Understanding Chinese Vegetarian Culture: From Temple Purity to Modern Wellness
In China, vegetarianism is not just a “food trend”—it’s a way of life passed down for thousands of years. When I was young, my grandparents often said, “Eating vegetarian keeps your heart calm; eating meat disturbs it.” Only as I grew older did I realize this wasn’t just about flavor—it was a philosophy about living in balance and peace.
China’s vegetarian culture has deep roots, especially influenced by Buddhism. Monks follow the teaching of “refraining from killing and cherishing life”, so temple meals (called zhāi, 斋) are made with great simplicity and purity. They exclude not only meat and fish but also strong-flavored ingredients like garlic, onions, and chives.
Over time, this evolved into the broader practice of “eating vegetarian” (chī sù, 吃素) among ordinary people—not necessarily for religious reasons, but for health, mindfulness, and environmental values.
Today, vegetarian culture in China is thriving again. Many young people see it as a sustainable lifestyle, not just a belief. From monastic kitchens to high-end vegan restaurants, the vegan dining scene in China has never been more diverse—or more exciting.
If you’re visiting China and wondering where to find truly vegan food, my first suggestion is always: start from the temples. The tranquility and fragrance of a temple meal are something no restaurant can imitate.
Top 10 Temples in China for Vegetarian Food
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Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou 灵隐寺 The “Shifangyuan” vegetarian hall is famous across Hangzhou. Try their Luohan Noodles—light broth, bamboo shoots, greens, mushrooms, and a subtle bean aroma that feels like peace itself.
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Jingshan Temple, Hangzhou 径山寺 The Miaoxiang Hall here is always crowded at noon. Their noodle bowls overflow with bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and greens—simple yet deeply comforting.
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Xiangji Temple, Hangzhou 香积寺 Known for carrot, black fungus, and tofu noodles. During lunar festivals, vendors outside sell vegan rice dumplings and tofu snacks—always with long lines.
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Xiyuan Temple, Suzhou 西园寺 A free-entry temple, but home to “Suzhou’s best vegetarian noodles.” The broth is rich, the toppings generous, and the taste brings locals back again and again.
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Longhua Temple, Shanghai 龙华寺 On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, crowds flock here. Luohan Noodles and Fuyuan Noodles are classics—balanced, hearty, and full of temple charm.
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Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu 文殊院 Here, vegan food goes beyond “plain.” Dishes like vegan spicy beef slices, sweet and sour eggplant, and vegan hotpot reinterpret Sichuan spice culture—proof that vegan food can be bold and full of flavor.
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Jizhao Nunnery, Yunnan 寂照庵 Known as “the most beautiful temple.” Their ¥20 temple meal includes potatoes, tea mushrooms, tofu, and radish—simple, local, and soul-soothing.
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Dafo Temple, Guangzhou 大佛寺 The “Vegetarian Pavilion” upstairs is a hidden gem. Dishes are poetic—like Buddha’s Light and Cloud Serenity. Gentle Cantonese flavors with a touch of sweetness.
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Mount Jiuhua, Anhui 九华山 Known for using mountain herbs and wild plants—polygonatum, lily bulbs, and fungus—simple yet deeply aromatic. Locals even celebrate the “Vegetarian New Year” every winter.
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Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen 南普陀寺 Its temple meal is legendary. Try Taro Paste with Hidden Treasures—smooth, sweet, and fragrant. Don’t miss their vegan pastries as souvenirs.
Essential Vegan Ingredients and Dishes in China
When exploring vegan Chinese food, the first thing to understand is the difference between sùcài (vegetarian dishes) and shūcài (vegetables). Some vegetable dishes might still contain animal-based seasonings, like minced meat or fish sauce. Always check before ordering.
Common vegan ingredients in Chinese cuisine include:
- Tofu (豆腐) – endless variations, from silky tofu to firm, dried, or fermented types.
- Gluten / Wheat protein (面筋) – chewy, often used as “mock meat.”
- Bamboo shoots and mushrooms – prized for their earthy aroma.
- Yuba (腐竹) – rich in protein, great in soups or stir-fries.
Popular naturally vegan dishes: Stir-fried seasonal greens, dry-fried green beans, hot-and-sour shredded potatoes, mapo tofu (without meat), eggplant with garlic sauce, or tomato stir-fried with tofu. Most Chinese home-style dishes are almost vegan by default—just remember to ask, “Please don’t add oyster sauce or chicken powder.”
Top Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in China
If temples represent the roots of Chinese vegetarianism, then modern vegan restaurants are its blossoms—creative, elegant, and full of flavor.
Shanghai | Fu He Hui 福和慧
- Address: 1037 Yuyuan Road, Changning District
- Average price: ¥1015 per person
Often called the “temple of modern vegan fine dining,” Fu He Hui elevates plant-based cuisine to art. Each course is paired with tea and served like a ceremony. No imitation meats—just pure expression of ingredients. Elegant, refined, unforgettable.
Beijing | Vege Wonder 山河万朵
- Address: Wangfujing WF Central, 2F
- Average price: ¥930
Part fine dining, part art installation—dishes are inspired by nature and the seasons. A sunflower salad made from black bean puree and sunflower seeds is as beautiful as it is flavorful.
Beijing | King’s Joy 京兆尹
- Address: No.2 Wudaoying Hutong
- Average price: ¥820
A classic among locals, combining Beijing heritage with contemporary flair. Famous for truffle dumplings and quinoa-stuffed tomatoes. Every dish is a meditation on texture and balance.
Hangzhou | Xin Zhai 心斋
- Address: 89 Nanshan Road, near West Lake
- Average price: ¥380
Nestled beside the lake, this restaurant feels serene. Signature dishes include Jade Tofu, Dragon Well Mushroom Soup, and Vegan Dongpo Pork. Light yet layered in flavor.
Chengdu | Fan Shu 梵蔬
- Address: Near Taikoo Li
- Average price: ¥260
In the land of spice, Fan Shu proves vegan food can still be bold. Their Vegan Kung Pao and Mapo Tofu (no meat) are flavorful and authentic—perfect for spice lovers.
Shenzhen | Da Zizai 大自在
- Address: COCO Park, Futian District
- Average price: ¥300
A stylish vegan restaurant blending Cantonese and Southeast Asian elements. Try Coconut Curry Veggie Pot or Vegan Hainan Rice. Popular among young locals.
Guangzhou | Wisdom Heart 慧心斋
- Address: 28 Si You Xinma Road, Yuexiu District
- Average price: ¥280
Known for its classic Cantonese vegetarian fare—Luohan Stew, Vegan Char Siu Buns, and Truffle Fried Rice. Gentle, fragrant, and deeply comforting.
Vegan Street Food You’ll Love
Beyond temples and restaurants, my true love is the street food—cheap, honest, and full of flavor.
| Dish | Pinyin | Main Ingredients | Price | Description |
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| 素包子 (Vegan Buns) | sù bāo zi | Flour, tofu, mushrooms, vermicelli | ¥2–3 | Soft, juicy breakfast classic |
| 烧饼夹素鸡 (Vegan Stuffed Flatbread) | shāo bǐng jiā sù jī | Flatbread, tofu, cucumber | ¥6–8 | Crispy, savory street snack |
| 豆腐脑 (Tofu Pudding) | dòu fu nǎo | Soy milk, herbs, sauce | ¥5 | Silky texture, northern comfort food |
| 凉皮 (Cold Noodles) | liáng pí | Gluten, cucumber, sesame sauce | ¥7–10 | Refreshing, slightly spicy |
| 素馄饨 (Vegan Wontons) | sù hún tun | Wonton skin, greens, tofu | ¥8–12 | Light and soothing soup |
| 烤玉米 (Grilled Corn) | kǎo yù mǐ | Corn | ¥5–8 | Simple and healthy |
| 烤红薯 (Roasted Sweet Potato) | kǎo hóng shǔ | Sweet potato | ¥5 | A warm winter favorite |
How to Order Vegan Food in China
Eating vegetarian food in China is actually not difficult at all, but eating it with peace of mind does require mastering a few tricks. Often, restaurant owners don't disrespect vegetarians; rather, their understanding differs from our standards. For example, they might think "adding a little oyster sauce to vegetarian dishes is fine," "chicken soup is clear broth," or "minced meat is just for seasoning"—all of which are obviously unacceptable to vegans.
Therefore, I suggest: Communicate in advance, explain politely, and express yourself clearly. Here are some commonly used Chinese expressions (very useful; you can save the image to your phone):
Generally, if you are gentle and polite, the restaurant will be happy to accommodate you. Sometimes they might even prepare a special "vegetarian version" for you—this is the warmth and flexibility of the Chinese people.
Tip: If you are unsure which dishes on the menu are vegetarian, want to know specific information about the dishes, or want to see a picture of the Chinese menu...
I recommend using ReadMenuAI. Just take a picture of the menu, and it can automatically recognize the dish names, translate the content, and even indicate whether it contains animal ingredients.
For foreign friends visiting China for the first time, this is truly convenient and practical.
How to Eat Vegan in Non-Vegan Restaurants
During my travels, I often eat in regular local diners rather than dedicated vegan restaurants. With a few smart choices, you can easily enjoy a vegan meal anywhere.
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Look for home-style restaurants (jiācháng cài). Dishes like eggplant with garlic sauce, stir-fried potatoes, dry-fried green beans, and tomato tofu are everywhere. Just say “no chicken powder or oyster sauce.”
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Choose noodle soups over fried rice. Soups are often plant-based, while fried rice may include egg or minced meat.
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Hotpot and “Malatang” stalls are flexible. You can select your own veggies and tofu, then ask for “no meat broth.” In Sichuan and Chongqing, this is especially easy.
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Watch out for hidden animal ingredients. Common traps: bone broth in vegetable soup, meat in Mapo tofu, oyster sauce in greens. Just ask: “Can you make it all vegan (全素)?”
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Breakfast stalls are a vegan paradise. Soy milk, tofu pudding, fried dough sticks, and vegetable buns—simple, cheap, and satisfying.
Vegan Travel Essentials
Sometimes, you’ll find yourself in a place with only meat options. I always carry a few travel-friendly vegan snacks:
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Whole-grain crackers or oat bars
- Dried tofu or soy jerky
- Instant oats (just add hot water)
- Plant-based milk powder or soy drinks
Most convenience stores in China now stock plant milks (Oatly, Vitasoy), tofu snacks, and ready-to-eat salads—making vegan travel easier than ever.
Useful Digital Tools and Resources
- Dianping – China’s Yelp, search “素食餐厅” (vegetarian restaurant).
- Gaode Maps – type “vegan restaurant” or “素食”.
- Xiaohongshu (RedNote App) – Chinese influencers share vegan restaurant tips.
- WeChat – search “素食指南” (vegan guide) for local recommendations.
Conclusion: A Gentle Heart in Every Meal
Being vegan isn’t about restriction—it’s about choice. A choice to live gently, to eat mindfully, and to care for the planet one meal at a time.
In China, veganism has never been lonely. From temple kitchens to fine dining to street stalls, every bowl of noodles and every tofu dish carries a quiet kindness.
Whether you’re just beginning your vegan journey or have lived this way for years, you’ll find that in China, there’s always a place—and a flavor—that feels like home.
