Even Meat Eaters Can’t Help But Fall in Love With the Menu at This Plant-Based Restaurant in New York

I might have grown up an avowed meat-eater, but in recent years I've gained an appreciation for plant-based cuisine. It's lighter and more refreshing in the summer, and as someone with dairy allergies, I greatly enjoy being able to eat out without even having to think about dairy on the menu. New York is a hub for fantastic plant-based cuisine, but those looking for the best vegan restaurant in Brooklyn will find it in an unlikely spot: ippudo V, a traditional Japanese ramen house from the legendary chain. But this latest outpost has one big twist; it's swapped out the rich pork broths and fried seafood for unique plant-based dishes that capture the depth of rich flavor that Japanese cuisine brings to the table. I can't wait to discover all the unique dishes on offer here.

You'll notice that ippudo V is a very different kind of Ramen restaurant as soon as you enter and are greeted by the colorful collection of vegetables pinned to the wall. This is a plant-based restaurant, and it wears that passion on its sleeve.

Inside, you can take a seat at one of the many brightly lit tables, or for a more authentic experience, belly up to the ramen bar and enjoy your noodles as they do at many of the most famous ramen spots in the world!

To start, you can have appetizers like vegan gyoza or mushroom tempura, but many people choose to start with a plant-based sushi roll. This one is filled with cucumber, avocado, and radish and topped with bell pepper.

Of course, the signature here is the ramen bowls! You can try plant-based versions of tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, or shio broths, and the ramen comes topped with unique accompaniments like grilled tomato, onion tempura, or the restaurant's signature tofu chasu slices.

If ippudo V has one buzz-worthy item, though, it has to be the Spicy Tsukemen, which pairs cold carrot fettuccine noodles with a spicy mushroom broth. Build up your spice tolerance for this one, and prepare for a taste sensation!

Have you gotten to try the unique vegan dishes at ippudo V yet? If not, that plant-based eater in your life will love this place - so tell them about this article! You can see the full menu on the ippudo V website, and the ippudo V Instagram has amazing pictures of many of the dishes on offer. While you're in the neighborhood, make sure to check out Brooklyn Flea, the city's best flea market. And if you need a place to stay in the area, Hotel Le Bleu is only a short walk away and gets great marks as a mid-priced Brooklyn hotel.