Vegan NYC: Her Name is Han
Her Name is Han | 17 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Dining out as a vegan in New York City often means scanning menus for creativity as much as accommodation, and Her Name Is Han delivers on both—quietly, confidently, and with style. While the vegan selection here isn’t extensive, what is offered feels thoughtful, satisfying, and intentionally composed. Rather than padding the menu with afterthoughts, the kitchen focuses on a small collection of plant-based dishes that highlight balance, texture, and depth of flavor, making the meal feel complete and genuinely interesting for vegans.
From delicately seasoned vegan banchan to comforting shared dishes, each plate feels carefully considered. There’s a clear respect for vegetables as the centerpiece, not a substitution, allowing simple ingredients to shine through technique and restraint. The result is a dining experience that feels nourishing without being predictable, and indulgent without being heavy.
Beyond the food, Her Name Is Han sets the tone with an ambiance that is both romantic and effortlessly hip. Warm lighting, intimate tables, and a softly buzzing energy make it ideal for date nights, celebratory dinners, or lingering conversations over cocktails and wine. The space strikes that rare balance between cozy and cool—refined without feeling stiff, lively without being overwhelming.
For vegans navigating NYC’s dining scene, Her Name Is Han may not be a fully plant-based destination, but it’s a place where vegan diners are clearly considered and welcomed. The focused menu, paired with a polished beverage program and an inviting atmosphere, makes for a memorable night out—proof that a smaller vegan offering, when done well, can be just as rewarding as a dedicated vegan menu.
Drink List
The drink menu at Her Name Is Han is as thoughtful and elegant as the food—playful, polished, and quietly celebratory. We started with the Spring Fling, a premium soju cocktail delicately cold-infused with lavender and elderflower. Floral without being perfumey, it felt light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, the kind of cocktail that sets the tone for a relaxed yet special evening.
Still very much in a festive New Year’s mood, we followed with a glass of Antonin Rodet Crémant de Bourgogne Brut from Burgundy, France. Crisp and lively with fine bubbles, it offered bright citrus and green apple notes that made it incredibly food-friendly while still feeling celebratory.
Together, these drinks captured what the menu does best: honoring tradition while embracing a modern, joyful sensibility. Whether you’re easing into the evening with a cocktail or toasting something worth celebrating, the beverage program here feels intentional, refined, and quietly indulgent.
Banchan
The vegan banchan selection was vibrant, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying. Crisp nori—called gim (김) in Korean cuisine—offered a light, savory bite with a gentle ocean salinity. Kongnamul, seasoned soybean sprouts, added freshness and subtle nuttiness, perfectly balanced with sesame and garlic. Tender baby bok choy brought a soft, earthy sweetness, while pickled mu (Korean radish) delivered a bright, palate-cleansing crunch with just the right touch of acidity. Together, these plant-based banchan created a beautifully balanced spread, showcasing how simple ingredients, treated with care, can feel both comforting and refined.
Small Plates
Curry Frisée Salad
The vegan Curry Frisée Salad was a refreshing and unexpected standout. Delicate frisée leaves were lightly coated in a warm, aromatic curry dressing that felt both comforting and bright. The bitterness of the greens played beautifully against the gentle spice, while crisp rice chips added a satisfying crunch and textural contrast. It was light yet flavorful, the kind of dish that awakens the palate and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Rice Cake
The vegan Rice Cake dish was deeply comforting and full of contrast. Soft, chewy sautéed rice cakes were perfectly caramelized, offering that irresistible crisp-meets-tender bite. Sweet, roasted kabocha squash added richness, while blistered shishito peppers brought gentle heat and a hint of smokiness. Everything was tied together with a vibrant yuzu gochujang sauce, bright and citrusy with a savory fermented depth. Each bite balanced sweetness, spice, and umami, making the dish feel both indulgent and refined—an elegant example of how bold flavors and thoughtful technique elevate plant-based Korean cuisine.
Hot Pot
Sharing the Veggie Tofu Hot Pot was a comforting, communal highlight of the meal—perfectly designed for two. Gently simmering in a clean, deeply flavorful vegetable broth, an assortment of tofu offered contrasting textures, from silky-soft to pleasantly firm. Sweet squash and tender cabbage absorbed the broth beautifully, while burdock root added an earthy depth and subtle bite. Slippery konjac brought a unique, satisfying chew that made each spoonful interesting and layered.
As the pot continued to warm at the table, the flavors grew richer and more cohesive, inviting us to slow down and savor the experience together. Nourishing without feeling heavy, this hot pot embodied everything comforting about Korean cuisine—simple ingredients, thoughtful balance, and the quiet joy of sharing a meal meant to be enjoyed slowly, one ladle at a time.
While the vegan menu at Her Name Is Han may be modest in size, it is undeniably thoughtful, flavorful, and satisfying. Each dish—from the vibrant banchan to the comforting hot pot—showcases vegetables and plant-based ingredients with care and creativity, making the meal engaging and memorable for vegans. Combined with the romantic, hip ambiance and a curated drink selection, the restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience. For those seeking a stylish, intimate night out in New York City where plant-based dining is treated with intention and flair, Her Name Is Han is a standout choice.
