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: $$
Dietary options: vegan, vegetarian, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, aip, alkaline, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Saturday - Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate this spot as a "real deal" destination for authentic Chinese cuisine, raving about the savory Mapo Tofu, flavorful cedar fried rice, and the standout mixed seafood in a taro bowl. The Dim Sum menu is a particular highlight, with guests recommending the shark fin dumplings and sticky rice lotus leaf, while vegetarians appreciate the extensive meat-free options like Buddha’s delight noodles. Although some found certain dishes like the gluten-free chow mein underwhelming or simple, reviewers consistently praise the clean atmosphere, accommodating service for dietary restrictions,
Menu
Popular Items
Highly recommended items mentioned in customer reviews.
- Dumplings: Delicious vegetarian dumplings Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Dim Sum Platter: 2 pieces of a few varieties of dim sum Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Zone, Volumetrics
- Mock Duck: Authentic vegan mock duck Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Taro Ribs: Vegan taro ribs Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free
- Tofu Skin in Cedar Sauce: Tofu skin served in a savory cedar sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic
Frequently Asked Questions about Buddha Bodai
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Experience this authentic Chinese destination by ordering the Dim Sum menu, specifically the shark fin dumplings and sticky rice lotus leaf.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This bustling Chinatown landmark offers a casual dining experience with moderate ($$) 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.
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