Meet Thiru Kumar, NYC's Iconic 'Dosa Man' Who Has Been Serving Fresh, Vegan Dosas For 22 Years
In 2001, Thiru Kumar, affectionately known as the Dosa Man of NY Dosas, embarked on a humble journey by launching his small food cart in New York City. Over the years, his dedication to serving dosas has gained recognition in guidebooks from 42 countries and a global fanbase. Notably, Thiru holds the distinction of being the very first to offer vegan dosas from a food cart.
New York City is a culinary paradise where the streets come alive with a vibrant tapestry of global flavors. Whether you crave sizzling hot dogs, savory pretzels, or many other options, this bustling metropolis presents a smorgasbord of street food that caters to every palate.
It's a place where you can embark on a culinary journey through the world's diverse cuisines without ever leaving the confines of the five boroughs.
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A true haven for food enthusiasts, New York City's streets reflect its multicultural spirit as they blend the world's culinary traditions into a delightful fusion.
Amid this bustling street food mecca, one particular food cart stands out as an iconic favorite among locals and food aficionados from all corners of the city¡ªthe legendary Dosa Man.
In 2001, Thiru Kumar, affectionately known as the Dosa Man of NY Dosas, embarked on a humble journey by launching his small food cart in New York City.
Over the years, his dedication to serving dosas has gained recognition in guidebooks from 42 countries and a global fanbase. Notably, Thiru holds the distinction of being the very first to offer vegan dosas from a food cart.
Hi yes we are open today pic.twitter.com/FB3BR9Q3ZQ
¡ª Thiru Kumar (@nydosas) October 11, 2023
Thirukumar, affectionately known as Thiru, has been a familiar face at Washington Square Park for nearly two decades. His food cart has become a regular stop for countless New Yorkers and tourists alike, who eagerly queue up for a taste of his delectable dosas.
Thirukumar, originally from Sri Lanka, embarked on a remarkable journey that transformed him into a culinary legend in the heart of New York City.
Over two decades ago, he found his way to the Big Apple, and his life's story, celebrated through magazine features, showcased on television, and even captured in documentary-style videos, has made him a local icon.
While South Indian flavors may remain a mystery to many across America, Thiru's dosa cart has been instrumental in introducing and kindling a passion for this distinctive regional cuisine throughout the United States.
In an attempt to offer a healthy alternative to the typical greasy and creamy Indian fare found in many New York takeout restaurants, Thiru embraced a vegan lifestyle.
His culinary skills trace their origins to Jaffna, Sri Lanka, where he learned the art of cooking from his grandmother.
Upon settling in New York, Thirukumar worked multiple jobs, including a stint at a restaurant, which further honed his culinary talents.
At Mr. Thiru's food cart, he offers a diverse menu featuring masala dosa, a special Pondicherry dosa, mixed vegetable uthappam, idly lunch, Jaffna lunch, roti with vegetables, Singapore noodles, samosa, vegan drumsticks, grilled stuffed rotis, and three types of podi.
Among these, the Pondicherry Dosa, a unique creation by Thiru and his bestseller, stands out. It is a masala dosa filled with chopped greens and served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Thiru not only serves up a traditional South Indian snack but also remains mindful of the dietary preferences of his predominantly young, urban American customer base.
He emphasizes that dosas are gluten-free and wheat-free. Thiru also ensures that his ingredients are sourced organically and avoids using peanuts in his offerings due to peanut allergies.
What to eat at the NYC dosa cart?
Hi yes we are open today pic.twitter.com/y2jhuqvjx8
¡ª Thiru Kumar (@nydosas) October 4, 2023
One of his culinary feats is the creation of a "samosa dosa." In this innovative twist, he saut¨¦s kale in coconut podi and integrates a samosa into the masala potato mixture, expertly wrapping it all within a dosa. This fusion of flavors has made the samosa dosa a favorite among discerning hipsters.
Where can you find the dosa man and his delectable dosas?
http://nydosas.com/
Thiru sets up his stall in Washington Square Park, an upscale section of New York City. Though modest, the park attracts tourists and students from New York University, whose campus is adjacent to the park.
Just 40 minutes after the cart opens, the queue already stretches to accommodate 20 eager patrons, and it continues to grow throughout the day.
The line steadily extends, seemingly unending, as the day progresses, regardless of the volume of dosas, uttapams, and samosas Thiru prepares.
Not only does he serve on-site customers, but his phone is frequently ringing with orders for pickup.
Thiru's loyal customers frequently check his social media profiles for early-morning announcements regarding the cart's location for the day. Typically, he opens at 11 a.m. and wraps up by 3 p.m. or even earlier if supplies run low.
Any surplus food finds a warm home in the hands of homeless people who frequent the park.
How much does it cost for a meal at the NY Dosas?
Thiru has consistently maintained his menu at an affordable price for nearly two decades, with no item exceeding $10. The $8 masala dosa and the $9 Pondicherry dosa, or uthappam, equate to roughly INR 665 to INR 748.
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While this may seem steep compared to Indian standards, it provides a reasonably priced meal in the context of New York.
Saravanaa Bhavan in Manhattan charges approximately $13 for masala dosa, roughly equivalent to INR 1,081.
What makes Dosa Man everyone's favorite?
Congratulations to Washington Square Park's @nydosas for nabbing a spot on the @eaterNY list of 38 essential restaurants. Fabulous food in a fabulous Park! https://t.co/NKJlCMtPAN pic.twitter.com/btl20K06Ia
¡ª Washington Square Park Conservancy (@WSPConservancy) April 13, 2023
Thiru's offerings are a godsend for budget-conscious students seeking a satisfying yet affordable lunch in a city known for its high living costs.
It's a rare opportunity for students to enjoy a homemade meal for under $10.
http://nydosas.com/contact-us/
The glowing reviews on NY Dosa's Yelp page show that Thiru's charismatic personality truly connects with his clients, in addition to the delectable food.
It's a testament to the fact that, in his case, the food is just as important as the man behind the counter.
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