Check out these Fantastic Takeout Joints in NYC

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Check out these Fantastic Takeout Joints in NYC

Fantastic Takeout Joints in NYC

There’s nothing better than grabbing some food from these fantastic takeout joints in NYC and heading to the park with a delightful book or some good friends when the sun is shining. This is my first summer in NYC, and I’m determined to make the most of it after the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and early 2021.

I’m always looking for great plant-based menus. The first two venues that I’m sharing with you are becoming my summer go-to as they are totally plant-based. The third offers plenty of plant-based options alongside their meat-based dishes. 

Beyond Sushi, 62 W 56th Street, New York, 10019

Takeout joints in YNC: Beyond Sushi

Image via beyondsushi.com

Ever since opening their first restaurant in 2012, Beyond Sushi has grown to seven locations across Manhattan. Chef Guy Vaknin has created something special with Beyond Sushi. With a mission “to be the best vegan restaurant in NYC, serving high-quality and accessible plant-based food,” and with their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, sustainability and innovation, I think they’ve nailed it. 

In addition to their signature sushi rolls, there are also dumplings, salads, sharing plates, and even a tantalizing range of special rolls. So much choice! I opted for the fried chick’n bao, a crispy buttermilk fried chick’n with ginger, chilli, pickled red onion and toasted sesame on a fluffy bao bun. I also had to try the mighty mushroom signature sushi roll, a combination of shiitake and enoki mushrooms, tofu, and truffle sauce with black rice. I ordered a portion of each, and there was more than enough for a satisfying meal for two people. Paired with mango, coconut water and ginger tonic, I was in food heaven. I pre-ordered and picked up my goodies before heading to nearby Central Park for an afternoon of reading under a shady and welcoming tree. 

Urban Vegan Kitchen, 41 Carmine St, New York, 10014

Take joints in NYC - UVK

Image via urbanvegankitchen.com/

Located in the bustling West Village, this hip establishment serving cruelty-free, organic vegan comfort food and cocktails and mocktails also offer speedy takeout service. David Tianga is the inspiration behind the Urban Vegan Kitchen revolution. He previously worked at Lucky’s Juice Joint and as a writer and director in TV and film, and  created Urban Vegan Kitchen to integrate veganism into the urban and hip-hop community of NYC. That was back in 2016, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

The menu is varied and ever-changing, and representative of many food cultures. In addition to the many burgers loaded with toppings like mozzarella and shiitake or tempeh bacon, there’s a full selection of sandwiches, including the classic BLT and chickpea tuna. I opted for the chorizo empanada – housemade chorizo, veggies, mozzarella, served with avocado and salsa verde. I also ordered a side of tostones with hot sauce. Both were highly flavourful, and I could taste the heart and soul they put into every dish. 

I planned to take my food over to Washington Square Park but decided instead to soak up the atmosphere in the street dining area. The sun was shining, the food was terrific, and I enjoyed a chilled couple of hours people-watching. Happy days. 

If you need any more encouragement to take a trip to Urban Vegan Kitchen, they are also an active sponsor of Support & Feed – an organization that provides nourishing, plant-based meals for children and families, seniors, homeless and domestic abuse shelters, food banks, and LGBTQ+ centres in marginalized communities. You can make a donation via their website or add it to your order. 

Mama Ganoush, 638 Lexington Avenue, New York, 10022

Takeout Joints in NYC - Mama Ganoush

Image via mamaganoush.com

Looking for a healthy, Mediterranean menu that caters to most dietary needs? Known for its Middle Eastern street food style, Mama Ganoush offers a wide range of dishes, from lemon chicken and spicy meatballs to vegetarian options such as cauliflower steak and chickpea croquettes. Choose your base–either served in a bowl or on a fresh pita–then your main, one of the meat options or a veggie dish, before adding your chosen dips, spreads and toppings. Finally, dress it with a bit of lemon tahini or spice it up with the charred jalapeno and cilantro dressing. The result is a divine flavour combination to tantalize your taste buds. 

If you want a selection of nibbles and dips that can be picked, packed, and carried to your favourite outdoor venue, check out the ‘take me home to mama’ menu. You can select dips such as hummus, eggplant or tzatziki, grab some roasted pepper and feta and throw in some baked pita chips for an easily transportable meal.

Can’t get to NYC right now? No worries. Check out The Journal for easily transportable summer foods to make at home, including Fast Easy Cheap Vegan by Sam Turnbull, Hot for Food by Lauren Toyota and Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson. If you make any of the recipes, don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag them @booknbrunch and Jacqui @inspirationalchickpea.

 

Jacqui Hodges

With 30 years of general management experience in the global insurance industry and having lived in 4 countries, Jacqui now spends her time between London and New York where she continues to pursue her passion for writing, food, books and travel.

A Reiki practitioner, yogi and huge animal advocate, her home isn’t complete without a furbaby or three. In addition to being a BooknBrunch contributor, she writes for  industry publications.

Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Favourite brunch dish: avocado toast with tomato and chilli

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