New York’s Best Kept Secret (‘Til Now)

I have found a little gem on a small cobblestone street in the heart of the Meatpacking District in NYC. Gansevoort Market is a part indoor, part open air food hall and it is my new favorite spot in New York City. Every detail from the food to the design to the neighborhood was clearly taken into account when creating Gansevoort Market. And despite being located in the Meatpacking District, this market has a plethora of plant-based food options that are healthy and incredibly delicious. And one of the great things about this space is that it’s still a little secret. It has a steady flow of customers but it is still new enough that people haven’t caught on. And while I love being able to grab a seat at the tiny food counters inside, I couldn’t keep this secret any longer, you all need to know about this place! It’s urban heaven on the west side, if you ask me.

The photo above is of the flower shop in the market called Flower Girl N.Y.C. How beautiful? As you’ll see from my pictures the design aesthetic at the market is just as beautiful as the food is delicious. And a cool fact, in 1884 this site was the location of the first open-air produce market in the region, then known as the Gansevoort “Farmers” Market.

The vegan arepa above comes from Palenque, which makes amazing homemade Colombian food. They have two vegan arepa options and I’ve tried the vegan chorizo arepa and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s got a kick so if you’re not into spicy, try the veggie arepa instead.

Feel Food is another one of my favorite stands at the market. They have amazing make-your-own-meal-bowls. You get to choose the grains (or greens), a spread, sides and dressing. They are incredibly delicious. And those seasoned, cooked carrots above were the best damn carrots I’ve ever had.

How lovely is the dining area with the glass ceiling, winding tree branches and exposed brick walls? And how cute is the taco van in the back? I haven’t gotten to try it out but I saw on the menu that they have a plant-based mushroom and corn taco. From what I’ve seen people seem to love the taco truck. There’s also an actual market in the center called Heermance Farm that sells produce, snacks and other goods. It’s like a little grocery store. They have many vegan options and as they say, they sell “kick ass vegetables.”

And one of my most favorite vendors at the market is Bangkok Bar. The tofu bun is so full of flavor it’s beyond delicious. And yes that is a coconut you are seeing behind that bun. Bangkok Bar sells fresh young Thai coconuts, shipped overnight from Thailand. They come with a straw to drink the freshest, most delicious coconut water you have ever tasted, PLUS they give you a spoon to scoop out the meat and eat it straight from the coconut. You’ve got to work for it but OMG it’s SO good. I never knew I loved coconut meat so much until I had these. It’s natural, pure, decadent, creamy and subtly sweet. They also have a rama tofu dish that I haven’t gotten to try yet but my friend Ali said it was fantastic and she cannot wait to eat it again.

Doesn’t that look like a scene from the beach, not the middle of the busy big apple?! As my friend Lauren (and we are real food lovers so we get emotional over great dining experiences) said about eating these coconuts: “This is the best thing I’ve ever done in New York. Ever.”

The whole market has a rustic industrial feel and each vendor has its own unique space and look. And many of the vendors actually have little bars at their stands for customers to sit and enjoy their food.

As you can see I looooooove those coconuts and love this place. And I know I’m not the only one because every time I am there I hear people walk in and say, “Oh my gosh! What is this place? It’s the cutest place ever!” There’s honestly something whimsical about it that you just have to experience in person to fully understand. It won’t stay a secret for long so if you live in the city or you’ll be visiting soon, absolutely check this amazing little place out!! I cannot rave about Gansevoort Market enough. (Well, maybe I could rave even more if it were all vegan…but hey, all the planty options are a fantastic start. 😉 )

xo,

Tedi