Red Bamboo
$$ - average
Cajun, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Eclectic (Fusion)
A vegan soul food/asian fusion oasis
Red Bamboo is owned and operated by the folks a few doors down at Vegetarian Paradise 2. While VP2 is more of your typical asian fake meat type place, Red Bamboo takes a more soul food approach while still keeping a bit of asian influence. Great appetizers include the Spiced Jerk Chicken and the Cajun Fried Shrimp. For entrees, try the Grilled Bourbon Chicken, the Citrus Beef, or the incredible "Dante's Cuisine."
They serve a small, but high quality selection of red and white wines (about half are organic), about a dozen beers (3-5 organic ones), lots of juices and real cherry cokes.
Between 6th Ave. and Macdougal Street
Added by Nomad on Jun 24 03 (updated May 23 05)
Reviews
Red Bamboo has a huge, diverse menu with great, inspired and unusual dishes. I had their mango-pepper "chicken" which was spicy and sweet. Excellent mixing of tastes and the portion was huge, enough for two meals. The service was fast, friendly and attentive. I didn't like their lemon cheesecake, though, which was too hard, too sweet, and also dried-out. Prices are excellent, especially compared to other veg. places in NYC.
All my vegan friends want to go here when they're in town and all the AR groups cater through Red Bamboo so I'm pretty sick of their food, but it is very good.
I've taken a lot of meat eater friends here and they've all enjoyed the food, especially the BBQ drumsticks and the chicken parmesan sandwich.
The food is reasonably priced, but the lunch specials (about $7) are a WAY better deal than the dinner platters ($12).
delicious food, heavy on the mock-meats... the faux chicken parmesan rivals regular chicken parmesean. but after several years of eating vegan, i am questioning the effect of mock-meats and complex faux creations on my body and digestion. but... damn that's good!
ps - i would recommend Caravan of Dreams over Red Bamboo.
fantastic! wide variety! I came across it while on vacation around the first few days of July! and my non veg mother and friends loved it!
sooo good. i've gotten something different everytime i've been to red bamboo, and it has always been insanely good. be sure to get a dessert while there.
My wife and I had intended to eat at VP2, which was full, so we walked over to Red Bamboo. Boy, are we glad we did that.
This place is awesome. The Soul Chicken is insane, i.e., too good to be true.
Next time I visit Manhattan, this restaurant is at the top of my list of places to return.
I tried the chicken parmigiana and it was pretty tasty. There were a number of other interesting looking items on the menu too, but I was there by myself for lunch. Oh well, next time.
Red Bamboo is just a couple of doors down from VP2 and is actually run by the same folks. While being a smaller space than VP2, this is by no means less of a satiating dining experience, just a matter of preference. If you'd like to explore some vegan soul food options, this is the place. Let me testify about the steak hoagie. Of course everything is mock beef, but when they sat this sandwhich down in front of me I couldn't believe it wasn't beef. I haven't had beef in close to 16 or 17 years, so I have to say I had to study this thing thoroughly to make sure I wasn't poisoning my system. However, after the first bite, I must have spent at least two hours allowing my palate to have a spa treatment of flavor, and seasoning that soars well beyond delicious. This is a great place to get vegan fast food that is prepared with skill and craft. Also, a great option in case VP2 is too crowded.
I had a great meal here that consisted of vegan calimari, a fake chicken entree and delicious chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The calimari were so realistic that it was a bit disturbing. The cheesecake was, by far, the best vegan cheesecake that I have ever had. The service was quick and I was surprised at how inexpensive the food was, considering the quality.
One of my favorite veggie restaurants in the city. One of the few to do fake fish the right way. The Sole in a Roll is probably my favorite lunch item. The Pesto Scallion Focaccia bread appetizer is awesome. It's even better taken home and re-heated. Delish all around.
One of my favorite veggie restaurants in the city! The menu is 99% vegan. If you like fake meat, the Buffalo Wing appetizer is a must! Also, don't miss the lunch specials (until 4:30pm) for cheap eats. The vegan soyshakes are delicious and inexpensive (about $3.50).
This place rules. The thing is, 75% of their menu is a variation of the same thing--crispy fake chicken cutlets--but man do they do it well. The Soul Chicken Sandwich is what I usually get. The menu is fairly priced and portions are quite large, lunch specials are a steal (considering how preposterously overpriced food in NY can be). Ambiance is eh and the clientele is very sophmore year NYU. Their desserts are unbelievable, cakes especially.
I didn't know that vegan food could taste so good! The buffalo wings (BBQ seitan on a wooden stick) were great, and even came with a vegan garlic bleu cheese sauce. I had the soy pork chops with collard greens and sweet corn mashed potatoes, with pineapple lemon-ginger juice to drink. The cheescake here is to die for, but keep in mind that it isn't available on Mondays as the bakery doesn't deliver that day.
Oh, and the wait staff couldn't be friendlier.