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Vegan-friendly mapo tofu

Finding mapo tofu that respects your vegan diet shouldn't be a compromise on flavor.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Vegetarian restaurant

Small, colorful spot offers a cozy vibe with friendly family atmosphere and no music for clear talks. Enjoy authentic vegan soup dumplings and rich mapo tofu with purple rice. Portions are generous and served in plastic containers for easy leftovers.

Mapo tofu stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with purple rice. Portions are generous and the dish is consistently well-prepared alongside other vegan options.

Offers vegan soup dumplings and a variety of vegan Asian dishes that stand out for their flavor. Serves vegetarian and vegan Chinese takeout with consistently delicious options.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dishes here, like the chili oil wontons, are amazing."

"I found the Mapo Tofu to be authentic and delicious."

"The vegan friendly Asian dishes, like chili oil wontons, are flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

Certain menu items that say 'egg' are vegetarian, not vegan.

2

The lunch specials offer great value.

3

A lunch box with brown rice upgrade costs less than $10 if paid in cash.

02
Spicy Moon Bowery image 1
Vegan restaurant

Enormous space with two levels and bright pink decor creates a trendy, energetic vibe. Music plays at near club volume, making conversation difficult but adding to a lively atmosphere. Features include two bars and seating for large groups, attracting friends and birthday gatherings.

Mapo tofu delivers rich, bold flavors with a perfect level of spice. It often includes beef and pairs well with dishes like dan dan noodles and crispy eggplant.

Offers authentic vegan Sichuan food with dishes like pork buns, spicy noodles, and dumplings. Provides quick and easy vegan takeout with flavors that stand out among vegan spots.

People are saying

"We waited about 20 minutes in line for food, learning others had reservations too."

"The vegan food here is so flavorful and satisfying."

"The Mapo Tofu here is perfectly seasoned and very tasty."

Good to know

1

You only have one hour to eat.

2

The drag brunch supports KoreanKnine Rescue.

3

The pours during happy hour are ample and set a decadent mood.

03
Local Roots Bubble Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Rooftop garden offers a quiet oasis with local ingredients and family tradition recipes. Atmosphere is relaxing and clean, blending scenic views with a specialty food court vibe. Menu features unique Asian-inspired snacks alongside bubble tea with distinct textures.

Offers a vegan Mapo Tofu served over purple sticky rice with a flavor that stands out. The dish consistently impresses and pairs well with drinks like the Yuzu Arnold Palmer.

Vegan Mapo Tofu comes with purple sticky rice and packs a lot of flavor. The scallion pancake cheese melt also stands out among the vegan options, paired with boba drinks.

People are saying

"The strawberry yuzu lemonade was fizzy and well balanced."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was definitely worth the hype."

"The vegan mapo tofu here is packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Prices for non-matcha drinks are $6 each, with toppings costing extra.

2

No credit card surcharge is applied; only standard NYC sales tax is added.

3

The establishment uses local ingredients and partners with regenerative farmers.

04
Spicy Moon East Village image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small, cozy space bathed in pink ambient light with family-style tables and comfortable chairs creates an intimate, homey atmosphere. Loud club music and a packed, crowded layout make conversation difficult and the vibe energetic but not relaxing. A hip, modern aesthetic blends with playful decor and a DJ spinning popular tracks.

Soft Mapo Tofu delivers a mouth-numbing sensation with rich, peanutty flavors. Plant-based options like Vegan Szechuan Mapo Tofu and versions with Impossible beef offer bursting flavor and variety.

Offers vegan Szechuan dishes that stand out for their unique flavors and authenticity. Serves delicious vegan Chinese food that appeals even to non-vegans.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian Dan Dan noodles and wontons in chili oil delicious."

"The vegan food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant is fully vegan, despite its vegetarian label.

3

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours.

05
Spicy Moon Chelsea image 1
Vegan restaurant

Vegan restaurant offers a beautifully designed and cozy atmosphere with dim lighting that creates an intimate vibe but can make reading menus challenging. The space fits multiple groups with options for solo diners near the entrance. Cocktails and in-house brewed beers add a distinctive beverage selection to the experience.

Fiery and comforting, the Mapo Tofu offers a saucy texture with a light enjoyable heat. It comes in versions with or without vegan beef, keeping the dish flavorful without being overly oily.

Offers flavour-packed vegan Szechuan dishes with a wide selection of meat-free options. Highlights include Dan Dan noodles and vegan wontons with chili oil that deliver bold, spicy flavors.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is outstanding and flavorful."

"The dan dan noodles here are delicious and flavorful."

"The vegan Szechuan food here is outstanding and full of bold flavor."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended, especially for larger parties and weekends.

2

The menu is diversified, offering various vegan options including fake meat.

3

Prices can be high, particularly for dishes like General Tso's Style.

06
MEILI 沉香 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space blends modern Chinese design with warm lighting and plush seating, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Live jazz music and a sleek bar enhance the vibe, making it lively without reaching club intensity. The rooftop adds an elevated experience with views and a retractable roof.

Mapo Tofu comes out super soft with a numbing spice that matches what you'd find in China. It has good heat but could use more depth of flavor to stand out more.

A whole dedicated vegan menu offers many options, including a vegan General Tso that tastes like the original. The place is clearly vegan friendly with choices for gluten-free diners too.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and beautiful."

"I loved the full vegan menu and the delicious drinks."

"The Mapo Tofu is nicely numbing and spiced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

2

Parking is easy and available nearby for those driving in.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

07
The Rogue Panda image 1
Chinese restaurant

Crowded space with high chairs and classic Chinese takeout containers sets a casual, fast-food vibe. Loud environment blends with occasional salsa dancing, creating a lively atmosphere. Unbeatable views of city landmarks add a unique backdrop to the energetic setting.

Vegan Mapo Tofu stands out with its rich, flavorful taste. It pairs well with other dishes like cold sesame noodles and egg rolls, offering a satisfying, delicious experience.

A fully vegan spot offers Chinese food crafted with flavor in mind. Plant-based dishes are delicious and appeal to both vegans and non-vegans.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dumplings here are delicious and have complex flavors."

"I found the shiitake truffle fried rice to be delicious."

"The vegan dumplings here are delicious with complex flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the fifth floor and is not at ground level.

2

You need to take the elevator to reach the restaurant.

3

Rogue Panda is the only fully vegan spot in Time Out Market.

08
Blue Willow 夜来湘 image 1
Hunan restaurant

Vintage Chinese decor creates an elegant old Shanghai vibe with soft, dim lighting that soothes and transports. Private and semi-private rooms accommodate large parties and celebrations comfortably. A full bar downstairs offers unique, well-crafted Baijiu cocktails alongside a lively, busy atmosphere.

Mapo tofu stands out with a rich, authentic flavor that pairs well with dishes like eggplant and string beans. It balances spice and savoriness, making it a favorite choice alongside house smoked bacon and braised pork.

Menu includes many vegan and vegetarian options with flexible substitutions. Food tastes good and prices stay reasonable.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is amazing and authentically Hunan."

"I found the mapo tofu to be extremely delicious."

"It's great how many vegan options they offer on the menu."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

The restaurant has a 1.5 hour limit on dining time.

3

Customers must finish their meal before 7:00 PM on Saturday nights to be seated.

09
Nin Hao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious interior with detailed decor and a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere sets a unique tone. Inventive cocktails and authentic Chinese dishes create a thoughtful dining experience. Music and lighting contribute to a warm, fun vibe throughout.

Bold and spicy with the signature numbing Szechuan heat, the Mapo Tofu has a perfect level of spice that builds gradually. Seasoning is well done with an extra pick of spiciness, making it impeccably prepared.

Staff answer questions about vegan options clearly. Multiple dishes can be made vegan upon request to fit dietary needs.

People are saying

"These dinner spots have amazing seafood congee and spicy wontons."

"This food brings Fujian culture to life with authentic regional flavors."

"They can prepare multiple dishes vegan upon request."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Wednesday evening, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Dim sum brunch is available on weekends, perfect for larger groups.

3

The restaurant is laptop-friendly, making it a good spot for remote work.

10
Spicy Moon West Village image 1
Chinese restaurant

Vegan restaurant offers heated outdoor seating and a disco ball in a renovated space with increased capacity. Inside, loud music and close seating create a high-energy, crowded atmosphere. Cocktails like lychee martini and mango moon pair well with standout dishes such as Dan Dan Noodles and Kung Pao.

Strong doubanjiang notes and authentic Sichuan pepper make the Mapo Tofu very spicy and flavorful. The tofu is soft and melts in your mouth, highlighting traditional preparation.

Offers plant-based Asian cuisine with a focus on vegan Sichuan dishes. The menu includes standout items like mapo tofu that appeal even to non-vegans.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing vegetarian Dan Dan noodles."

"The vegan Dan Dan noodles are a must-try."

"I couldn't get enough of the authentic Mapo Tofu."

Good to know

1

Reservations must be made in advance due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect a 45-70 minute wait during prime time on Friday nights.

3

Customers are required to finish their meal in an hour during busy times.

11
MáLà Project 53rd St image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space combines raw industrial look with 1920s China vibes, creating a cool, elegant atmosphere that feels both pared back and lively. Occasional noise from large groups contrasts with generally chill energy, while outdoor seating offers a different way to enjoy the setting.

Mapo tofu offers a good balance of spice but stays within familiar flavors. It stands out among appetizers like scallion pancake and crispy duck salad but does not reach exceptional levels.

Servers suggest serving pork separately for Dan Dan noodles to accommodate vegans. A vegan dessert is available at MáLà Project 53rd St.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, Sarah made our time special."

"I highly recommend the dry pot and Mapo Tofu."

"The Xiangi fried rice is savory, salty, and mildly spicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the busy nature of the restaurant.

2

Happy hour offers strong cocktails at a good price.

3

The lunch special costs $43 per person.

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