Best Indian Vegan Restaurants in New York
In today’s world, conscious consumption is one of the most popular topics of discussion. And with more and more people switching to a healthier lifestyle, practices like veganism are gaining immense recognition like never before.
Up until a few years ago, finding an all-vegan restaurant would be akin to finding a needle in a haystack, especially in countries like the USA with a sizable meat-eating population. Today, that is slowly but surely changing.
So if you’re an Indian vegan living in New York City, then we know exactly what you’re looking for — some vegan desi food, of course! In this piece, we’ve listed some of the best vegan Indian restaurants in New York that are an absolute must-visit! Keep reading to know more.
How we review:
All the vegan Indian restaurants in New York City that are a part of our list are reviewed based on four important criteria:
1. Value for money
2. Quality
3. Authenticity
4. Creativity/innovation
4 Best Indian Vegan Restaurants in New York
1. Usha Foods
Address: 255-03 Hillside Avenue, Queens, NY 11004
Website: https://ushafoods.com/
About the restaurant:
Usha Foods, famously known as one of the best Vegan food joints in New York, was established over 20 years ago by Anil and Indira Mathur. Since then, the restaurant has become synonymous with quality, taste, and exceptional customer service.
What makes it special:
Usha Foods was established with the intention of providing the residents of Queens access to authentic and delicious Indian food. And today, that’s exactly what they do. From snacks to sweets, fast food, and catering services, this Indian vegan restaurant in New York offers it all!
Must-try dishes:
- Lilva Kachori Chaat: An Indian chaat made using a traditional kachori stuffed with green peas and Toor Dal, ginger, green chillies, Sev, and Chaat Masala.
- Chole Bhature: A classic Punjabi Dish that includes a saucy and spicy chickpea curry, served with a deep-fried bread made out of refined flour.
- Onion & Tomato Uttapam: A thin pancake prepared using rice flour batter, finely chopped tomato, onion, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
2. NY Dosa
Address: 50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
Website: https://nydosas.com/
About the restaurant:
NY Dosa isn’t a traditional restaurant but a food cart owned by a Sri Lankan immigrant Thirukumar, also famously known as the Dosa Man of NYC. Since opening his food cart business in 2001, Thiru has been featured in numerous magazines, docu-style videos, social media platforms, and even television. In fact, his humble pushcart has been listed in guidebooks in over 42 countries. Safe to say, he’s a mini-celebrity in New York City!
Growing up in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Thiru spent a significant amount of time learning how to cook from his grandmother. And when he moved to New York as a newly practising vegan, he knew he wanted to open his own food cart and offer dishes that are a healthier alternative to greasy fast food. And that’s the story of how one of the best vegan Indian restaurants in New York came to be!
What makes it special:
Thiru’s ambition is pretty straightforward — to make South Indian food international for everyone. And with a long line outside his food cart every day, he’s well on his way to achieving just that.
However, what’s great about his food is that he customises it according to your dietary requirements and spice tolerance. And, most importantly, every dish on his menu is under $10 — what a deal!
Must-try dishes:
- Samosa: A classic Indian snack made by stuffing fried pastry with a savoury filling of potatoes, peas, and vegetables. It is served with a side of sweet or mint chutney.
- Idly Lunch: A complete meal in itself, this dish includes steamed lentil cakes, served with sambar, chutney, and a fresh salad.
- Special Pondicherry Dosa: One of their bestsellers, this vegan Indian dish is prepared using a rice and lentil batter stuffed with a filling of potatoes and vegetables. It is served with a side of lentil soup, a fresh salad, and coconut chutney.
3. Govinda’s Vegetarian Lunch
Address: 305 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Website: https://www.facebook.com/govindaslunch
About the restaurant:
Govinda’s is a vegan Indian restaurant that can best be described as Brooklyn’s hidden gem. Located in the windowless basement of the Hare Krishna Temple, this restaurant has been serving some of the best vegan food in New York since 1984.
What makes it special:
If you’re looking for ‘good-for-the-soul’ vegan Indian food in New York, then Govindas is where it’s at. For under $10, you can order four dishes — if that isn’t a steal, then we don’t know what is! To top it off, the interiors of this humble eatery are other-worldly, almost resembling a Wes Anderson film set. Floor to ceiling murals of Lord Krishna, ’80s mall boots, and checkerboard flooring are some of the stand-out features.
Must-try dishes:
- Veggie Kofta: Oval-shaped dumplings made from an assortment of minced vegetables are served in a rich onion-tomato-cashew-based gravy.
- Vegan carrot cake: A spin on the classic carrot cake, this dessert is made using brown sugar, grated carrot, and almond milk.
4. Divya’s Kitchen
Address: 25 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
Website: https://divyaskitchen.com/
About the restaurant:
Established in 2016, Divya’s Kitchen is a quaint vegan Indian restaurant in the East Village. It is owned by Divya Alter, who is a chef and cookbook author. After years of studying and hands-on training in Ayurveda from many teachers and physicians, Divya decided to set up her own Ayurvedic restaurant that serves ‘food that makes you feel good’.
What makes it special:
Divya’s Kitchen believes in the philosophy that nutritious food can heal the mind, body, and soul. And through their fresh and balanced meals, they aim to do just that.
All their dishes are deeply rooted in Ayurveda — a branch of ancient medical science originating in India. So if you’re looking for some healthy and nutritious vegan food in New York City, with flavours that pack a punch, then Divya’s Kitchen is an absolute must-visit!
Must-try dishes:
- Limeades: A refreshing and delightful drink available in two flavours — Ginger Mint and Hibiscus Pineapple.
- Vegetable Curry in Cashew Sauce: A rich and indulgent Indian curry that includes carrots, Taro root, cauliflower, zucchini, green beans, beets, and curried lentils. It is served with a side of fragrant basmati rice and mint-cilantro chutney.
Rose Chocolate Mousse: A decadent vegan dessert made using raw cacao, coconut oil, Irish moss, sunflower milk, and dates.
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