In the street-food world, a vegan cart might sound like an oxymoron. But don’t tell that to Thiru Kumar—-or the loyal customers who form a daily line around NY Dosas, his Sri Lankan vegan cart. Listed on tour guides the world over, Kumar’s healthy delights attract such a crowd that he encourages people to call ahead. After sampling some samosas and masala dosas, we’ll admit: We’ve got this cart’s number on speed dial.

How long have you been at this location?
Six years. This is my only location.

What made you choose this area?
NYU is here and Washington Square Park. There's lots of artists and vegetarians.

Describe your morning.
It's like mostly three days a week, [starting at] 3:45 a.m. Other days, it's 5:45 to 6 a.m. But, I love what I do.

What's your most popular dish?
The special Pondicherry masala.

What's in that?
Rice, lentils, potatoes and veggies.

Where did you learn to cook?
Back in Sri Lanka. My family owned a restaurant and [I learned] some from my grandmother.

Would you ever want to open your own restaurant?
I want to be different, that's why I started the food cart. In the future, maybe yes, but not right now.

What do you think your chances are of winning this year?
I've actually been nominated twice before. Last year, I was No. 2. I only sell vegan food and vegan drinks. I'd be happy to be No. 1 [this year], but it doesn't make a big difference any year. Some people already think I am No. 1. This is the only vegan cart in the world that serves dosas on the street. Forty-eight countries listed me on their tour guide to New York City.

Any regulars?
Yes. We have regular people bringing lots of new people, too.

Any celeb encounters?
I have been on the Rachael Ray show. And I was on the Oprah Winfrey show for a minute and a half.

And other customers of note?
The Hamilton town mayor of New Jersey.

NY Dosas, Washington Square South and Sullivan St., 917-710-2092

FAREZ ZEIDEIA, THE KING OF FALAFEL AND SHAWARMA—>