Avery B.
Yelp
A Fan Since: June 2023
Did you ever imagine that really savory, flavorful, filling, delectable comfort food could be plant-based? VeganHood turns that dream into a reality!
I attended VeganHood in Harlem, NYC, as part of a birthday celebration for vegan friends of mine, and wanted to already return before even leaving the restaurant!
It is rare that I would deem a restaurant an "Ave's Fave" here after only one visit, but that's how much VeganHood made an exceptional impression on me! :)
Not only are the food and drinks incredible, but so are the beautiful ambiance and the friendly and helpful staff! :)
I love co-owners Janine and Lanise's mission statement for the restaurant. In summary, they established VeganHood in the hopes of bringing delicious vegan food to their neighborhood that involves familiar and comforting flavors. With that, they are committed to showing that vegan food isn't all eating "leaves and water", but instead can be anything but "bland!". Additionally, they have created some really ingenious ways to try to boost the health and immunity of their fellow community members, which they were inspired to do as a result of the pandemic, and which is really noble. For example, they offer "wildcrafted sea moss gel to help build immune systems, VeganHood Total Tea - which contains burdock root, soup sop leaves, elderberry, and other herbs known to rid your body of sickness."
I have seen some people that aren't vegan initially scoff at the idea of eating anything that doesn't contain meat, dairy, or animal products, so I understand why Janine and Lanise (and their amazing staff!) are determined to prove people wrong (by helping to change the narrative and appeal of vegan food for all)!! I do, in fact, firmly believe that VeganHood can be enjoyed by all, as it will exceed your expectations of what vegan food can involve! :)
I'm so impressed that VeganHood food tastes like the best combination of healthy and unhealthy - but at the same time, isn't greasy or too heavy (while still being very filling!). I feel like this is a hard balance to create - which is a large part of why I'm so enamored with VeganHood!
I am a fan of the vegan cheese that VeganHood utilizes in some of their dishes - as not all vegan cheeses (in my opinion) resemble real cheese enough. Additionally, as someone who neither loves the taste of meat, nor loves the taste of meat substitutes that are, and taste, very artificial, I was blown away at how VeganHood strikes the perfect balance between making their faux meat options taste incredibly flavorful and pleasantly unique in their own right. Combined with seasonings, toppings, sauces, and incredibly delectable sides, the meal then has such a lush, varied, and well-balanced flavor and texture profile that is very much its own experience - but also still so reminiscent of its non-vegan comfort food counterparts in the best ways! :).
My friends and I enjoyed an array of different dishes that offered a variety of different meat alternatives and interesting sides. We also loved the beverages! I truly look forward to returning and being able to try some of the other dishes and beverages. In the meantime, however, I will provide you with my current recommendations.
As always with my reviews, I advise speaking with the restaurant staff for more details first (as well as to voice any potential dietary/spice restrictions/concerns), prior to ordering the dishes I recommend here in this review. The staff and owners here are very approachable, helpful, and hospitable. :)
The following dishes are ones that, in some instances, come with the option of being either an appetizer or entree portion. They are also those that were a hit with my friends, husband, and I, and that you could either order individually or to share (family style - alongside other dishes) with a small group!
* What's Good Chix & Gravy
* Saucy Buffalo Saint Nick Friend Chix'n
* Bed Stay Shrimp Saucy
* Stir-Fried Kale
* Savory Collard Greens
* Potato Salad
* Mac & Cheese
* Rice & Pease
* Hand-Cut Fries
* Peach Margherita (cocktail)
Thank you very much to the very caring owners and staff of VeganHood for sharing their passion and vision for promoting vegan cuisine and community culture with us -- both in Harlem, and in the world at large! :)
With appreciation,
Avery B. :)