Seemor
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian RestaurantA-Worth Trying
77 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
· Vegetarian restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Vegan restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (2178 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Beloved Chinatown spot for all-vegetarian dim sum and Chinese classics with strong gluten-free coverage and great value, but service pressure and auto-gratuity reports divide guests.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian delivers exceptional vegan dim sum and Cantonese reimagining with brisk, efficient service at excellent value—competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Service splits between friendly and rushed, while dated, tight seating and rising tipping friction prevent higher standing. Strong execution in its niche, but operational inconsistencies and space constraints keep it from grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
In the heart of Chinatown, Bodhi hums with lively, fast-paced energy, steamers opening to reveal vegan dim sum while pots of tea keep conversations flowing. Guests often praise the team as quick and friendly, sharing lines like "they served us right from the baskets," though others felt rushed at peak times and mention auto-gratuity surprises. The kitchen reimagines Cantonese and broader Chinese favorites with plant proteins, leaning classic over flashy. Think sesame veg chicken, soup dumplings, char siu buns, mapo tofu, and congee: familiar structures with convincing textures that please omnivores too. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: comforting technique with clever mock meats rather than molecular theatrics. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples like fried rice, noodles, and sweet-savory sesame veg chicken. Dim sum lets cautious eaters nibble around, while gluten-free diners find many clearly labeled dumplings and congee. If your kid avoids new flavors, start with plain rice rolls or chow fun and build from there.
At a Glance
- Standout vegan dim sum with convincing textures
- Excellent value, especially lunch specials
- Rushed service vibe during busy periods
- Reports of automatic 18-20% tip and pressure
- Isolated foreign object incidents in past delivery orders
What Sets It Apart
- all_vegetarian_dim_sum
- deep_gluten_free_coverage
- longstanding_chinatown_favorite
What People Love
- Being able to order lots of vegan dim sum
- Mock meats that mimic nostalgic dishes
- Fast-paced service and quick kitchen
- Affordable prices and generous portions
Points of Concern
- Service can feel rushed or curt at peak times; some guests felt unwelcome
- Multiple reports of auto-gratuity (18-20%) and added tipping pressure
- Occasional quality variances (gummy dumpling skin, soft turnip cake) noted by a few
- Isolated foreign object reports suggest rare safety lapses; monitor recent reviews
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a meal: 2-3 dim sum ($6-$9 each) + 1 main ($15-$19) per two diners; add congee to stretch budget
- Gluten-free standouts: Green Jade Dumpling, Mushroom Congee, Pea Leaf Dumpling
Perfect For
- Casual vegan dim sum feast with friends
- Budget-friendly lunch with lots of variety
- Mixed-diet groups seeking meatless Chinese classics
- Pre- or post-jury duty quick bite near Civic Center
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Chinatown corridor with dense foot traffic, casual dining, and value-focused eateries.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban grit; daylight feels safe, nighttime still active.
Nearby: Near Canal St transit, courts, shops, and tourist routes; mix of locals and visitors.
NolitaNolita is a trendy, fashionable neighborhood known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and a dynamic dining scene featuring a mix of upscale eateries and casual cafes. The area has a lively yet intimate atmosphere, popular among locals and visitors looking for authentic and innovative culinary experiences.
Little ItalyLittle Italy is a historic enclave within Nolita famous for its Italian-American heritage, traditional restaurants, and festive street events. It offers a warm, community-oriented dining environment with many classic Italian eateries alongside newer, modern establishments.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:45
Tuesday11:00–21:45
Wednesday11:00–21:45
Thursday11:00–21:45
Friday11:00–21:45
Saturday11:00–21:45
Sunday11:00–21:45
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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