Walk down any street in NYC and you’ll be met with smells of sizzling Halal Guys, hot dogs slathered in sauerkraut and marinated jerk chicken. As a vegetarian and an NYU student on a ~tight~ budget I find myself too often desperately Google Mapping “cheap vegetarian near me.”
Stress no longer, prudent plant-eaters and curious cuisine lovers, I compiled a list of the best vegetarian and vegan eateries with noshes under $10 all near campus. Star away!
Superiority Burger, American/sandwiches
Before I went meatless, I would inhale at least three burgers a week. Veggie burgers, although delicious, are just not the same as a grilled-marked burger. Superiority is here to help, grilling soy protein and some other magic to authentically mimic that BBQ taste. Pick up the classic Superiority Burger for $6 or the terrifying-yet-delicious sounding $9 Megamouth for a trip down burger-memory lane.
Open Wednesday-Monday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 430 E. 9th.
B&H Dairy, Jewish deli
My mouth is watering just thinking about Village staple B&H’s challah French toast. This downtown deli destination for lovers of everything periogi and latkes. But buyer beware, the lox bagel is really from a once-living Nova Scotian salmon so if you want to keep it meat-free, avoid the tuna melt.
Open everyday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 127 Second Ave. Cash only.
Meaning “tasty” in Hebrew, this flavorful falafel place offers the best the Mediterranean can offer in form of hummus, baba ganoush and eggplant. You’ll want to try all three of the falafel flavors: olive, Tunisian spices and parsley, cilantro and mint.
Open everyday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 222 Waverly Pl and 45 Spring St.
Govinda’s Vegetarian Lunch, Indian
Located in the basement of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, a Hindu temple near Fort Greene, Govinda’s offers new options everyday. Served buffet style for the work week from 12-3:30 p.m. for $12 you get three choices and two cupcakes! According to regulars, you can share one dish with a friend. Bonus points for big portions.
Monday-Friday 12-3:30 p.m. 305 Schermerhorn St. Cash only.
Red Bamboo, Comfort
Chicken parm, fish tacos, Cajun shrimp- things vegetarians and vegans thought they would have to give up are readily available at the West 4th Street fixture. This stuff tastes like the real deal, Janet Jackson raved about Red Bamboo on the Tonight Show and Al Roker thought he was eating chicken.
Open everyday, hours vary. 140 W 4th St.