Pukk
$$ - average
Thai
Vegetarian Thai food in the East Village
Pukk is an all vegetarian Thai restaurant with many vegan options.
Between 4th and 5th Streets.
Added by Dave Rolsky on Jun 8 05 (updated Jun 10 06)
Reviews
I love this place and am never disappointed by it. Interesting combinations and friendly service. My favorite appetizer is the curry Thai pancake and I have too many favorite entrees to chose. This is a great place to bring a meat-eater (assuming they like Thai), as the food is pretty "realistic."
On a side note, their bathroom and bathroom sink are pretty cool so you should also be sure to stop in there.
I found Pukk to be a delightful experience. I went with a friend and we enjoyed the well-considered ambience of the place, with deep green lighting.
The food was incredible -- very fresh, flavorful, inspired and innovative. We had an amazing stuffed tofu appetizer. I don't eat tofu so often any more but this was to die for. High quality soft tofu slathered in a rich thai peanut sauce and stuffed with chopped asian veggies. Our mouths were watering peanut sauce... mmm... My friend had one of the mock dock dishes which he said was good but a bit salty. I had the masaman curry, which was savory and satisfying, with the twist of sweet potatoes in the curry. I also had a salad which was fresh and of good quality.
I highly recommend Pukk. When I first saw it I sort of overlooked it as another Thai joint in Manhattan. But Pukk is definitely raising the bar for quality vegetarian cuisine. I would most certainly go back for more.
Pukk is delicious! Any vegetarian duck entree is worth trying. Thai ice tea with soy milk! Don't miss the $6 lunch specials... soup, appetizer, and small entree. Small portions, but you can't find a better vegan deal in NYC.
Vegans, be sure to request no eggs.
The decor is also interesting... it feels like you're in a huge, modern, neon-green accented bathroom.
Pukk has the best mockmeats I've ever had, be it the supple duck or the tender chicken. If you're looking to fool someone, this is the place to take them. Their Prik King Duck was delectable, and their green curry chicken, while tasty, was a bit sweet. Make sure to try their chocolate mousse pie, which was heavenly, or their sesame cheesecake, which was unusual and distinctly Asian. Prices are low and the food is excellent. Pukk is highly recommended.