Vegetarian's Paradise 2

About a week and a half ago we packed all of our belongings into a 22-foot moving truck, turned in our apartment keys and said good bye to New York City. I won’t say that it didn’t hurt, because it did. Like someone recently told me, New York City is like the boyfriend you have a hard time breaking up with. It’s a city with the good and the bad, and sometimes both are attractive, and it’s really really hard to extricate yourself out of an eight-year relationship. Especially if it makes you really great meals. Man, New York City can make a really good meal.

If you’re ever in New York City, you have to try some of its vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Here are a few of our favorites, and I promise I won’t be jealous if you go dine at one or more of them. Eh – I’ll take that back. I’ll be the jealous ex-New Yorker. ;)

$$$ – Pricey
$$ – Moderate
$ – Inexpensive

Vegetarian’s Paradise 2 – $
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Location: West 4th Street near Washington Square Park
We were first introduced to this restaurant probably about six or seven years ago, and we still don’t know if “2” means that there is an original Vegetarian’s Paradise. Despite that, it became our standby, and we usually would go there about once every one or two months. They have a large menu which includes appetizers, dim sum, mains, soups, sandwiches, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks. For the last several months my favorite way to order was to get a few appetizers, plus a small soup or salad. Some of what we love to order is the cold vegetarian duck (bean curd), crispy soul chicken, and portabella pub fritters.

Hangawi – $$$
Cuisine: Korean
Location: 32nd between 5th and Madison
This is probably my favorite restaurant in the city, but it is definitely pricey. This is the kind of place where you’d want a romantic dinner or a lunch with some good friends. Part of what makes this meal more expensive, aside from the well prepared food, is the zen-like experience. You take off your shoes at the door, then sit on the floor with your legs going into a space that is under your table. The waiters are very attentive, and there is a soft music in the background. I usually order the avocado stone bowl rice, as well as a couple of appetizers. Each meal is served with two types of kimchi – one that is not spicy, and one that is. The drinks are also very delicious, and they do have some seasonal drinks and dishes as well. The only thing that I probably would not recommend ordering is dessert, as the portions are very small. Otherwise this is an excellent, soothing and filling meal.

Buddha Bodai – $$
Cuisine: Chinese
Location: 5 Mott Street
We have only been to this restaurant a couple of times, and we are very sorry that we didn’t know about this place sooner. The place seems low-key, although very busy, but the food is great and because it is located in Chinatown you’re probably getting more authentically prepared foods. Unless you’re planning to go just before or after the lunch (or dinner) rush, it’s a good idea to call ahead and get reservations, as just the two of us had to wait at least 15 minutes to be seated.

Madras Mahal – $
Cuisine: Indian
Location: Lexington Avenue between 27th and 28th
The neighborhood of Murray Hill has a lot of great little Indian restaurants, but this has become one of our favorites because the food is both delicious and extremely affordable. From the papadam to the beingan bharta, everything is delicious and not too spicy. The only thing is that the service may come across as somewhat standoffish, however don’t let that stop you from coming here. Be sure to also visit Kalustyan’s just up the street one block.

Hummus Kitchen – $~$$
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Location: 9th Avenue between 51st and 52nd, and 2nd Avenue between 83rd and 84th
We only went to this restaurant once (and we went to the Upper East Side location on 2nd Ave.), but if we were still in New York City, we would definitely go back. As the name implies, this is a restaurant centered around hummus, which means a meal that you eat mostly with your hands. The meal starts off with a small bowl of olives, then you have the opportunity to order hummus and falafel dishes, among others. The hummus is very smooth and creamy, and comes with olive oil and paprika as well as any other toppings of your choosing. Their pita bread is also freshly made, and is thicker than what I am used to, however it is very good. I also would recommend their sangria which I found to be a perfect balance of fresh fruit and wine.

Did I leave out your favorite vegan/vegetarian New York City restaurant?