Authentic Chinese in Brooklyn

In my corner of Brooklyn, I am surrounded by thriving Chinese enclaves. Within these wonderful communities, along with the true joy of living in one of the most diverse cities in the world, many unexplored menus with ample and unique vegan options. I plan to excitedly report on these options to help support my fellow New Yorkers and their small businesses while generating vegan intel–because vegans are always looking for new vegan eats.

Kulu Desserts in Dyker Heights has authentic Hong Kong treats, many I thought might be vegan. The helpful counter girl was able to talk through what had dairy, though their menu lists plenty with coconut milk as a base. I will inquire more extensively at my next visit. What was established was that the Sweet Taro Ball offerings definitely have dairy, as do the Milk Puddings. In the end, I chose the Pumpkin & Oat dumplings and a mango and banana smoothie. A delicious appetizer as I planned to hit multiple eateries around my errands.

Back at home for a spell, I was happy to see that Melonpanna in Sunset Park delivered to my location. Melonpanna is part bakery, part cafe, all authentic Chinese. They offer dim sum and no real website! That’s why uncovering these hidden gems is so exciting to me. What’s better than Dim Sum? Dim Sum More.

I ordered what I though was vegan based on past Dim Sum experiences: sesame balls with red bean paste, a red bean bun, a scallion pancake and rice noodles with peanut and hoisin sauce. And Taro Dumplings… those were NOT vegan. Though fish was not in the description, it was in the dumpling–the smell hitting me like a ton of bricks. Or maybe it was some other kind of animal, I’m not sure. Enough of that, let’s look at the sesame balls.

These balls are made of glutinous rice, similar to the Japanese treat Daifuku (mochi with red bean paste). I’m all about red bean (adzuki bean) treats. Asian cuisines offer many vegan dessert options–with plant-based jellies, sweet rice, and coconut. I plan to report on them all. You’re forewarned.

And here are the rice noodles. A bit overcooked but very delicious.

This rocked my world. A glorious Red Bean Bun. Not only is it gorgeous, it’s was so satisfying to eat. I told you I like red bean.

Finally, a stop at Me-Do Desserts in Bath Beach. Firstly, let me say how much there is to explore in Bath Beach–a bustling community with a ton of eateries. I chose to go here after first peeping the menu at Mango Mango, a Chinese desserts chain. The menu at Me-Do Desserts was more appealing to me and it seemed like a more of a ‘mom & pops’ place.

Again, the counter person patiently helped me through the menu identifying dairy-free options. I chose the Mango Sago with mini rice balls and an add-on of a black sticky rice dollop. Similar to Bing Fen, the cool and refreshing treat I tried at Jell & Chill, the Me-Do Dessert had many pleasing textural elements, fresh fruit as well a gelatinous element–the Sago.

It was a pretty big portion for $6.00 and I devoured all of it after all my errands were complete and I was back on my couch. My reward, this treat, was my favorite discovery. I also plan to check out their grass jelly treats.

To a day of very special vegan options from the bustling communities I live about. But I’ve barely scratched the surface. As the weather warms I look forward to exploring these communities more thoroughly.