NY Dosas

NY Dosas (cropped)

NY Dosas is a popular food cart located in Washington Square Park, New York City, known for serving South Indian vegetarian street food, particularly dosas. A dosa is a type of fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils. It is a staple dish in South Indian cuisine, often filled with spiced potatoes and served with chutney and sambar. NY Dosas has gained a significant following for its authentic flavors, affordability, and the unique experience of enjoying traditional South Indian cuisine in the heart of New York City.

History

NY Dosas was founded by Thiru Kumar, affectionately known as the "Dosa Man." Kumar, originally from Sri Lanka, started the food cart in 2001 with the aim of bringing the flavors of South Indian and Sri Lankan vegetarian cuisine to New York City. Over the years, NY Dosas has become a cultural landmark in Washington Square Park, attracting both locals and tourists. Kumar's dedication to serving high-quality, vegan food has earned the cart numerous accolades and mentions in various food guides and publications.

Menu

The menu at NY Dosas is focused on dosas, with a variety of fillings available, including the classic masala dosa filled with spiced potatoes. Other popular items include the Pondicherry dosa, filled with spicy potatoes and fresh vegetables, and the roti roll, a wrap made with roti bread and filled with vegetables and curry. In addition to dosas, the cart also serves uttapam (a South Indian pancake), samosas, and a selection of chutneys and sambar. All items on the menu are vegan, making NY Dosas a popular destination for those following a plant-based diet.

Reception

NY Dosas has received widespread acclaim for its authentic South Indian cuisine and its commitment to veganism. It has been featured in numerous food blogs, travel guides, and newspapers. The food cart has also won several awards, including the Vendy Award for Best Street Food in New York City. Customers often praise the quality of the food, the friendly service provided by Kumar, and the unique experience of eating traditional Indian street food in an urban park setting.

Impact

NY Dosas has played a significant role in popularizing South Indian cuisine in New York City, introducing many New Yorkers and visitors to dishes beyond the more commonly known North Indian fare. The success of NY Dosas has inspired other food entrepreneurs to explore and introduce diverse culinary traditions through street food. Furthermore, the cart's emphasis on vegan cuisine has contributed to the broader acceptance and popularity of vegan food in the city's culinary landscape.

See Also

• Street food
• South Indian cuisine
• Veganism
• Food cart
• Washington Square Park