Vegan Chinese & Cantonese hotspot w/ extensive GF menu. Must-try mock meats, dim sum & noodles.
This Chinatown gem offers an extensive menu of vegan Chinese and Cantonese cuisine, with a dedicated gluten-free option. It's known for its delicious mock meats, flavorful dim sum, and comforting noodle dishes. Many diners praise the consistent quality and the ability to accommodate dietary needs, making it a go-to spot for plant-based eaters and those seeking creative Chinese fare.
This establishment specializes in vegan Chinese and Cantonese cuisine, offering a full gluten-free menu alongside its regular offerings. Patrons frequently recommend the mock meats, such as the fake BBQ, and various dim sum items like steamed dumplings and vegan rice rolls. The noodle dishes and wontons in chili oil also receive high marks. While most reviews are glowing, one negative experience involved an allergic reaction, suggesting a need for vigilance with allergies.
"Highly recommended dishes include their "fake BBQ meat," vegan rice rolls, steamed dumplings, and wontons in chili oil. The "Buddha's delight" pan-fried noodles and vegan "beef" fried rice are also praised."
Customers overwhelmingly praise this restaurant for its delicious and authentic vegan Chinese cuisine, highlighting the quality of its mock meats and dim sum. While most feedback is positive, one concerning incident involved an allergic reaction due to undeclared allergens.
Important Note
There is a potential concern regarding a split between original owners/chefs, leading to a separate, highly-regarded kosher location on Mulberry Street. One negative experience involved a severe allergic reaction despite informing staff.
"Buddha Bodai is an iconic and authentic kosher & vegan Chinese spot in Chinatown that consistently delivers great food."
Positive"The user expresses surprise at the downvotes for mentioning Buddha Bodai's vegan rice roll and praises their mock meats."
Positive"An amazing vegan rice roll is available at this restaurant, which also serves highly praised mock meats."
Positive"Buddha Bodai is recommended as a great vegetarian option."
Positive"This commenter expresses a strong loyalty to the Mulberry Street location of Buddha Bodhai, even preferring it for a team dinner over the Mott Street location. They became a regular at the Mulberry Street branch nearly a decade ago."
Positive"The Buddha Bodhai on Mott Street has not been as good since a falling out between the owners and chef several years ago. The chef then opened Bodhai Kosher on Mulberry Street, and this is where the original acclaimed food is now located."
Negative"In response to a query about Buddha Bodai's soup dumplings, this user provides an Instagram link suggesting they do offer them, possibly for takeout."
Neutral"This user questions whether Buddha Bodai serves soup dumplings, to which another user provides a link suggesting they do."
Neutral"This user recommends Buddha Bodai, although another user initially disputes they have soup dumplings. A link is provided as evidence of their soup dumplings, potentially for takeout."
Neutral"This vegan restaurant in Chinatown, though a 15-minute walk from the original poster's location, was described as "amazing" even by a commenter who enjoys meat."
Positive"A user considers Buddha Bodhi a spot where all dishes are great, particularly highlighting the fake BBQ meat as exceptional."
Positive"Buddha Bodhi on Mott Street is a favorite restaurant for one user, who reports having never had a bad dish there."
Positive"The user recommends Buddha Bodai in response to a request for Chinese herbal soup or lighter Cantonese options."
Positive"A user recommended Buddha Bodai for future vegetarian dining."
Positive"Despite informing the staff about an allergy, the commenter experienced an allergic reaction after finding the allergen mixed invisibly into their food, which required an EpiPen."
Negative"This vegan Chinese restaurant handled allergies well during a group visit. The food quality was surprisingly good, even for a non-vegetarian."
Positive"The commenter expresses their love for Buddha Bodai, highlighting that it is a vegetarian Chinese restaurant."
Positive
