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• Vegan & Fresh

On a burgeoning restaurant row on LES' Allen Street, just 3 blocks south of the F train 2nd Ave station , community stalwart Tiengarden serves fresh, minimally processed , Asian-inflected vegan dishes. For a recent dinner date ,I had burdock dumpling soup, 5 grain rice bowl with ginger and kale, and cold marinated soy cutlet (that's "yuba" for Soy foodies). Everything was tasty& the soup had a delicious broth and those yummy dumplings. The service was quick and efficient, the ingredients were crisp & properly cooked --not too raw or overdone -- and I liked the new design of the restaurant space, minimalist and spare like the food preparation. Servings and prices are moderate, but if you're looking for a really filling cheap meal, go to Himalaya Cafe 4 blocks north, on first street at 2nd Avenue, where there are lots of veg options. Seating at Tiengarden is at counters & stools along the front window, or at communal tables , and the bathroom is behind the kitchen, so you can greet the cooking staff on your way. There are smoothies and locally brewed ginger beer for sale, as well as salads, noodle dishes and dumplings. I recommend this for a light meal & if you're really hungry, my advice is to order at least 4 dishes .