Franchia Vegan Cafe was one of the many places in New York where I wish I’d arrived hungrier so as so try some starters as well…but we ate so much good food on our trip that I’m not sure I was ever actually hungry! I had actually heard that their sister restaurant, Hangawi, was the number one vegan Korean spot in New York…but I also heard that you have to take your shoes off and sit on the floor, which was not appealing to people who were on the go all day. We were in the mood for proper chairs!

I ordered the duck stone bowl, picture above. This differed from the bibimbap version in that the bowl is piping hot, so the rice around the edges gets beautifully fried. That rice had a really great texture, and the mushrooms and duck were really flavoursome. It all came with a tasty ginger sauce as well. I almost didn’t order it because the dishes were served so hot they’re still noisily crackling as they are brought to the table, and I don’t like to draw attention – but happily Dr HH talked me out of my foolishness.

Mother HH cannot resist Singapore noodles wherever she goes, so she ordered the Singapore curry angel hair and was very impressed. It was nicely spiced and included some lobster balls – I cannot confirm their authenticity, but they were very fun.

And Dr HH chose the spicy Korean hot pot, which contained fishy pieces. He reported that it was very good, and as promised, very spicy. The fish pieces were delightful!

And so we have arrived at the end of our trip to New York. We truly ate the best food on this trip, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I already wish we could go back for more, but I will satisfy myself with all of these happy memories.

Is sitting on the floor at a restaurant ever worth it? Have you got any recommendations that will convince me to plan another trip to New York?