Business Spotlight: Spicy Moon
June, owner of Spicy Moon
Blog by Cadence Tan, Photos by Donny Tsang
Spicy Moon
265 Bowery
Since 2019, Spicy Moon has been a standout in vegan Szechuan cuisine. It first opened in the East Village before expanding to four locations, including its Bowery spot in Manhattan's Chinatown. Known for its bold flavors and dynamic atmosphere, Spicy Moon serves exceptional food and drinks in a lively, welcoming setting.
Spicy Moon was founded by June Kwan, originally from Taipei, Taiwan, who moved to the U.S. in 1980. She initially pursued a career in the tech industry but later transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom. Her son, Daniel Kwan, is the acclaimed director of Swiss Army Man and 7-time Oscar-winner Everything Everywhere All at Once. Before Spicy Moon, June co-founded Han Dynasty’s NYC location in 2013, after her sister, Lung Lung, and nephew Han launched in Philadelphia. June helped open the Union Square location, sparking her passion for the restaurant business, eventually leading to Spicy Moon’s creation in 2019.
Spicy Moon serves vegan Szechuan cuisine, known for its bold, spicy flavors. Noticing the heavy use of meat in traditional dishes, June wanted to offer a plant-based alternative that still captured Szechuan’s authentic tastes. Her vision was to craft a vegan space that highlights these traditional seasonings while promoting healthier dining.
Spicy Moon's Bowery location, one of four in NYC, was chosen for its spacious kitchen and central kitchen model, ensuring efficiency and consistency. It also features a brewery, adding to its creative vibe and attracting a younger crowd in Chinatown.
Running Spicy Moon has been a rewarding challenge for June. She relies on dedicated and trustworthy managers at each location, allowing her to focus on streamlining operations and developing new products. Her time is spent researching fresh concepts, inventing new dishes, and recruiting talented chefs to maintain the restaurant's high standards.
Spicy Moon’s dishes are packed with bold, vibrant flavors, reflecting June’s deep knowledge of Szechuan cuisine. Spicy Moon prides itself on offering vegan protein options while using fresh ingredients. She also ensures the desserts are just as satisfying and delicious as their classic counterparts.
Beyond the food, Spicy Moon hosts unique events like Rabbit Hole Comedy Nights, the Dream Queen Drag Brunch, and more. The Bowery location also brews its own 98% gluten-free beer, adding to the unique experience.
Since opening, Spicy Moon has grown significantly, standing out with its rich flavors and creative approach to Szechuan cuisine. June believes its success comes from its fun, unique vibe, which draws in both vegans and non-vegetarians alike. She hopes customers leave saying, "I don’t miss any meat," thanks to the lively atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes.
Looking ahead, Spicy Moon plans to expand with products like Dandan noodle sets, vegan sauces, and canned beer available online. June continues to innovate, ensuring Spicy Moon’s growth and success. When I asked June about her favorite dishes, she highlighted the Wontons in Chili Oil, Peppercorn Brussels Sprouts, and Dan Dan Noodles with Vegan Beef.
If you're craving bold and flavorful vegan Szechuan cuisine, Spicy Moon is the place for you! From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted with a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, and a dining experience that proves plant-based food can be just as exciting and satisfying. Be sure to check out June’s favorite dishes!
