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The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
8.4
A Chinatown institution for plant-based dim sum and Cantonese comfort cooking that leans big on texture—crisp-fried “duck,” bouncy dumplings, and buns that hit the sweet-savory char siu note. It’s best used as a share-and-sample table where you order wide, keep the pacing fast, and let the classics do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ “pork” buns (char siu-style), Pan-fried turnip cake, Fried tempura oyster mushrooms
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic Chinatown dim sum made convincingly vegan and Kosher.
Who should go: Dim sum groups and plant-based explorers
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch
What to order: BBQ buns, turnip cake, oyster mushroom tempura
Insider tip: Order dim sum first, then add one noodle or rice plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; paid garages nearby but expect a short walk. Best reached by subway or rideshare.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — lively dining room, easy for group conversation but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you arrive early or late.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Yes — the entire menu is vegan and Kosher.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some vegetable-based dishes work, but soy sauce and wheat-based wrappers are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — the energy is lively and food-forward, not quiet or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate mostly first-come, first-served. Go off-peak for the easiest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — especially for kids who like dumplings, buns, and shared plates. No special amenities, but very accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Convincing vegan dim sum, fast-paced group ordering, and classic Chinatown flavors at budget prices.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, gluten-free reliability, or a more modern, polished plant-based dining experience.
The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
A Chinatown institution for Kosher vegetarian (largely vegan) Cantonese comfort where the best move is to order wide and share fast. Come for dim sum staples and convincing mock-meat classics that hit the sweet-savory, crisp-fried textures people actually crave.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ buns (char siu-style), Turnip cake, Mock duck / BBQ-style platters
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic dim sum and Cantonese comfort executed convincingly without meat.
Who should go: Dim sum groups and Chinatown regulars
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch
What to order: BBQ buns, turnip cake, mock duck platter
Insider tip: Order dim sum first, then add one big plate to finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; expect circling or use a nearby paid garage in Chinatown.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is easy within your group but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, faster if you’re willing to share a table or order quickly.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or under 10 minutes outside of the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fully vegetarian menu with classic Cantonese dishes and dim sum.
Vegan options: Yes—many dishes are vegan by default; staff can help flag egg- or dairy-containing items.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some vegetable-forward dishes work, but soy sauce and wheat-based items are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date—especially if you like sharing plates—than a quiet, romantic one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Reservations aren’t typical here; just walk in, order efficiently, and be flexible during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families and kids are common, especially during daytime hours, though seating is tight.
Best For
Better for: Large-group ordering, fast-paced dim sum, and budget-friendly vegetarian Cantonese classics.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished dining room or need extensive gluten-free accommodations.