Buddha Bodai – Chinese
This bustling Chinatown landmark invites diners into a world of masterful plant-based artistry, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of ginger and soy. Steaming bamboo baskets and glistening platters of "roast meats" showcase a clever alchemy of textures and flavors, proving that traditional Cantonese soul food can be both deeply indulgent and entirely meat-free.
5, Mott Street, NY 10013 +1-212-566-8388 https://www.buddha-bodai.comRating: 4.3/5 (2218 reviews)
Cuisine: Chinese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, low-cholesterol, aip, alkaline, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, soy-free
Diet fit at Buddha Bodai
Dairy-Free at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 3 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taro Ribs, Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taro Ribs and Mock Duck. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 3 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Dumplings, Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 2 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 3 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Dumplings, Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 2 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 4 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Dim Sum Platter, Dumplings and Mock Duck. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Mediterranean at Buddha Bodai
Buddha Bodai in New York has 2 mediterranean-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Buddha Bodai
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Dim Sum Platter | 5.8 g | 1.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Saturday - Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate this spot as a "real deal" destination for authentic Chinese cuisine, raving about the savory Mapo Tofu, flavorful cedar fried rice, and the standout mixed seafood in a taro bowl. The Dim Sum menu is a particular highlight, with guests recommending the shark fin dumplings and sticky rice lotus leaf, while vegetarians appreciate the extensive meat-free options like Buddha’s delight noodles. Although some found certain dishes like the gluten-free chow mein underwhelming or simple, reviewers consistently praise the clean atmosphere, accommodating service for dietary restrictions,
Menu
Popular Items
Highly recommended items mentioned in customer reviews.
- Dumplings: Delicious vegetarian dumplings Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Dim Sum Platter: 2 pieces of a few varieties of dim sum Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Zone, Volumetrics
- Mock Duck: Authentic vegan mock duck Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Taro Ribs: Vegan taro ribs Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce: Tofu skin served in a savory cedar sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic
Frequently Asked Questions about Buddha Bodai
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Experience this authentic Chinese destination by ordering the Dim Sum menu, specifically the shark fin dumplings and sticky rice lotus leaf.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This bustling Chinatown landmark offers a casual dining experience with moderate ($$) pricing and a 4.3/5 rating for authentic cuisine.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- This bustling Chinatown landmark is a highly-rated (4.3/5) destination for authentic Chinese cuisine, offering a moderate price for special occasions.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Buddha Bodai has a website at https://www.buddha-bodai.com, but the provided information does not confirm if online ordering is available.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Buddha Bodai specializes in authentic Chinese and Cantonese soul food, featuring plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian options like Dim Sum.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include Mock Duck and Taro Ribs; gluten-free includes Taro Ribs and chow mein; Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce is low-carb.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer concerns include certain dishes like the gluten-free chow mein, which some diners found to be underwhelming or simple.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Buddha Bodai is a Chinese restaurant that currently holds an overall average rating of 4.3/5 from its customers.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Options include vegan Mock Duck, gluten-free Taro Ribs, and dairy-free Dumplings, catering to vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and low-carb dietary needs.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a moderate ($$) price level and 4.3/5 rating, diners celebrate this authentic Chinese spot as a real deal destination.
- Is Buddha Bodai dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Buddha Bodai has 3 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Taro Ribs, Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce.
- What can I eat at Buddha Bodai on a dairy-free diet?
- Taro Ribs, Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce carry the dairy-free tag, out of 3 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Buddha Bodai have vegan options?
- Yes. 2 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Mock Duck and Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce.
- Is Buddha Bodai gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Buddha Bodai?
- Dim Sum Platter, at roughly 1.5g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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