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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Chinatown

Unique vegetarian spots

Sometimes the standard menu feels tired and you need a plant-based meal that breaks the mold.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Paper Sons Cafe image 1
Paper Sons Cafe image 2
Paper Sons Cafe image 3
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Coffee shop

Coffee shop with modern, sleek design and historical Chinese imagery on the walls creates a charming, inviting atmosphere. Large windows offer street views that connect indoor calm with bustling energy outside. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support a mix of work and relaxation.

Offers a variety of vegan options including a black sesame vegan mooncake with a crunchy crust and rich paste. Vegetarian pastries and a vegan BBQ bun also stand out for their flavor.

Unique lattes stand out with Asian-inspired flavors like black sugar, lotus seed, and coconut. The turmeric black sugar latte offers a distinct taste that draws attention.

People are saying

"This cafe is so cute and cozy, a perfect chill oasis."

"I'm obsessed with their black sesame vegan mooncakes and lattes."

"I loved the unique Asian-inspired lattes, like turmeric black sugar."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers 50% off on pastries during a specific time.

2

The cafe exclusively carries Black 6 Coffee, a veteran-owned brand.

3

There is reliable wifi available for customers.

02
Jajaja Mexicana image 1
Vegan restaurant

Classic tiny NYC spot with Mexican flair and colorful decor creates a cozy, buzzing atmosphere filled with neon lights and loud, fun music. Seating includes comfortable indoor booths, bar, and an outdoor patio on the corner. The place welcomes dogs and offers a lively vibe even when not crowded.

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.

Cocktails feature unique flavors with a balanced spice. The menu offers creative vegan Mexican dishes, including a distinctive quesadilla.

People are saying

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

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

"The food here is so flavorful and unique."

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.

03
Sen Saigon image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small space filled with bright, colorful decor and real plants draping from the ceiling creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Smiling faces and family-owned warmth add to the cheerful, intimate vibe. Limited seating encourages a relaxed pace with a focus on authentic vegan Vietnamese flavors.

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.

Unique methods imitate different meat cuts, creating distinct textures and flavors. The pork belly stands out with its unique texture and flavor, delivering authentic, high-quality Vietnamese food.

People are saying

"The vegan fish sauce here is on point."

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

"Their authentic Vietnamese food is surprisingly close to the original."

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.

04
Mictlan México and Spanish cuisine image 1

Vibrant Mexican-themed decor fills a spacious indoor dining area, creating an authentic and colorful atmosphere. Music varies from lively to loud, influencing the energy and mood throughout the visit. Signature drinks like frozen margaritas and mezcal margaritas stand out alongside well-regarded dishes such as birria tacos and mole enchiladas.

Surprising variety of vegan and vegetarian options fills the menu. The vegetarian kale burrito stands out as a solid choice. Clear vegan labels make picking easy.

Unique atmosphere transports to Mexico with authentic vibes. The al pastor burrito offers a delightful and unique flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously served."

"I found lots of great vegetarian and vegan options."

"The food here has such a unique and delicious flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at the restaurant.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 PM with special pricing.

3

The happy hour special includes 3 tacos and a margarita for $20.

05
Soft Swerve Ice Cream image 1
Ice cream shop

Small ice cream shop with kitschy decor mimicking Chinatown storefronts and neon signs creates a trendy vintage vibe. Bright lighting contrasts with calming jazz music, offering a unique atmosphere. Limited seating invites quick visits to enjoy Asian-inspired soft serve flavors.

Vegetarian options include Vegan Ube that tastes like taro with sweet soy milk. Choices feature a soft serve ube and a scoop of vegetarian ube, served in waffle cones with coconut shavings and mochi.

Flavors stand out with unique selections that match their advertising. Options include both indulgent and classic tastes.

People are saying

"I loved the ube and black sesame soft serve flavors."

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique and perfectly balanced."

"The vegan ube ice cream was delicious and smooth."

Good to know

1

The price for either 1 scoop or the soft serve is $6.50.

2

The vegan ube ice cream costs $8.50.

3

The cones cost extra, which was not communicated before scooping the ice cream.

06
TLK- Tigerlily Kitchen (TAKEOUT & CATERING) image 1

Small space with neo-70s design and soft-glow warm lighting creates an intimate, vibey atmosphere. Music and lighting set a cool, sexy mood that suits date nights and gatherings. Staff conversations sometimes rise above the music, adding to the lively energy.

Almost the entire menu offers vegan and gluten-free options clearly labeled for easy choice. Dishes like crispy tofu bites, peanut street noodles, and vegan vanilla ice cream provide plenty of plant-based flavor across all courses.

Offers a unique blend of Southeast Asian and New American cuisines. Drinks include unique cocktails that match the food's distinct flavors.

People are saying

"I loved that the food tasted like regular food, even though it was gluten-free."

"You'll find tons of flavorful vegetarian options here."

"The chef's creative flavors were truly unique and demanded attention."

Good to know

1

The happy hour menu includes $10 drinks and $10 food items.

2

Reservations are a must due to limited space.

3

The restaurant has a fully gluten-free menu.

07
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant image 1

Vegetarian restaurant offers authentic dim sum in a cozy, nostalgic setting with close seating arrangements. The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, suited for both groups and solo diners. Free hot tea is served immediately, enhancing the simple, traditional experience.

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.

Unique dishes include laksa, chestnut dimsums, and veg BBQ meat that blends mushroom and jerky textures. The food replicates meat flavors convincingly with distinct seasonings and sauces.

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 General Tso's chicken is a unique favorite here."

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.

08
Alimama Tea image 1

Small cafe with self-ordering kiosks and colorful outdoor seating creates a modern, clean space that feels cramped but lively. Busy atmosphere combines with a cool underground vibe and eye-catching visuals. No indoor seating emphasizes quick, made-to-order service.

Gluten-free and vegan donuts and mochi are available, including vegan munchkins in two flavors. Vegan options are limited but include vegan chocolate mochi balls and boba.

Mochi donuts offer a unique chewy texture and subtle sweetness that sets them apart. Drinks feature distinctive tea flavors and visually appealing presentations.

People are saying

"The boba tea here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"The mochi donuts and cream puffs here are so unique and delicious."

"I loved that they had delicious vegan donuts and mochi."

Good to know

1

There is no seating inside; it's a takeout-only establishment.

2

Customers should order their items via the kiosk and wait for their name to be called.

3

The coupon code '152023' offers 15% off until 2024.

09
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.

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.

Unique dough and sauce flavors stand out with a slightly different sauce taste and distinctive cheese. The hot honey hot boi pizza adds a unique twist, and the vibe channels an 80s neon arcade feel.

People are saying

"The Hotboi pizza was amazing and spicy."

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

"The unique flavors and seasoning made the pizza truly delicious."

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.

10
Super Taste image 1
Chinese restaurant

Tiny, narrow space with about six small tables creates a cramped and congested setting. Yelling in Chinese adds to a noisy, bustling atmosphere that feels like a busy market. Food arrives in plastic bowls with broth served separately, emphasizing authenticity and simple ambiance over comfort.

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.

Fried dumplings have a unique shape not seen elsewhere, especially the open face dumplings that differ from typical forms. The atmosphere and product quality also stand out as truly unique.

People are saying

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

"The vegetarian dumplings and sesame noodles are delicious."

"I noticed the fried dumplings had unique shapes."

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.

11
Chinese Tuxedo image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim lighting and a large open space create a loud, lively atmosphere that feels both intimate and exciting. The venue combines posh, well-designed interiors with a secret speakeasy lounge downstairs for after-dinner gatherings.

Vegetarian options include a variety of dishes like XO fried rice, eggplant, pea shoots, and noodles. The menu offers choices that satisfy both vegans and meat lovers.

Food presents as culinary art with a focus on unique burrata. Cocktails stand out as crafted and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the oxtail buns."

"The vegetarian fried rice was a unanimous favorite, so delicious."

"The food here is unique and resembles culinary art."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for parties of 8 or more.

2

You need to book this spot two weeks in advance to secure a table.

3

For parties of 8 or more, the $88 per person tasting menu is required.

12
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.

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.

Unique dishes like the vegan criss cross shrooms offer a distinct and fulfilling flavor. The kaya toast features a creamy middle that stands out, and the Milo French toast adds a delightful twist to a classic.

People are saying

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

"I found the unique Malaysian dishes and flavor combinations here unlike anything else."

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

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.

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