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The Best Cheap Chinese Food of NYC

Veg Veg II

Mock meat draws crowds to this midtown mecca of affordable, vegetarian Chinese.

The Scene

Besides the few shiny streamers that criss-cross the ceiling, there's not much to look at in this modest Chinese restaurant. The lights are bright, the chairs are vinyl and the bathrooms are best avoided until after you've eaten. Regardless, Veg Veg II attracts a crowd of mock meat lovers for fresh, unfussy vegetarian food at super low prices, and well-informed service that's all smiles.

The Food

The small kitchen prepares an astonishing array of superbly seasoned, vegetable-laden dishes with faux beef (made with mushrooms) and chicken (soy bean) that score high points for texture and flavor verisimilitude. Start with fantastic griddled scallion pancakes or rich wontons, stuffed with pork-like centers in a light broth. Even carnivores will relish spicy-sweet sesame chicken that's crunchy with snow peas and water chestnuts, and silky-centered, crisp-fried tofu. Noodle soups are above average, and the generous "Cold Sampler" is a great introduction to the house specialties.

Go Fish

The far corner of the restaurant houses a sushi bar that's run by an entirely different business, called Yeah Sushi. They share the same kitchen, dining room and servers.

544 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 679-4710