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NY Dosas
Master Critic Review
NY Dosas
8.8
NY Dosas is a legendary vegan food cart on the south side of Washington Square Park, run by dosa-maker Thiru Kumar since 2001. Lines of students, locals, and tourists queue for freshly griddled dosas, uttapam, and samosas that stay firmly affordable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pondicherry Dosa, Masala Dosa, Vegan Drumstick
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Iconic all-vegan dosa cart with decades of press, awards, and loyal regulars.
Who should go: Anyone happy to wait in line for standout South Indian street food.
When to visit: Arrive close to opening to minimize lines and sellouts.
What to order: Pondicherry dosa, masala dosa, samosa with house chutneys.
Insider tip: Bring cash or confirm accepted payments and eat your dosa on a nearby bench.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Washington Square is scarce and often restricted; expect to rely on nearby paid garages along West 3rd or Mercer.
Dress code: Completely casual—park attire is standard since it’s an outdoor food cart.
Noise level: Low to moderate, depending on park activity; conversation is easy once you step a few feet from the line.
Weekend wait: The cart typically closes before dinner hours; expect mid-day weekend waits of 20–40 minutes during peak park traffic.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes on average, though early lunch (11:30–12:00) can be nearly walk-up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian by nature of South Indian dosa cuisine.
Vegan options: Yes — fully vegan cart with long-standing plant-based menu.
Gluten-free options: Many dosas use rice-and-lentil batter that is naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible on the shared griddle.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual, low-pressure first date if you both enjoy street food and eating outdoors. Not ideal if you want seating, formality, or guaranteed cleanliness during weather swings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; you’ll eat on nearby benches or lawn areas. Arrive early if you want a comfortable spot in the park.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle park crowds and slightly spicy food. Strollers fit in line, but there’s no dedicated seating or shade.
Best For
Better for: Outstanding value, authenticity, and vegan South Indian flavors unmatched by nearby brick-and-mortar spots; ideal for quick, flavorful park meals.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, full-service dining, weather protection, or strict gluten-free protocols.