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As a vegetarian, most of my recommendations naturally end up being non-meat options. For dishes that include a choice of protein, I usually go with tofu. These are some of my favorite spots and dishes around the city.

Crave: Located in College Town and less than a minute’s walk from the College Town Blue Line shuttle stop, Crave is one of my go-to spots for ramen. My favorite is the tofu ramen with spicy miso broth. It comes with customizable complimentary add-ons like seaweed, carrots, edamame, corn, and more. The broth has a great balance of spice and is nicely soupy without being overwhelming. The tofu is crispy and fried, which adds great texture and flavor to the bowl. Their Japanese yaki noodles are also excellent, and they have a great selection of bubble teas to go with the meal.

Sodam: As someone who loves moderately spicy food, the dolsot bibimbob from Sodam is hands down one of my favorite dishes in Rochester, served sizzling hot in a stone bowl. It usually comes with egg, but you can choose to have it without one. I also love their vegetable potstickers — a super crispy, tasty, and inexpensive appetizer option. Like many Korean restaurants, they serve traditional starter sides such as kimchi, spiced cucumbers, seaweed, and potatoes.

Abyssinia: Abyssinia is an Ethiopian restaurant located close to College Town. I highly recommend their veggie combo. It’s served on a large platter with injera, a soft fermented Ethiopian flatbread, on the bottom, topped with a variety of vegetables like string beans, lentils, collard greens, chickpeas, cabbage, split peas, and beets. It also comes with additional rolls of injera on the side. And if you have a sweet tooth, their baklava is great.

Indian Lunch and Dinner Buffets: There are several great Indian buffet options around Rochester. Thali of India offers a lunch buffet every day, and Tandoor of India also has a great buffet spread. Buffets are a great way to try a variety of vegetarian dishes in one meal. It’s usually a good idea to check with the restaurants beforehand to confirm the exact days and timings.

Khong Thai: Located on Winton Road North, Khong Thai is another favorite. There’s the Winton Village Wine & Spirits shop right next door, and you can bring wine from there into the restaurant. I love their Gang Panang curry, which comes with a side of rice, and the Tom Yum Nam Khoon soup is amazing as well.

ThaiYada: Located on Alexander Street in downtown Rochester, ThaiYada is a cozy spot with great Thai food. They let you choose your spice level, which is always nice. I love their Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), and their Thai iced tea is fantastic. The only downside is that free parking nearby can sometimes be a little difficult to find, but the amazing food more than makes up for it.