February 04, 2022 5 min read

New York City is a place filled with endless options and experiences. It really is a city that can be anything you make it. If you want to turn NYC into a vegan paradise, you can do that too!

If you’re a vegan planning a trip to NYC, we have you covered. Here are our favorite spots for vegan food, shopping, and adventure!

Places to Eat

Finding vegan options in NYC isn’t too tricky. But narrowing down your choices while you’re on a trip is another matter. Here are a few vegan restaurants and food vendors we think you need to check out.

Lekka Burger

These to-die-for plant-based burgers will really hit the spot after working up an appetite exploring the city. We usually think of vegan food as super healthy, but sometimes we need an indulgent meal every now and then.

Lekka Burger has vegan takes on classic hamburgers as well as their own creations like a masala burger with coconut chutney (yum!). Don’t skip the fries; they have classic, curry and even chili cheese fries. This place is a must!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Hangawi Restaurant

Korean food with a love of plant-based cooking. This place has gotten the attention of many vegans and vegetarians in NYC.

Situated in Koreatown, this restaurant brings satisfying Korean favorites to the table along with seasonal selections that will allow you to try new things. Make room for dessert too, they even have a vegan dessert platter!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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NY Dosas

This food cart has people raving! Dosas are similar to a crepe and filled with delicious veggies and sauces. They are tasty, pretty, portable, and vegan!

This South Indian delight is sold right in Washington Square Park, so it is the perfect picnic food when you're out and about on your trip. The cart is only open in the middle of the day, so keep that in mind!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Ladybird

Vacationing in NYC is more of an adventure as opposed to a relaxing, slow experience. So, a perfect way to unwind is to find a cute little wine bar with some show-stopping vegan bites.

Ladybird is considered a vegan tapas bar, so pick out some plates to share and tuck in for a chill evening. They even have a vegan fondue. This place won’t disappoint!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Screamer Pizzeria

Want to experience New York style pizza, but in a vegan way? Head over to Brooklyn. Screamer pizza has delicious vegan pizza by the slice (you can order a whole pie too). They have the classic as well as pizzas with a little extra pizzaz!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Places to Shop

As the fashion capital of the U.S., N.Y.C isn’t short on shopping. But here are a few vegan places that are definitely on our lists (yes one is cheese and not fashion related, but you’ll forgive us).

The Detox Market

This beauty retailer dedicates themselves to selling cruelty-free products with highly vetted, safe ingredients. They have a few locations but visiting the NYC flagship store is a must for anyone who loves to pamper themselves from time to time. This would also be a great stop for anyone looking to make the switch to a cruelty-free beauty routine.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Riverdel The Original Vegan Cheese Monger

Pop over to Essex Market and find this vegan cheese experience. We often forgo the nostalgia and classic experience of deli/market stall life when going vegan (except for the veggie cart).

Riverdel brings back the “old world” experience of shopping for delish wheels and wedges of cheese to a vegan market. These cheeses are made much like dairy cheeses and the artisanal pride and touch is seen throughout their products.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Habit

This Brooklyn boutique is dedicated to sourcing cruelty free items. This store carries women’s apparel, gifts and home goods. It’s a cute little shop that you won’t walk out of empty handed.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Places to Hang

Obviously, New York isn’t short on things to do. We focused on some things that might be particularly appealing to our vegan and conscious consumer friends. You’ll never be bored in NYC, so get out there and have fun!

Picnic in Central Park

You just have to go to Central Park when you’re in New York; they should really make it a law. But with that being said, it makes the perfect picnic spot (weather depending).

After having a delish vegan picnic, you can wander the park to find Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge and Sheep Meadow (we recommend this as a picnic spot, actually). There is never a shortage of things to do in Central Park. You could really spend a whole day here.

A far shot of a bridge in Central Park. People canoe in the water beneath.

Walk the High Line

The highland is an elevated, linear park on Manhattan’s west side. There are gardens, art installations and performances on the 1.45-mile-long stretch. This used to be a historic freight rail line before it was renovated. It is a really cool example of green spaces in big cities!

A long shot of the highland. A railroad track surrounded by greenery.

Wander the Met

For art-lovers the Met is a must. Between traveling exhibitions, its permanent collection and just the museum itself, it is a sight to behold. This is another place where you could spend an hour or two or an entire day. It’s up to you, but it definitely should be on your to-see list while in New York. 

Interior of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, main atrium. A busy hall with white stone arches.

Frolic in Prospect Park

Some things on this list would have already sent you to Brooklyn. We recommend visiting the iconic borough while visiting NYC. Prospect Park is full of amazing wildlife and beautiful historical landmarks. We recommend spending some time by the iconic Boathouse.

There is an endless array of outdoor activities to do at the park. It is a favorite place of many New Yorkers to spend a warm day and we totally agree. Also, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is adjacent to the park which makes for a perfect pairing of things to do.

The Boathouse in NYC; a white building with multiple arches lining the front of it, on the edge of a large body of water.

 

We Love NYC

The Big Apple is definitely a place for vegans (get it?)! Whether you are planning a vegan vacation in NYC or are planning a move, being vegan in this city is full of opportunities.

Check out the Doshi blogs to see our vegan take on travel.


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