there are NO meat dishes, most non-vegetarians can find a lot of good items too.
Linny LooksJuly 18, 2013Best vegan/vegetarian/ kosher restaurant in the city!!! Really good dim-sum dishes too!! The staff is very nice and attentive been going here for decades!
I love the mango pudding!!!! And the service!!!!!!!!!... oh and the actual food. My friends are always intrigued by the sweet and sour ribs. Get them with fried milk!
Maya BruckJune 28, 2015Seriously good vegetarian dim sum. Get the turnip cake, fried eggplant, rice rolls... really, you can't go wrong with anything here.
Danielle LandauAugust 13, 20142 of the smalls is more than enough for 1 person. Watercress dumplings are great, but ask for a dipping sauce too
Roza SabeOctober 25, 2010Agreed great veg food. Dinner a bit high but worth the cost. Had sweet n sour beef and texture was nice and smooth and very flavorful. Highly recommend you try the dish if you like it sweet n saucy.
Hannah TreasureNovember 5, 2015Vegan / vegetarian options are amazing, tastes so authentic that I was honestly scared for a sec it was real meat
- My wife, a devoted customer, worked with Kent, the owner, to develop a gluten-free menu. Try the GF Mixed Veg Meat w Basil in Taro Bowl! And ask for GF tamari, avail upon request, with GF dim sum.
EM H.February 6, 2019Loved the pan fried turnip cake, and the fried “oysters” were surprisingly good and “real”
W FrankensteinNovember 28, 2010Among the best zha leung (creuller in rice noodle) in town. No spring onion, but a spiced soy sauce is used. One order has lots! Also great: fake cha siu (BBQ pork) and 3 mushroom noodles.
Andrew ShumOctober 24, 2014Hands down best tofu you can get in the neighborhood. Get the Braised Soybean Skin (红烧豆包).
I am a regular to this place . I really need to know - Why the hell is it rated less than 9 in FourSquare!
Ryan Zhang 🤪March 7, 2017I'm so surprised at what began alternatives can make. The sample meat platter is legit
Arjun Shivanand KannanOctober 23, 2016Incredible food. Make sure to try to spicy laksa soup for a blast of flavor!
Family style so big portions. Be prepared to share or take half home
John ANovember 14, 2014Big menu of Chinese vegetarian food. Flavor is not bad but the only dish I would call delicious is the sautéed pea pod tips.
Alli BroadSeptember 24, 2020The five color (?) appetizer is fantastic. Barbecued meat is great for lunch too.
Tian HeSeptember 5, 2011Try the mixed vegetables and glass noodle in casserole. It's a flavorful and savory dish that is sure to delight. Comes in a mini ironwok.
Abi OlveraJuly 29, 2012Two things to know: the vegetable fried rice has ginger and the Thai style sautéed noodles have faux ham; in case you wanted to avoid either. :)
Jeremy VerderaSeptember 23, 2013Their sesame veggie beef is better than most of the sesame real beef I've ever tried.
Christen DuongFebruary 28, 2012i really like meat, but i enjoyed their fake meat. great veggie restaurant for a carnivore looking to branch out.
Lin CongMarch 4, 2012Wayyyy better than Vegetarian Dim Sum House. Better service. Better food. Better atmosphere. This is my go to dim sum place in NYC.
Phil PFebruary 16, 2014Vegetarian BBQ pork and black pepper chicken are great - coming from a meat eater.
Lawrence Elchana ClingmanFebruary 3, 2013Great steamed dumplings. I didn't like the wide noodles with BBQ beef but the BBQ beef itself was good- This place is wild with vegetarian Chinese food . Try the duck- yummmm
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Buddha Bodai 佛菩提素菜
5 Mott St (btwn Chatham Sq & Mosco St)
New York, NY 10013
United States
New York, NY 10013
United States
Open until 9:15 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 11:00 AM–9:15 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 10:00 AM–9:15 PM
(212) 566-8388
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
BYO
See More
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"Loved these dishes: fried Broccoli, mushroom mousse, tomato tart, fennel crisp & onion chocolate tart. Skip pickles, pea shoots, Brussels tacos, radish pasta & cucumber semifreddo."
Ms Helene - 8.4
"Ginger black bean stir fry is amazing!!"
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"Great exotic ice cream flavors! Don't bother with the usual flavors, get the mango, coconut or lychee!"
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