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Seriously White Rice? I'm just a little stunned that an expensive vegan restaurant would serve white rice. I find it outrageous actually and it makes me wonder about what else is going on in that kitchen. If they'll serve white rice, who knows what kind of oil and other ingredients they use. I would think a restaurant like Hangawai would use red or black rice, brown at a minimum. I'm sorry but $20 for vegetables and white rice is unacceptable. This is New York afterall.

If you want authentic Korean this is not your spot. Even as a vegetarian I would rather take my chances and order bibimbap or something vegetarian at another Korean restaurant. The value (read: quality of food vs price) is just not there. If all you care about is a pretense of real Korean food with nice ambience then this is the place, but if you are craving authentic Korean, hit up another spot.

I have always loved Hangawi but did not come back for a while due to the price. I went back today and was happily surprised. I had the ginseng prix-fixe which for only $20 was a pretty good value. It came with a choice of porridge (a small portion but there was a lot more food coming), a small ginseng salad (or 3 large dumplings), a tofu hotpot in ginger sauce, a side of multigrain rice and kimchee, and a small dessert (a sweet persimmon drink). For 2 prix-fix meals, a ginseng drink & a glass of lychee wine (which was insanely good) the bill was $56 without tip. Though not super cheap, considering the incredible zen atmosphere, I think it was a pretty good deal. I do not feel that this is the best korean food I have ever had by any means, but the food is always fresh, delicate and usually yummy.

When I worked in the neighborhood 6 yrs ago, I ordered in from here at least 2x a week. I had not been back since until today-and it was even better than I remembered. I dragged a very relucrtant non-vegan husband-who by the end couldn't wait to return and begged me to bring our kids for lunch someday. The food was fresh and delicious and such a nice change from the vegan american restaurants. The service is actually a little too good-all the hovering annoys me-but the food was so amazing. We tried teh pumpkin porridge-it wasnt at all what we had expected and I wouldnt order again-but it was great-a smooth, silky almost puddinglike texture. The endive salad was wonderful, as were the dumplings. we split a vegetarian stone bowl and it was HUGE-more than enough for 2 and wonderful. The spiced kimchi, the miso soup it came with all made it a very satisfying lunch. I cant wait to go back and cant believe I waited so long.

I ate here exactly once & will not be bothered going back. The service had us waiting torturous periods between dishes. The food was completely uninspiring & tasteless. I was told that they were having an "off night". Unfortunately, when you're trying to succeed in Manhattan, you really can't afford "off nights". I support a vegan approach to diet & life style. The next time I want to show off the richness of food choices, it won't be here.

When I looked at the menu, I got scared. The ingredients seemed earthy and unappetizing. What a pleasant surprise when the dishes actually came out. They were fresh, pretty and really tasty. My eleven year old daughter has been begging to return. We had the pumpkin pancakes, the soup with rice dumplings. Go in with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Hangawi is a superb restaurant. I've eaten there 4 times and every meal has been memorable. I am a fan of Korean food and expect that the reviews that complain about flavor are expecting more typical Korean food -- however, Hangawi should and absolutely can be appreciated on its own terms. Don't miss the exquisite and light soju-based cocktails, great mushroom appetizer, and vegan cheesecake dessert. Every entree I've had is great (tried my friends' too), but I am stuck on the tofu hot pot as far as the main course. The vegan broth must have some winter squash in it, and is totally beguiling to me. I think that Hangawi, while not being inexpensive, is a good value considering the atmosphere, presentation, service, and many organic ingredients. When you go there, you've truly had an experience and left Manhattan for another little world. Enjoy.