Hangawi

"There's no need to break out your showpiece shoes at HanGawi as it's shoes-off at this traditional Korean restaurant. The low tables, aromatic Mt Jilee tea, and dark wood motifs feel like they’re not only from a different place, but also a different time. Compared to the boisterous karaoke bars and k-pop blasting restaurants, HanGawi is a rare pocket of quiet in one of New York’s busiest neighborhoods. And while Korean cuisine may be known for its savory sweet barbecue and sticky fried chicken, this establishment sets that all aside in favor of an entirely vegetarian menu. In order to tackle some of the more ambitious plates—think a platter full of fried mushrooms, an extravaganza of kimbap rolls, and do-it-yourself ssam bab—it’s best to come with a hungry crew."

"Beyond an ordinary façade lies this serene, shoes-off Bib Gourmand with traditional low tables, Korean artifacts and meditative music. While wine and beer are available, a pot of royal green tea from Mt. Jilee is a more apt pairing considering the soothing setting." - MICHELIN Guide

"Hangawi, opened in 1994 by Terri and William Choi, is the first upscale Korean vegetarian restaurant in Manhattan. Known for its beautiful interior space rich with Korean cultural motifs and artwork, Hangawi received two stars from New York Times food critic Ruth Reichl within months of opening. It attracts celebrities and takes pride in its ingredients sourced from Korea. Over the years, Hangawi adapted its menu and seating to cater to its diverse clientele while maintaining its unique offering as the only Korean vegetarian restaurant in the country."

"Beyond an ordinary façade lies this serene, shoes-off retreat with traditional low tables, Korean artifacts and meditative music. While wine and beer are available, a pot of royal green tea from Mt. Jilee is a more apt pairing considering the soothing setting. HanGawi is a soft-spoken, vegetarian-only restaurant that cares about what you eat and how you feel. The ssam bap offers a fun DIY experience with a long platter of fillings. Dark leafy lettuce and thin, herbaceous sesame leaves are topped with creamy slices of avocado, crunchy bean sprouts, pickled daikon, carrot, cucumber, radish and three rice options—white, brown and a nutty, purple-tinged multigrain. Topped with miso ssam sauce, each bite is a fresh burst of uplifting textures." - Michelin Inspector

"At Hangawi, you’ll take your shoes off at the door, then sit on a floor pillow next to your table. That’s only one way in which this  Koreatown restaurant feels homey and unique. The extensive menu is entirely vegetarian, with dumplings, kimbap, rice cakes, and a bunch of other things like bibimbap and a spicy tofu hot pot. There's a prix fixe option for $89, but we recommend going the à la carte route so you can customize your meal. Bring a few in-laws for a nice meal, or stop by for a quiet date night. Socks aren't required, but they're highly recommended." - neha talreja, kenny yang, carina finn koeppicus