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BUDDHA BODAI ONE VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Last Updated: ~2 months ago

Phone: (212) 566-8388

Address: 5 MOTT STREET 10013

TLDR

Authentic vegetarian Chinese cuisine in Chinatown, famous for its vegan mock meats & extensive gluten-free menu. A must-try for plant-based dim sum lovers.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 19 Reddit comments)

74% Positive16% Neutral11% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 11vegetarian 6cantonese 2vegan 2vegetarian 2vegetarian food 2View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Nestled in Chinatown, this vegetarian Chinese restaurant is a haven for plant-based diners, offering a wide array of traditional dishes with a vegan twist. Many patrons rave about the authentic flavors and the creative use of mock meats, with standout items like the vegan BBQ meat and rice rolls frequently mentioned. Whether you're seeking classic dim sum or comforting noodle dishes, this spot promises a satisfying culinary experience for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Food Overview

The restaurant offers a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan Chinese cuisine, with many customers recommending it for its flavorful mock meats and traditional dishes. Popular items include vegan BBQ meat, rice rolls, and dim sum. There is a separate gluten-free menu available. One customer reported an allergic reaction after informing staff about an allergy, indicating a potential concern.

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers frequently praise the vegan BBQ meat, vegan rice rolls, and various dim sum items. The fake BBQ meat, in particular, is highlighted as being exceptional."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • bbq meat(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive view of the restaurant, often praising its delicious vegan and vegetarian Chinese cuisine. Some diners find the mock meats and specific dishes like the vegan rice roll and BBQ meat to be highlights. However, there's a notable caveat regarding an allergic reaction experienced by one customer despite informing the staff, suggesting potential issues with cross-contamination or communication.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post mentions that Buddha Bodai has a full gluten-free menu, which is a significant highlight for customers with dietary restrictions.
A commenter recommended Buddha Bodai as a more affordable option for vegan and vegetarian Chinese food in Chinatown.
One user notes that the Mott Street location's quality has declined since a chef split, with the acclaimed food now allegedly at the Mulberry Street kosher location.
This thread discusses the highly praised vegan rice roll and mock meats at Buddha Bodai, with one user specifically recommending the vegan rice roll and mock BBQ meat.
While one commenter praised the restaurant's handling of allergies, another user reported experiencing an allergic reaction despite informing the staff.
Buddha Bodai is a favorite for some, with one user stating they've never had a bad dish and specifically praising the 'fake BBQ meat' as exceptional.
Buddha Bodai is recommended for those seeking Chinese herbal soup or lighter Cantonese vegetarian options.

Recent Mentions

From post: Anyone Know Of A Bbq Noodle Rice Roll Similar To

"The user expresses surprise at the downvotes for mentioning Buddha Bodai's vegan rice roll and praises their mock meats."

Positive
Aug 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Anyone Know Of A Bbq Noodle Rice Roll Similar To

"An amazing vegan rice roll is available at this restaurant, which also serves highly praised mock meats."

Positive
Aug 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Spots In Fidichinatown

"Buddha Bodai is recommended as a great vegetarian option."

Positive
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Up With The Two Buddha Bodai Vegan Koshers

"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
Jul 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Up With The Two Buddha Bodai Vegan Koshers

"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
Jul 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Non Pork Soup Dumplings Nyc

"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
Jun 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Non Pork Soup Dumplings Nyc

"This user questions whether Buddha Bodai serves soup dumplings, to which another user provides a link suggesting they do."

Neutral
Jun 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Non Pork Soup Dumplings Nyc

"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
Jun 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Moved To Greenwich Village Need Suggestions For

"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
Jun 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Vegetarian Chinatown Recs

"A user considers Buddha Bodhi a spot where all dishes are great, particularly highlighting the fake BBQ meat as exceptional."

Positive
Jun 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Vegetarian Chinatown Recs

"Buddha Bodhi on Mott Street is a favorite restaurant for one user, who reports having never had a bad dish there."

Positive
Jun 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chinese Herbal Souplighter Cantonese Options

"The user recommends Buddha Bodai in response to a request for Chinese herbal soup or lighter Cantonese options."

Positive
Jun 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Some Vegetarian And Vegan Food Reviews From A

"A user recommended Buddha Bodai for future vegetarian dining."

Positive
May 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chinatown Places To Eat That Can Accommodate A

"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
May 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chinatown Places To Eat That Can Accommodate A

"This vegan Chinese restaurant handled allergies well during a group visit. The food quality was surprisingly good, even for a non-vegetarian."

Positive
May 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Are There Only Vegetarian Not Vegan Restaurants

"The commenter expresses their love for Buddha Bodai, highlighting that it is a vegetarian Chinese restaurant."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Tipping At A 3 Michelin Star Restaurant

"A commenter recommended Buddha Bodai in Chinatown as a less expensive option for vegan and vegetarian Chinese food."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Gf Hand Pulled Noodles

"Buddha Bodai has a full gluten free menu."

Positive
Mar 3, 2025View Comment →