Dine and Discover Queens: David Tianga - Urban Vegan Roots

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens” time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a monthly spotlight on some of the best food options from around the borough! This month’s featured company is Urban Vegan Roots, a restaurant offering vegan takes on comfort foods from all over the world. David Tianga is the owner and co-founder of the establishment. To learn more, go to https://www.urbanveganroots.com/.

What inspired the creation of your business, and how did you get your start?

I've been a long-time vegan for 20 years, and 10 years into my veganism, I was disappointed with the lack of vegan eating establishments that catered to my NYC early 90's cultural roots. I always felt that hip-hop culture and veganism were a perfect match. I was working for a great woman named Pamela Blackwell, a pioneer in vegan dining in NYC, and I told her my idea, and she got it right away. She gave me one of her restaurants to rebrand; the rest is history. Without her support and belief, none of this would have happened.

Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey in Queens?

Being a native of Queens, my dream was to always bring a small business that reflected the values and culture that I grew up in, as well as the culture of wellness I came to love. So, opening here was a great feeling, and we hope to be around for a while and bring the beauty of the vegan culture to Queens.

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had as a restaurant owner in Queens?

Meeting Kid Freeze, Pharaoh Monch, DJ Enuff, Mathew Modine and many, many interesting artists that have walked through the doors. Also, finding such an inclusive and talented artistic community that has put on great events at this spot.