Dining Out in New York City - Hangawi

Vegetarian Dumplings - Hangawi

I've been to Hangawi on two separate occasions so far, once for my last birthday with my boyfriend and friends and once with my parents. Both times I made a reservation, which is recommended for this popular restaurant. It's a unique dining experience that begins with taking your shoes off upon entering. The atmosphere in this dimly lit restaurant is relaxing and calm, very zen, unlike the hustle and bustle of New York City. Even the waitstaff speaks in soft voices over the soothing music. You sit at low tables that have a cut-out space underneath for your legs. Don't worry, you won't be kneeling or sitting cross-legged during your meal, as I mistakenly thought when choosing an outfit. Be prepared for a pricier meal than most vegan establishments. It's a great date night spot for an intimate meal.

The menu is all vegan Korean cuisine. They also offer many gluten-free options. I've explored only a portion of the large menu during my two visits. Here is a quick description of the food I've tried:

Spicy Kimchi Mushroom Pancakes - Hangawi

Spicy Kimchi Mushroom Pancakes - A different take on traditional scallion pancakes, these were not spicy, but did have slightly more flavor and texture than the Chinese version. I wasn't blown away. A good way to start the meal regardless.


Organic Wheat-Free Kale Pancakes - These gluten-free pancakes were similar to the spicy kimchi variety, and not very flavorful, but a nice bite to get the meal going.

Gluten-Free Avocado Stone Bowl Rice - Served sizzling in a heavy stone bowl atop a wooden plank, this gluten-free dish includes avocado with a mix of vegetables and tofu served over brown rice with miso sauce. While a simple dish to prepare, it had great flavor and was filling and fun to eat while still crackling from the heat, just watch where you place your hand! 

Avocado Stone Bowl Rice - Hangawi Restaurant

Crispy Mushroom in Sweet and Sour Sauce - This dish was a winner. It's hard not to be when it's fried. Think of this as a more wholesome version of sweet and sour or General Tso's chicken. The sauce was delicious and it got a big thumbs up from my non-vegan friends.

Organic Maitake Mushrooms with Spinach - This dish was my mom's pick as she is the mushroom fan, not me. They served it with a side of brown rice, not pictured below. I had a couple bites and enjoyed it. The sauce was yummy and I liked all the veggies. 

Now on to dessert...

Gluten-Free Black Forest Cake - The cake was a tad dry unfortunately, which can happen with gluten-free versions of baked goods. It still had a rich chocolate flavor. I love chocolate cake when paired with vanilla frosting so this was worth the taste test...twice.

Soy Cheesecake - Delicious and could pass for real cheesecake in my opinion, though it has been over two years since I had a slice with dairy in it! This is a popular choice and I can see why. 

After 5pm there is a minimum order of $18 per person required. Even if you order just an entree for yourself, you'll reach this minimum, have no fear.

Soy Cheesecake Served With Soy Vanilla Almond Ice Cream - Hangawi

Hangawi

12 East 32nd Street

New York, NY 10016

Hangawi Website

Dining Out in New York City - Peacefood Cafe

Fluffy Quinoa Salad - Peacefood Cafe

Here is another casual restaurant that delivers on healthy, clean, vegan eating that completely satisfies the taste buds. I made my first visit this winter, trekking over from Upper East Side by taking a cold, but still lovely walk across Central Park. I dined in, though it was pretty crowded for post-lunch hour. Many people come and stand in line for quick counter service/takeout (they offer a lot of fresh juices, smoothies, and a full coffee drink menu) or you can wait for a waiter service table. While waiting you can drool over a full, tantalizing pastry case right in front. I've made it out of there without indulging, only because my meal was so filling. 

I ordered two of the most popular dishes for my lunch, the Fluffy Quinoa Salad and Chickpea Fries. I was somewhat surprised by the high prices of the "fries" but the serving size is large and the dipping sauce that comes with it is heavenly, so together it was worth it. They reminded me of a samosa despite their rectangular shape, and in fact, they are made with Indian spices. The salad was also a very generous portion. It includes baby greens, sprouts, avocado, sweet red peppers, corn, and onions. I was curious about the dressing because others commented how creamy it was. It was creamy, but yet so refreshing from the citrus - it's a lime mustard vinaigrette. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Chickpea Fries - Peacefood Cafe

I returned recently with my parents which gave me the opportunity to taste test the Roasted Potatoes Pizza and Pan-Seared French Horn Mushroom Panini - both delicious, though the pizza was missing something so my Dad kept stealing my Chickpea Fries' dipping sauce to add more flavor to his slices. I did not appreciate that, but the waitress supplied us with more, thank goodness!
It's a large menu and I continue hearing about new things I want to try from various customers (like Roasted Japanese Pumpkin and Fried Seitan Medallion Panini). A co-worker told me the carrot cake is fantastic so I'm ready to test out the desserts during my next visit!

Two Locations in New York City:
Peacefood Cafe Website

Peacefood Cafe (Upper West Side)

460 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10024

&

Peacefood Cafe (Greenwich Village)

41 East 11th Street

New York, NY 10003

Dining Out in New York City - Souen

Macro Plate with Carrot Dressing - Souen

I came here for a late dinner with my parents on a Saturday night. I'll admit that I planned the meal with dessert in mind at nearby Lula's Sweet Apothecary. There are three locations around NYC - Soho, Union Square, and East Village, where we dined. When we stopped in they didn't have a table open and told us it would be about twenty minutes, so we walked down the street and grabbed a drink at a nice Peruvian restaurant Mancora on the corner. We walked back after, but unfortunately our table was still not ready. It was a bit frustrating because they didn't quote the right amount of wait time and there was no space to wait inside this tiny, narrow restaurant. We were hungry, but decided to be patient. 

Tahini Shoyu with Soba Noodles - Souen

Souen offers a variety of healthy Japanese meal options like vegetable sides, soups, salads, sushi and noodle dishes, with a focus on organic, macrobiotic cuisine. They serve fish so this is not an entirely vegan establishment. Knowing I was going to indulge for dessert, I went with the healthiest option, the Macro Plate with Carrot Dressing. I was interested in a creamy dressing and thought of trying the tahini versions, but as soon as the waitress said the carrot included ginger and was on the sweeter side, I went for it. The dish is basic, but includes wholesome ingredients: steamed kale, broccoli, black beans, kabocha squash, carrot, wakame seaweed, and brown rice. The carrot dressing is thick, brightly colored orange, and delicious. My mom opted for a vegan Pad Thai with Tofu, that I thought tasted authentic and lighter than traditional Thai "fast food." My dad ordered the Tahini Shoyu with Soba Noodles in a tasty broth, filled with veggies. I liked both of their meals, but was more in the mood for my healthy, simple plate of steamed vegetables that filled me up quickly. 

Vegan Pad Thai with Tofu - Souen

Though the service could have been improved, I appreciate a restaurant that serves clean and healthy meals. Even the desserts were enticing because of sugar-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and of course dairy-free options. I've also heard the Yuba (tofu skin) in broth is worth getting, so I might try that on my return visit. Based on the food and ambiance I think this place is a better fit for lunch. Prices were average, nothing seemed overpriced.

Macro Plate with Carrot Dressing on Top - Souen

Souen (East Village)

326 East 6th Street

New York, NY10003

Souen Website