NY Dosas Introduce
For anyone in New York City, particularly around Greenwich Village, the name "Dosa Man" evokes a sense of culinary legend and community warmth. NY Dosas, the iconic food cart run by the beloved Thiru Kumar, is far more than just a place to grab a bite. It is a true institution, celebrated for its authentic, delicious, and deeply satisfying South Indian street food. Thiru, a kind and generous soul from Sri Lanka, has built a reputation not just on the quality of his food, but on the genuine love and care he puts into every dish and every customer interaction.
The experience of visiting NY Dosas is unique to the city. Patrons, including NYU students, local residents, and tourists from all over the world, often form a line that stretches down the block. This isn't just a line for food; it's a testament to the quality and heart behind the operation. People are willing to wait, even in the pouring rain, because they know what awaits them is a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly affordable meal. The menu is a focused showcase of South Indian vegetarian and vegan delights, with the dosa as the star of the show. These light, savory crepes, made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, are filled with spiced potato and vegetable fillings, and are served with a cup of sambar (a hearty lentil and vegetable soup) and a side of fresh coconut chutney.
What makes Thiru’s food so special is the attention to detail and authentic flavor. Beyond the dosas, he offers other traditional dishes like Uthappam, a thicker, pancake-style crepe, and other lunches like Idly and Roti & Veg. His commitment to offering healthy, wholesome, and delicious food has made his cart a standout in a city full of dining options. It's a place where you can get a full, satisfying meal that is also a healthy and mindful choice. The whole experience, from the friendly service to the incredible food, makes a visit to NY Dosas an absolute must-do for anyone in New York.
NY Dosas is perfectly situated in one of New York City's most iconic public spaces: Washington Square Park. You can find the cart at 50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012, USA. Its location on the south side of the park, near Washington Square South and Sullivan Street, makes it an easily accessible destination. The area is a major hub of activity and public transit. Nearby subway lines include the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains at the West 4th Street-Washington Square station, and the N, R, W trains at the 8th Street-NYU station, all just a short walk away. The bustling streets and park pathways ensure that the food cart is easily reachable for anyone, whether you're a local student, a tourist exploring the city, or a family enjoying a day out. The outdoor setting and walk-up service make for a casual and convenient experience, ideal for a quick bite in the heart of the city.
NY Dosas operates with a focus on simplicity and efficiency, a hallmark of great street food.
- Takeout: The primary service is takeout, with all food prepared fresh to order. Customers can simply walk up, place their order, and receive a hot, delicious meal to enjoy on the go.
- Outdoor Seating: While the cart itself doesn't have seating, its location in Washington Square Park means there is abundant outdoor seating available on benches and ledges throughout the park. This allows for a delightful and casual dining experience.
The service is known for being friendly and welcoming. Thiru is often praised for his generous nature, sometimes adding extra chutneys or sides for larger orders, and always greeting customers with a smile. This personal touch is a key part of the experience.
What makes NY Dosas a must-visit in New York City? It's a combination of unique factors that go beyond just the food.
- Legendary Status: Thiru, often referred to as "the Dosa Man," has earned a place in the hearts of New Yorkers and food critics alike. His cart has been recognized with the prestigious Vendy Award, solidifying its place among the city's top food vendors.
- Affordable and High-Quality: In a city known for its high prices, NY Dosas offers incredibly affordable meals without ever compromising on quality. The delicious food, with its fresh ingredients and generous portions, offers exceptional value.
- Healthy and Vegetarian/Vegan Options: The entire menu is vegetarian and vegan, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of diets and preferences. With offerings like the Masala Dosa and Mixed Vegetable Uthappam, it provides healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meals that are naturally plant-based.
- Personal and Heartwarming Service: The man behind the magic, Thiru, is known for his warm and welcoming personality. He takes the time to interact with customers, adding a human element that is often missing from typical dining experiences. This personal touch is a major reason why people return again and again.
- A True NYC Experience: Dining at NY Dosas is an authentic New York street food experience. The location in the bustling Washington Square Park, the line of devoted patrons, and the smell of freshly cooked dosas all contribute to a unique and memorable moment.
Address: 50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (917) 710-2092
When you're in New York and looking for a meal that is both delicious and meaningful, NY Dosas is an unparalleled choice. The food itself is the primary draw. The Masala Dosa, with its flavorful spiced potato filling and crispy texture, is a perfect introduction to Thiru's cooking. The Special Pondicherry is another excellent option for those looking for a mix of flavors. Every meal comes with a cup of warm sambar and a side of fresh coconut chutney, which perfectly complements the main dish. The quality of the food—fresh, flavorful, and satisfying—makes every bite worth it.
What truly sets NY Dosas apart, however, is the holistic experience. The legendary status of Thiru, the "Dosa Man," is not just marketing; it's a reflection of his genuine kindness and dedication. Customers are often willing to wait in long lines, a testament to the fact that the food is consistently excellent and the service is always friendly. The affordability is a significant plus, making a high-quality meal accessible to everyone. You get more than just a quick bite; you get a taste of authentic culture and a heartwarming interaction with one of the city's most beloved figures. The health-conscious and dietary-friendly options, being entirely vegetarian and vegan, also make it a standout choice for a wide audience. Choosing NY Dosas isn't just about satisfying a craving; it's about supporting a local legend and experiencing a genuine piece of New York City's vibrant and diverse food scene.
NY Dosas Menu
DOSA and UTHAPPAM
- Masala Dosa $8.00
Rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes
- Special Pondicherry $9.00
Crepe made of rice & lentil and filled with veggies & potatoes
- Mixed Vegetable Uthappam $9.00
Pancake style crepe made of rice & lentils, filled with fresh veggies
OTHER LUNCHES
(Calling Ahead Recommended) All Lunch comes with a cup of sambar (lentil soup w/multi vegetables) and side of coconut chutney.
- Idly Lunch $9.00
Steamed lentil patties in sambar & chutney, served w/fresh salad
- Jaffna Lunch $9.00
4 Small pancakes made w/natural herbs & filled w/spicy dried chutney
- Roti & Veg $9.00
Chopped roti & veggies – grilled and served w/ fresh salad
- Singapore Noodles $9.00
Spicy noodles – served w/potatoes, veggies & sauce (Thursday’s Only)
NY Dosas Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Children
- Good for kids
NY Dosas Photos










NY Dosas Location
NY Dosas
50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012, USA
NY Dosas Reviews
masala dosacartvegansambarqueueparkinstagramuttapamcoconut chutneyfood truck
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1If you’re in NYC and haven’t tried the New York Dosa Man, you’re seriously missing out! The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. What made the experience even better was how friendly and welcoming he was. You can tell he puts a lot of love into what he does. And the best part? The food is super affordable without compromising on quality. Highly recommend for a quick, tasty, and heartwarming street food experience!
June 02 · John MarisalinWorth the Wait (Even in the Pouring Rain): I hate waiting in line—especially in the rain. So believe me when I say: I never thought I’d be the person standing in a downpour for over an hour. And yet… that’s exactly what happened.Why? Dosa. And not just any dosa—the dosa from Thiru’s legendary food truck on the south side of Washington Square Park.Every. Single. Second. Would I do it again? Yes (but hopefully on a sunny day next time 😅).I ordered an off-menu rava dosa, which sadly didn’t survive my dash to find cover—it was delicious but completely wrecked by the rain (no photo evidence, Internet… it looked like a dosa crime scene). I also grabbed a samosa on the side—and wow. Crisp, spiced perfectly, and truly that authentic Indian street food flavor I crave.The best part? Thiru himself. The man behind the magic is incredibly warm and generous—he actually takes the time to ask what you like and even throws in extra chutneys and sides if you’re ordering a lot. Just a genuinely kind soul.Heads-up: The truck is only open from 11am–2pm and only on select days. You’ll need to follow their Instagram for updates because the schedule.Final note:When it started pouring, not a single person left the line. That should tell you everything you need to know. Go hungry, bring an umbrella, and thank me later.
June 19 · Vidhi PatelGreat rec by my Indian-Canadian friend! (Thanks, Princejeet!) He told me years ago to try the dosa, and I finally got to visit. I've never had a dosa before, and I didn't know what it was before he told me about it.This is a cart in Washington Square Park. After seeing so many college students around here, I spotted the line right away. I waited at least 40 minutes around 2 PM on a Friday. By the time I was halfway, the guy said he sold out of the special one. Then later he had to cut off the line because he said he would not have enough for everyone.To be honest, the liquids/sauces looked unappetizing, like there is a bright green thing all over it. BUT, to my surprise, the green sauce tasted the best. The soup in the cup was pretty flavorful.I got two things, and it came out to $22. The portion looks big.Cash or Venmo. No credit card.
August 26 · Shmiley CTried the famous Dosa Man in NYC, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! The dosa was perfectly crispy, the chutneys were flavorful, and the sambar had the right balance of spice. The service was friendly, and the experience of enjoying authentic South Indian street food in Washington Square Park made it even better. A must-visit for food lovers in NYC!
March 29 · jaison samUncle is OG. To run his cart for over 20 years in the cold and heat is dedication and love. Uncle talked me into getting the spicy chutney even though I was sharing the dosa and the uttapam with my husband and friend. He divided the food in a shareable way that all of us could enjoy to the max. My belly and heart were both full, thanks for bringing me home and bringing home to me.
July 19 · Karen Aranha
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