When not sitting in front of a computer screen typing away, my days are spent moving from studios to schools to senior centers. That’s because, as of 2019, along with working as a journalist and events producer, I also became a yoga teacher. My classes, ranging from vinyasa flow to chair yoga to walking meditation sessions, are geared toward students of all ages, backgrounds and motivations.
And while I instruct these different populations in all kinds of settings (an immersive Van Gogh exhibit may be the most unexpected so far) I also trek around a wide swath of New York, snacking, squeezing in meals between gigs and occasionally indulging as I go. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or slightly yoga-curious, here are 10 food spots that have been meaningful during my teaching adventures.
Hawa Smoothies & Bubble Tea
Ever since high school, when I mixed up fresh-fruit concoctions as an employee at Jamba Juice in northern California, smoothies have been a dietary staple. Ideal on-the go liquid nourishment, sipped either racing to or from class, Hawa’s offerings are some of the best around.
With 15 locations across the two New York boroughs where I teach the most, Brooklyn and Manhattan, there’s a convenience appeal to boot. Favorites include the Morning Glory (strawberry, banana, apple, celery, spinach, and kale) and the Antioxidant Acai (strawberry, blueberry, coconut, kiwi, chia, koji-berry, lemon, and acai). Multiple Locations, hawajuice.com
Daytime
After leading morning sessions at nearby Yogasole studio in Windsor Terrace, there’s no better place to sit and savor a flat white or nosh on a breakfast sandwich. Daytime offers minimal seating, but if you’re lucky to get a window-facing stool it’s a primo position in which to read or open up a laptop to work.
Simple and classic, the sandwich I come back to time and time again is the fig and prosciutto with herbed whipped ricotta and preserved lemon, served alongside a heaping pile or vinegar-dressed arugula. There are also quite a few baked goods to crave, from Tahini chocolate chip cookies to banana bread. 199 Windsor Pl., Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, daytimebk.com
B’klyn Burro
Close your eyes, take a bite of one of the Mission-style burritos, and you’ll swear you’re 3,000 miles away in San Francisco. The burritos, which range from piccadillo to camarones, are authentic and hulking in flavor and size.
Bonus, it’s located near another beloved community studio where I teach and sometimes lead workshops, Dou Yoga, which makes B’kyln Burro the perfect post-workout dining locale. If time is on your side, set up in the back patio and snack on complimentary chips and salsa along with a burrito. 922 Fulton St., Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, bklynburro.com
NY Dosas
Yoga’s origins date back thousands of years to south Asia. This beloved cart, located in a corner of Washington Square Park, has considerably less history (even though the Sri Lankan owner started setting up shop almost two decades ago), but brings a delicious piece of south Asia to Greenwich Village.
Sure, waiting in a queue is usually required to get these delicious vegan crepes (especially the special pondicherry variety), but it’s worth it. Just be sure to check the social media, as NY Dosas’ hours are limited and not always identical. Located inside Washington Square Park between Fifth Avenue, Waverly Place, West 4th Street, and Macdougal Street.
Margaritaville Resort’s Chill Bar
Right smack in the center of Manhattan, adjacent to Times Square is the last place you’d think of flowing through a peaceful yoga class. But there’s an oasis on the 7th floor, brought to us by the legendary Jimmy Buffet.
One company for which I teach, Sputnik Yoga, offers pop-up classes all over the city, mostly for free, including here, bringing yoga to tourists and locals alike. Once you reach the Chill Bar it’s a surprising oasis with an iconic view. I’ve been known to savor an island-inspired cocktail or happy hour bite when I’m off the clock. 560 7th Ave., Midtown, margaritavilleresorts.com
The Gyro Project
Of the numerous fast-casual, build-your-own-meal establishments in NYC, The Gyro Project stands out in terms of value and freshness. Mediterranean cuisine comes in sandwich and bowl form, and it’s delicious and good for you. I find that an entree featuring the namesake beef and lamb gyro is an ideal healthy, yet filling dinner after teaching yoga nearby in a Broadway District high-rise apartment to residents. Multiple Locations, thegyroproject.com
Union Square Greenmarket
On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, a major chunk of Union Square transforms into a farmers’ market laden with fruit stands, bread bakers, and locally-grown vegetables. I love to walk through on my way home after leading dance classes in Stuyvesant Park. Along with strawberries, rhubarb, and potatoes, shoppers can also bring home printed-out recipes courtesy of Grow NYC, the agency behind the market. The market is located at the edge of the square at 17th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue South.
Orwashers Bakery
Open for more than a century, Orwashers was the brainchild of a Hungarian family eager to bring artisanal breads to upper Manhattan. To me, it’s a comfort food and treat when I find myself teaching chair yoga at a senior residential center nearby. Orwasher features decadent sweet treats like rugelach and babka, and should not be missed. With three Manhattan locations and pop-ups at farmers’ markets, you can easily indulge at this iconic bakery all over the city. Multiple Locations, orwashers.com
5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi
When I’m not teaching I also take classes in other mindful movement practices like dance in order to keep learning and to be able to bring other modalities to my students. My favorite dance studio to visit is Mark Morris in downtown Brooklyn, and I especially enjoy a free-wheeling, liberating style called Dance Church.
After grooving and busting a move with all my might for more than an hour, this Vietnamese restaurant hits the spot. Pho is just right in winter or to take extra care of my voice and immune system any time of year, and the green mango salad is always a winner. 52 5th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, 5ivespice.com
Los Mariscos
By now most are probably familiar with Los Tacos No. 1, widely considered a top taco joint in New York City. The same owners also have a lesser-known seafood and fish-focused casual eatery tucked into the back of Chelsea Market.
For me, walking around doubles as a yogic practice. I’ll even listen to recorded meditations provided by the Highline and then traverse the elevated path to unwind at the end of a day or long week. My go-to snack afterwards is Los Mariscos’ bright ceviche, which comes served on a crispy tortilla base. 409 W 15th St., Chelsea, losmariscos1.com
