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The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegan Restaurants in Tribeca & Soho
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Tribeca & Soho
Master Critic Review
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.