Vegetarian cheap eats

Whether you're vegetarian or not, this city has so many enticing vegetarian and vegan options that scream freshness that you won't be able to resist. 

Digg Inn

This place serves seasonal market food. There are a few locations in the city. They have a serious food philosophy centred around real food and real quality which is worth reading here if you care about what you eat and where it comes from. I usually get the small veggie platter ($5.71) which comes with a choice of 4 vege dishes on a bed of white/brown rice or spinach/arugula. My current favourites are the red lentil and edamame, roasted carrots with dried cherries, sauteed bok choy and kale, apple and almond salad. Sure beats just having a Chop't for $10 that's mostly full of lettuce.

Beyond Sushi

Yes, there is even vegan sushi available here in the East Village. Beyond Sushi sets new standards for vegan food. There are 10 or so varieties of sushi including ones with black rice or 6 grain rice wrapped inside-out with seaweed around a variety of vege and/or tofu fillings with a variety of toppings including minced basil-mixed veges and jalapeno minced vegetables. I chose the 'Haricot' which featured black rice rolled around grilled haricot vert and carrot, topped with sliced mango and a sweet miso dressing and a drizzled of soy. It was so delicious that I didn't even dip it into the soy and wasabi mixture I prepared. $6.50 for 8 pieces or they have deals including $7.50 for the 8 pieces and also 2 individual pieces which are usually $1 each. Individual pieces showcase just 1 ingredients such as a snow peas atop rice or enoki. Next time as well as the coffee chia pudding!

Maoz

I couldn't not include Maoz in this list. They also have a couple of locations around the city that are always busy due to their great prices, freshly-cooked falafel and huge salad bar. I get their whole-wheat pita, regular falafelt sandwich ($6), request no lettuce which takes up room for more of the better salad bar options and then stuff it to the brim with everything as you can see. The best bits of the salad bar are the fried broccoli and cauliflower, beets salad and coleslaw. The sauces are also taste-bud smashingly good, especially the mild coriander sauce, garlic sauce and the tahini which I liberally douse on top.

The Hummus Place

Another quality chain store in the city that serves healthy and delicious food. This place is great at any time of day. You can order appetisers or tapas on their own ($3.95) or get 3 ($9.95) as a meal in itself or to share with friends. I recommend the falafel (5 in a serving), beet salad which is mixed with sliced onion, coriander and a tasty olive oil dressing and the labne topped with dukkah and olive oil. Warm pita (white or whole wheat) comes with it. As a shared entree, we ordered the shakshuka ($9.95) a sweet and spicy stew of tomatoes, red peppers with 2 eggs cooked in the pan. Don't forget to ask for the green spicy sauce that adds an extra kick to everything.

Dessert

After all that eating, there's always sweets to be found around town. I was strolling around Midtown on my way late somewhere when I spotted these Elmo cupcakes in a window. I didn't even remember to look at the name of the place as I rushed off but always keep your eyes open for the next great find!