Kosher vegetarian Chinese and dim sum in the heart of Chinatown
Buddha Bodai is the original location of the kosher vegetarian Chinese restaurant that has been serving Chinatown since 2004, tucked at 5 Mott Street near Chatham Square. Everything on the menu is meat-free and certified kosher, an unusual combination that draws a mix of Buddhist vegetarians, kosher diners, and anyone curious about mock-meat cooking. A separate Flushing outpost exists, but this Mott Street room is the flagship.
The kitchen is best known for its vegetarian dim sum and its convincing faux meats: mock duck, taro “ribs,” and tofu-skin dishes that read like the real thing. It is a casual, no-frills sit-down spot with moderate prices, most plates under $15. The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own bottle if you want wine or beer with dinner.
What to Expect
There is no happy hour at Buddha Bodai. Because the restaurant is BYOB and runs no bar, there are no discounted drinks or bar bites on offer at any hour. If you are looking for a deal, the everyday menu prices do the work, with generous vegetarian dishes and a dim sum spread that stays affordable.
The Room
The dining room is a straightforward, brightly lit Chinatown space built for eating rather than lingering, with tables that fill quickly on weekends. Service is quick and unfussy, and the room turns over steadily through lunch and dinner. Expect a casual, family-friendly atmosphere rather than a scene.
Who Buddha Bodai Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian group dinner | Everything is meat-free, so no one at the table has to negotiate the menu. |
| Kosher diners | A genuinely kosher-certified Chinese kitchen is rare in Manhattan. |
| Dim sum craving | The vegetarian dim sum is the signature draw and hard to find elsewhere. |
| Budget Chinatown meal | Most dishes run under $15 and it is BYOB, keeping the bill low. |
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Buddha Bodai FAQ
Is Buddha Bodai actually kosher?
Yes. It is a kosher-certified vegetarian Chinese restaurant, which is what sets it apart from most Chinatown spots.
Does Buddha Bodai have a happy hour?
No. It is a BYOB restaurant with no bar, so there are no happy hour drink specials.
Is it BYOB?
Yes, Buddha Bodai is BYOB, so you can bring your own wine or beer.
What is it known for?
Vegetarian dim sum and convincing mock meats like mock duck and taro “ribs,” all kosher and meat-free.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Buddha Bodai before visiting for a specific deal.