Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Chinatown

Vegetarian lunch spots

Made for those who prioritize plant-based eating and need a reliable place to grab a substantial lunch during a busy workday.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Spring Cafe image 1
Spring Cafe image 2
Spring Cafe image 3
View all
Vegan restaurant

Small, cozy spot with intimate seating and clean design offers hearty vegan lunch specials like burgers and bento boxes. Fast casual Asian dishes use perfected vegan meat that tastes great. Blender noise can disrupt the calm vibe.

Offers a variety of hearty vegan options like burgers, noodles, and Chinese lunch bento boxes. Portions are generous and lunch specials come at an affordable price.

Offers all vegan food with perfected vegan meat substitutes that taste better than real meat. Serves fast casual vegan Asian dishes that are reliable and delicious.

People are saying

"The vegan chicken and braised tofu skin noodle soup was amazing."

"These bao buns are unbelievably delicious and have great texture."

"You have to try the bao buns at this Lunch Spot; the ginger chicken is amazing."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan, so there’s no need to probe into ingredients.

2

The restaurant is located right next to the Canal Street subway station.

3

Seating is limited, making takeout a better option during busy hours.

02
Sen Saigon image 1
Vegan restaurant

Bright, colorful decor and real plants create a cozy vibe. Family-owned warmth shines through with authentic vegan Vietnamese flavors. Weekday lunch offers perfectly spiced sandwiches and satisfying soup. Vegan pork banh mi and pho broth stand out as fresh, flavorful options.

Special weekday lunch features delicious soup and a perfectly spiced sandwich. It suits workday meals well with solid flavors and satisfying portions.

Offers vegan pork banh mi and vegan ham options with fresh ingredients. Serves pho broth and fried spring rolls that are highly rated for flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The vegan fish sauce here is on point."

"The vegan pork belly Banh Mi has a beautiful, meaty texture."

"The vegan banh mi here is so good, especially the pork belly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a fully vegan menu.

2

Seating is very limited at the restaurant.

3

There is no bathroom available in the restaurant.

03
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant image 1

Vegetarian dim sum shines in a cozy spot with authentic flavors and vegan Cantonese dishes. Lunch specials at $9-$10 come with rich, satisfying gravy and choice of rice. Free hot tea adds to the welcoming atmosphere for groups or solo diners.

Lunch specials cost around $9 to $10 and include a choice of white or brown rice and a soup. Options like the eggplant, tofu skin, and Sichuan hot pot specials offer rich textures and flavors with satisfying gravy to mop up.

Offers traditional vegan Chinese food with a focus on Cantonese style cuisine and vegan dim sum. Serves consistently positive, flavorful dishes that cater well to vegetarian and kosher diets.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dim sum here is amazing and well-priced."

"The food here is delicious, with huge portions for a great price."

"The vegan ma po tofu is a satisfying Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The lunch deal is available from Monday to Friday.

2

All dim sum options are vegetarian/vegan.

3

There are no reservations for parties of 2, just walk in.

04
La Diáspora Bar & Restaurant image 1

Spacious dining room with colorful artwork and traditional Latin elements creates a chill, welcoming vibe. Music is consistently spot-on, complementing the relaxed atmosphere. Drinks like sugarcane mojitos and frozen margaritas stand out alongside highly rated tacos.

Lunch features fantastic specials paired with solid drinks. The space feels comfortable and cozy, making it easy to enjoy a meal without too much noise or action.

Many vegetarian and vegan options fill the menu. The food tastes delicious and offers plenty of variety.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so polite and friendly."

"The Ropa Vieja at this Lunch Spot is delicious and satisfying."

"The vegetarian options here are delicious and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Lottery night happens every Thursday with fun prizes.

3

Free salsa dancing lessons are offered on Sundays at 3pm.

05
Jajaja Mexicana image 1
Vegan restaurant

Classic NYC spot with Mexican flair and colorful decor offers a cozy vibe with neon lights and loud music. Lunch features a $20 special with vegan chorizo tacos and quesadillas. Enjoy fully vegan dishes like steak and unique drinks on a lively patio that welcomes dogs.

Lunch offers vegan options like chorizo tacos and quesadillas. A $20 lunch special includes food and drinks, making it a quick and affordable stop after the train.

Fully vegan Mexican dishes feature vegan steak that tastes like meat, along with chorizo tacos and quesadillas. Unique drinks like the Coconut Coquito add to the plant-based menu.

People are saying

"The vegetarian Mexican dishes here are out-of-this-world delicious."

"I loved the smoky mezcal cocktails, they were perfectly balanced."

"This lunch spot has delicious vegan options and great portion sizes."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan.

2

If you plan on dropping in during the evening, make sure you have a reservation.

3

$15 for two regular/average tacos.

06
West Rice Roll King 西关肠粉王 image 1

Tiny space with limited bar-style seating creates a crowded, bustling atmosphere where movement is tight and dining feels rushed. Most people come for takeout, watching rice rolls made fresh at the counter. The vibe suits quick stops rather than relaxed meals.

Plates cost around $5, making it a reasonable option for a quick lunch. The spot suits grabbing something fast for lunch or dinner.

Rice rolls offer a vegetarian filling option alongside pescatarian and meat choices. Cilantro scallion stands out as a great vegetarian flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood rice rolls here are so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the fluffy rice rolls at this Lunch Spot; they were delicious."

"The Vegetarian rice rolls are fluffy and light."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only; bring cash for your visit.

2

Seating is extremely limited, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect to wait at least 20-30 minutes after ordering.

07
Dim Sum Palace image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern decor and classic round tables with lazy Susan create an elegant and authentic setting. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, often crowded and noisy with families and groups. Offers late-night hours and karaoke for large groups, standing out among Chinatown dim sum spots.

Lunch features flavorful, authentic Cantonese dim sum with excellent food quality. The spot suits casual and business lunches, offering a consistent experience across visits.

An extensive vegetarian dim sum menu includes mushroom dumplings, crispy tofu skin rolls, and peanut and mushroom dumplings. Staff offers knowledgeable recommendations and the vegetarian options are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the shrimp dumplings."

"This Lunch Spot's dim sum is authentic, flavorful, and delicious."

"The vegetarian options here are excellent, with lots of choices."

Good to know

1

Dim Sum Palace is open until 3am on Sunday nights.

2

The dim sum is available late at night until 3 AM.

3

A table would be ready in about 15-20 minutes during busy times.

08
The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant 佛菩提 image 1

Space combines minimalist decor with Chinese calligraphy artwork and offers pots of hot green tea at each table. Atmosphere stays tranquil and pleasant, with a clean, bright, and spacious setting. Guests often enjoy exceptional vegetarian dim sum and dishes that appeal even to meat eaters.

Weekday lunch specials cost under 10 dollars with great portion sizes and affordable prices. The lunch menu offers good value and tasty options.

Offers Buddhist inspired vegetarian Chinese food with a nostalgic touch. Serves amazing vegan dim sum and a wide range of vegan-friendly dishes that stand out for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian and vegan food to be immaculate and flavorful."

"I found the dim sum to be delicious and world class."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is so delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Dimsum is only served until 4pm.

2

The restaurant has a lunch special with prices under 10 bucks.

3

Be ready for a wait during lunch and dinner rush.

09
Holy Burger LES image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space with high seat chairs and two large tables creates a tight but clean environment. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, though sometimes quiet enough to hear conversations clearly. Serves halal burgers and sandwiches with a first come first serve setup.

Lunch features a Lunch Special from 11am to 4pm with two sliders and fries. This option offers good value and serves as a reliable choice for midday meals.

Vegan options include an Impossible burger and vegan hot dogs. Vegan cheese appears on the burger. Fries come as a side.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were amazing and juicy."

"Their vegetarian options are so tasty, especially the vegan hot dogs."

"This is my go-to lunch spot for a thick, flavorful burger."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 12 AM, not 1 AM.

2

The restaurant offers a Lunch Special from 11am to 4pm.

3

You should bring cash tips for the workers.

10
Scarr's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant combines quintessential New York slice joint vibe with a cocktail bar in the back. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with plenty of seating and an NBA Jam arcade adding to the fun. Late hours and gourmet edge distinguish the experience.

Quick lunches feature Scarr's Pizza with fantastic slices. Drizzling hot honey on the Caesar and using it as a dip for the knots adds a unique twist.

Vegan options include a Vegan slice and a Vegan Caesar Salad with a cashew-based dressing that adds a crunchy texture. The vegan pizza has no weird texture or aftertaste and pairs well with Vegan Garlic Knots.

People are saying

"The Hotboi pizza was amazing and spicy."

"You have to try their vegan Caesar salad; it's a must-try."

"This Lunch Spot's Hotboi pizza has a spicy yet sweet flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait on weekends, especially during peak hours.

2

Seating inside is only available for those ordering a full pie.

3

If you want a whole pie, go inside and order at the bar.

11
Super Taste image 1
Chinese restaurant

Tiny space with six small tables feels cramped and noisy with loud Chinese chatter. Quick lunch options cost about $6 and serve filling portions that draw long lines. Vegetarian dishes like shallot oil noodles and green dumplings offer tasty but limited choices.

Offers quick lunch options with high quality food at a reasonable price around $6. Portions are filling and popular enough to cause long lines.

Vegetarian options include shallot oil noodles with cucumbers, scallions, and fried tofu, plus green vegetarian dumplings with a unique look. The menu offers some flexibility but has limited vegetarian noodle dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the fried dumplings were the best I've had."

"This lunch spot offers cheap, delicious noodles and dumplings."

"The vegetarian dumplings and sesame noodles are delicious."

Good to know

1

Bring cash for dumplings as they don't come with sauce.

2

There are no restrooms available in the restaurant.

3

Good luck finding a seat; sharing tables is common.

12
Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Chinatown image 1

Chinese noodle restaurant with an open kitchen and self-service ordering kiosks creates a fast-paced, casual dining environment. The space feels crowded and coolly air-conditioned, encouraging quick meals rather than lingering. Seating consists mainly of stools, emphasizing a come-and-go atmosphere.

Lunch here offers Spicy Cumin Lamb and pasta and spinach dumplings as standout dishes. The spot stays busy but usually has seating, with great service during lunch hours.

Vegetarian options include hand-ripped noodles and dumplings. All vegetarian dishes tried are very tasty and well-prepared.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super tasty and affordable."

"I found some really tasty vegetarian options here."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fast, delicious, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

You order at a window and then wait for your food.

2

This restaurant is the only place we were able to pay by credit card in Chinatown.

3

Getting seating can be difficult as it gets crowded sometimes.

13
Shanghai 21 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining space offers freshly made dishes with an inviting atmosphere despite a loud, crowded environment. Outlets near many tables provide convenience for charging devices. Decor reflects traditional Chinese culture in a clean, tidy setting.

Lunch offers great food with options under $20 including tea. The spot has a cozy and comfortable vibe ideal for a relaxed meal or takeaway.

Options include vegetarian noodles and vegan dishes alongside meat choices. Starters feature vegetarian spring rolls and shrimp dimsum.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings are full of flavor and perfectly slurpable."

"I was pleasantly surprised by the vegetarian options."

"The soup dumplings here are heaven in my mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards.

2

Expect to wait at least 30 minutes for a table on weekends.

3

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to your bill.

14
Bánh Mì Cô Út image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, clean Vietnamese shop offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with a family-run vibe. Seating is limited to a wooden bench outside, and the place operates on cash only. Sandwiches feature crusty, fresh bread with carefully balanced fillings.

Offers decently priced sandwiches suitable for lunch without dining in. Pastries and coffee also stand out, making it a solid choice for a quick midday meal.

Vegetarian options include a vegetarian banh mi that many find hard to resist. The vegan banh mi offers less flavor but still adds variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I finally found a legit Banh Mi spot with that authentic Vietnamese flavor."

"This lunch spot has delicious banh mi with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"I found the vegetarian bánh mì to be the best I've tried."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is cash only; bring cash to pay for your food.

2

It is takeout only with no dine-in option available.

3

You need to order ahead for the vegetarian bánh bột lọc.

15
Tasty Hand - Pulled Noodles image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Chinese noodle restaurant offers outdoor seating on street with small heated pods and an original air-conditioned cabin option. Atmosphere feels casual and grungy, resembling a back-alley street scene with cramped, narrow seating. Food stands out as the main attraction, especially hand-pulled noodles praised for their quality.

Lunch offers tasty pulled noodles served quickly in a casual setting. Seating allows for a relaxed meal that satisfies midday hunger efficiently.

Many vegetarian and vegan options appear on the menu, including pan fried vegetarian dumplings and crispy scallion pancakes. Noodle soups also offer several vegetarian choices.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup has delicious, springy hand-pulled noodles."

"They offered many vegetarian options, including noodle soups."

"The lunch spot portions are huge and a great deal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash; an ATM nearby charges high fees.

2

The establishment has significant cleanliness issues, including cockroaches.

3

There is mouse or cockroach feces in the tableware.

16
456 New Shanghai image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small, bright space with tables packed closely together creates a busy, lively atmosphere filled mostly with locals. Friendly, authentic vibe pairs with open kitchen where food is cooked fresh. Free tea and soup accompany meals, enhancing the generous, relaxed dining experience.

Lunch offers affordable specials with a good variety of dishes like dumplings and spicy cubed chicken. Quality and price balance well for a solid business or casual meal.

Vegetarian options include delicious dumplings and vegetarian dim sum. Almost all choices are consistently well-made and suitable for vegetarians.

People are saying

"I found the soup dumplings here to be truly delicious."

"I found the Chinese food here to be tasty and authentic."

"The vegetarian options here are awesome and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only after 8:30 PM.

2

Credit cards incur a 3.5% markup.

3

Free tea and soup are included with the lunch menu.

17
Ajisen Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers comfortable seating and a beautiful interior with Japanese music and anime figurines. Atmosphere feels inviting and lively, enhanced by ambient music and unique decor. Tables connect for large groups, creating a social dining experience.

Offers a quick lunch option suitable for solo visits or slightly longer breaks. Serves as a convenient spot for a casual midday meal after nearby activities.

Vegetarian options include vegetarian ramen with a flavorful broth and vegetable sushi that is vegan. The choices are limited but affordable, with some vegan noodles available.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious and satisfying."

"This lunch spot's spicy ramen is delicious and perfectly balanced."

"I found the vegetarian ramen tasty and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

An 18% tip is automatically added to the check, including takeout orders.

2

Customers may end up paying a total of 36% in service charges and tips.

3

The restaurant accepts all major credit cards for payment.

18
Yunnan Rice Noodle House image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Large space with modern Chinese decor and pop music creates a lively but sometimes hectic atmosphere. Staff are young, and service can vary, affecting the mood. Unlimited free rice noodle refills accompany hearty dishes served in boiling hot broth.

Quick seating and excellent service make it easy to grab lunch without waiting. The atmosphere suits both a quick meal and a relaxed sit-down during lunch hours.

Vegetarian options include a big bowl noodle soup served in a basin-sized portion. Both the soup and ingredients come in vegetarian and vegan varieties.

People are saying

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

"The vegetarian noodle soup was a big, healing bowl of warmth."

"This Lunch Spot's noodles and soup base are mouth-watering."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 3 AM, with the kitchen closing at 4 AM.

2

They offer a tasting experience with small plates from their entire menu.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but there's a fee for transactions under $10.

19
Kopitiam image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Small Malaysian cafe offers authentic Penang cuisine served in classic ceramic bowls with shared seating and plexiglass barriers. Atmosphere is casual and busy, with a messy interior featuring stacks of boxes and taped chairs. Window seats provide a nice park view amid a functional, no-frills setup.

Crowds peak during weekend lunch with free seating available. Weekday late lunch offers a quick and flavorful experience in a busy but manageable setting.

The vegan set menu costs $40 and features unique vegan criss cross shrooms with a fulfilling flavor. Many delicious vegan desserts are available, and the chilled spicy sesame noodles come vegan with egg removed.

People are saying

"I found the Asian food here to be really good and warm."

"The vegetarian criss cross shrooms have a unique flavor."

"It's pretty crowded at this lunch spot during peak hours."

Good to know

1

Kopitiam serves brunch on wet mornings.

2

The card machine isn’t working; cash or Venmo only.

3

Expect crowds on weekends, especially for larger groups.

20
Joe's Shanghai image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Shanghainese restaurant with loud, crowded atmosphere and modern, spacious interior attracts a younger crowd. Known for outstanding soup dumplings and family-style service with round tables. Cash-only policy with an ATM at the entrance.

Lunch here offers a delightful adventure with minimal wait times on both weekdays and weekends. It suits large groups well, making it easy to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Tons of vegan options exist alongside a few vegetarian dishes like eggplant and vegetarian dumplings. The vegetarian menu is limited and some find it lacking.

People are saying

"The crab and pork soup dumplings are fantastic and full of flavor."

"The soup dumplings at this Lunch Spot are piping hot and delicious."

"The vegetarian dumplings were a must-try."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; no credit or debit cards.

2

The restaurant only takes walk-ins and does not accept reservations.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait during busy evening hours.

21
Tasty Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese restaurant with cash-only policy and affordable dumplings draws steady crowds despite minimal, cluttered interior. Atmosphere feels cafeteria-like and run down, with noisy background and limited seating. Dumplings receive strong praise for taste and value.

Good and fast service keeps lunch moving even when it gets busy. Calling orders ahead avoids long, cramped lines and makes for a quick, tasty meal under $5.

Vegetarian options include pan-fried dumplings filled mostly with shredded cabbage. The menu offers a mix of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes to suit different preferences.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, homemade, and totally delicious."

"This lunch spot's dumplings are really good and cheap."

"The vegetarian dumplings here are mostly shredded cabbage."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, so bring some with you.

2

The price for eight dumplings is only $5.50.

3

You may have to wait half an hour if you order dumplings.

Discover more

Chinatown, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...