I've lived in NYC for a while, and its been a struggle to find a good place that has flavorful food that I can eat. I don't want to spend $15 at brunch for guac and chips. It took me some time to find good places, that were also affordable. If you're in the city and need some tips here are some of my top spots.
Omusubi Gonbei (Manhattan)
When I was working in Midtown, this was my consistent spot! Wonderful selection of vegetarian onigiri (or so told me, I don't question it haha). Usually I paired it with a fun soda and a snack (quite often a red bean bun because I'm obsessed). It's both an onigiri spot and it's own market. If it's packed it's also not too far from Sunrise Mart, which has similar vibes, but this still reigns as my favorite!
Alidoro (Manhattan)
Another fav in Bryant Park! I lived in Italy for a bit, and the #1 thing I missed were the sandwiches. This definitely matched my expectations and satisfied my cravings. Of course nothing can beat Florence, but it can aid my nostalgia.
The Mona Lisa is my go-to. It's not a cheap spot, but the portions don't disappoint. I get my sandwiches with focaccia, which they make very soft. A hard focaccia is my enemy, so unnecessary.
Ahimsa (Manhattan)
My fellow Indian co-workers suggested this spot and we had a nice little lunch. You can tell the quality by the number of South Asians who come to the restaurant. It's fair to say we were surrounded by multiple families, which we may or may not people-watched just a bit.
Her Name is Han (Manhattan)
Went here with with mamma. A k-town spot that vegetarians will love. I suggest making a reservation, if you have to wait the Arlo is next door and during on-season has a wonderful rooftop. Stop by there, grab a drink, and prep for a wonderful meal. We got the tteokbokki and the tofu hot pot. What I loved about was the different ways the tofu was cooked, I was impressed by the diversity of texture of flavor with just one ingredient.
Bodrum (Manhattan)
The HUMMUS! I haven't a hummus that flavorful or smooth in a while. Braised leeks were also a highlight. Highly recommend, I even got a dessert and can recommend their chocolate pudding with a side of vanilla gelato.
Ippudo (Manhattan)
This is a bit more of an expensive option but the ramen is definitely worth it—with plenty of vegetarian options. I almost always opt for a vegetarian bun followed by their ramen with a marinated egg. So far I've only been to the Midtown location.
Annie Moore's (Manhattan)
Okay listen the menu prices are a lot. The fig pizza lives in my head rent free though. I'm always trying to beg my friends but most of us made a publishing salary. So they rolled eyes when I mentioned the price. It's personally worth the money to me. If I could suggest a fancy date night, happy hour at The Long Room then dinner at Annie Moore's. Maybe grab a sweet treat at Mia's Bakery after?
Any Falafel Cart (NYC)
This is basic but true any falafel cart is, I think, a must in the city or any city that offers it. The white sauce, the red sauce, the falafel, and flavored rice, an affordable and quick meal.
Empanadas Monumental (Various Locations)
A great snack, and a lot of flavor, if you're okay with cheese which is not always strictly vegetarian. Aside from the empanadas, their juices are delightful especially on a summer day.
Patti Haus (Brooklyn)
My wallet is worried because I'm so close to this place. It's not expensive but it's soo good that I might get a habit. They offer well-spiced vegetarian patties on a regular basis, in a decent size. I usually get full from just two.
Aunts et Uncles (Brooklyn)
I have a friend who lives in Flatbush and I'm always asking for us to meet here. It's vegetarian friendly and well-spiced. The so simple sandwich is my go to.
Jen's Roti Shop (Brooklyn)
Brooklyn's Caribbean food spots have more vegetarian options (and sadly maybe the only) I've ever seen. I love Jen's so much I got it TWICE when I was visiting last week. I love the doubles, patty, plantains, and roti! Nothing I've ordered has been too spicy and they pack the veg substitutes (soya and mushroom) with flavor so I don't feel like I'm missing out.
Dhania (Brooklyn)
I'm usually hesitant to get Indian food outside, since I can make it at home. But I can't make samosa chaat at home. I went in a rainy day and got samosa chaat, peshwari naan, and some chai. I have no regrets about my order. The chai was comforting and I love peshwari naan.
Brooklyn Pizza Crew (Brooklyn)
Amazing lunch deal on weekdays. Make sure to download the Fresh app for fun games that get you clutch rewards. I'm a big fan of the classic Brooklyn, Grandma slice, and the Vegan Spicy Pepperoni. Nice range of sodas from the classic brands to cane sugar Boylan's (the cane cola is superior to all others, I said it).
Nan Xiang Express (Brooklyn & Manhattan Locations)
I was moving, sweaty, just trying to return my router to Optimum. I got hangry after, and I saw an affordable spot on Google Maps. I was not expecting to enter a fast food style stir fry noodle and dumpling spot. I need franchise to get even bigger.
Now if you're looking for a cheap-ish date night, this is your spot!
Momo Crave (Queens)
I found out about this place through my Nepali friends and it's amazing. Affordable with lots of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. I personally recommend the regular and tandoori momos. If you have a good spice tolerance, I've heard great things about the chili momos.
After the food if you need a refresher, Dulce Cultura has some amazing ice cream flavors to try. The best for me so far was cinnamon churro.
District Saigon (Queens)
The lychee martini paired with the lemongrass tofu bahn mi! I got the vietnamese crepe once, and I enjoyed it . . . but I will say it was difficult for me to eat. Most likely I was doing it wrong. AND they have fresh lime soda. If you're Indian you know what I'm talking about. Was extremely comforting to see on the menu and I had to order it.
After looking at the menu again, I see they even have vegan options.
If you try any of these places let me know in the comments below.
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