Hong Kong is a foodie’s heaven, with its truly cosmopolitan cuisines there’s something for every palate and mood. But what about those who are vegetarian or vegan? With the growing trend towards plant-based cuisine there’s more choice than ever before. Here’s a look at what’s on offer for vegan and vegetarian dining in Hong Kong, pure veggie and vegan/vegetarian-friendly.
OVOCafé — Vegetarian
The ambience at OVOCafe in Wan Chai makes you feel like you’re dining in a funky greenhouse, with potted plants and greenery looming amongst eco-chic wooden furniture (the Central location is a similar affair). They do heavenly risottos and a tempting spinach cheese pie with portobello, but what brings us back are the all day breakfasts. Each location has its own, but either will please your belly, as the plate is packed with hearty veggie and vegan comforts.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Risottos, Spinach Cheese Pie with Portobello
Location: G/F, 1 Wan Chai Rd, Wan Chai, or Shop 1, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Rd, Central
Contact: Instagram | Facebook
Kung Tak Lam — Vegetarian
Family-friendly restaurant serving Shanghainese cuisine which is purely vegetarian. Their crispy sesame bread makes a great accompaniment to a bowl of soothing pumpkin soup. End with a few of their addictive deep fried egg whites with red bean paste filling.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Sesame Bread, Pumpkin Soup, Deep Fried Egg Whites
Location: 10F World Trade Centre, Causeway Bay, or 7/F, 1 Peking St, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Facebook
Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Kitchen — Vegetarian
When you’re taking visitors to see the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, stick around after the climb and pop into Po Lin Monastery’s restaurant. Food here is served quick and on the cheap, and dishes are prepared according to vegetables of the season. They’re open from 11:30am to 4:30pm, so plan your dining either before or after your visit to the towering statue opposite the way.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Shiitake Mushroom with Veggies, Sweet Bean Curd, Deep-Fried Taro
Location: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Contact: Website | +852 2985 5248
Chi Lin Vegetarian — Vegetarian
Secluded dining with a cascading waterfall and surrounding gardens make for a stunning restaurant backdrop. Worth the visit to Diamond Hill, east Kowloon as you can also stop by the renowned Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple when you’re done eating their highly-rated vegetarian cuisine. Their set meals comprised of various dishes are great options, starting at $150 per person.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Fried Radish Cake, Enoki Veggie Dumplings, Five Vegetarian Platter
Location: Long Men Lou, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill
Contact: Facebook | +852 3658 9388
Loving Hut — Vegan
Vegans in Hong Kong know all about Loving Hut, and for good reason. It has a fast-food feel, and is a cheap and cheerful choice for veggie lovers. Food comes served cafeteria-style, on old-school plastic trays with compartments for filling food, or order a bunch of plates and share among friends.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Mexico Burrito, Taco, Vegan Grilled eel with Rice
Location: Shop G242-245, Amoy Plaza II, 77 Ngau Tau Kok Rd, Kowloon Bay
Contact: Facebook | +852 2751 1321
Woodlands — Vegetarian
Woodlands is a long established (first opened in 1981) vegetarian haunt of the local Indian and Chinese community, and you’ll feel at home there from the first time you sit down for some affordable and delicious Indian eats. Punjabi dishes and fare from north and south India fill the menu, including some of the longest dosas we’ve ever seen. Bring a group of friends for a fun night out, and for any Indian food novices out there, the friendly staff will guide you along, introducing you to a new world of tasty cuisine. Woodlands do not serve alcohol but you can sample some non-alcoholic wine here.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Dahi Batata Puri, Paper Masala Dosa, Pau Bhaji, South Indian Thali, North Indian Thali
Location: UG Shop 16 & 17, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2369 3718
LockCha — Vegetarian
Traditional Chinese tea house with vegetarian dim sum in the heart of Hong Kong Park. Reasonably-priced fare including golden mushroom samosa, steamed savoury sticky rice in lotus leaf and lovely desserts like jasmine dumplings with black sesame filling served in a bowl jasmine tea.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Golden Mushroom Samosa, Steamed Savoury Sticky Rice
Location: G/F, 10 Cotton Tree Dr, Admiralty, or 10 Hollywood Rd, Central,
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Greenwoods Raw Cafe — Vegan
Try something new and see where your taste buds take you at this charming cafe in TST, which boasts a warm and green ambiance that is neither fussy nor flashy, just like the dishes. Everything is served raw (nothing heated over 41 °C) with a focus on plant-based, organic and natural food, with no meat, dairy, egg, soy or refined sugar to be found. If you’re not convinced, their eye-popping Instagram feed will convert you, right down to the colourful Thai green curry courgette noodles and raw vegan cookies.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Thai Green Curry Courgette Noodles, Raw Vegan Cookies
Location: No. 1103, 11/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building, 25 Kimberley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 3428 2416
Ohms Cafe & Bar — Vegan
Fair trade-focused and vegan, pop into Ohms Cafe and Bar on Hollywood Road for some really great grub that will make your belly happy, vegan or not. We’re fans of the bagels, topped with vegan butter, cheese or maple syrup, and the almond butter pancakes go down a treat with a hot herbal tea.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Bagels, Almond Butter Pancakes
Location: Shop A, 192 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 5400 4236
Green Common — Vegan
Green Common has several shops across the city, each one catering to locals passionate about plant-based food and reducing their carbon footprint. With an extensive deli menu and vegetarian products to take home, their deli locations are now grilling up ‘Beyond Burgers’, and you’re in for a treat. Proper hamburger-loving folk are scarfing these down, as the vegan patties look and taste like ground beef, with the added bonus of being cholesterol-free, antibiotic-free, hormone-free and GMO-free. Top them with vegan cheese and avocado if you wish, with a side of kale chips and a cool smoothie.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Beyond Burgers, Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Location: 8 locations across Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6450 7605
Years — Vegetarian
At Years, where flavour meets compassion! All the staff goes above and beyond with their warm hospitality, making your dining experience unforgettable. Indulge in top picks like the Impossible Burger (HK$138) and Bolognese (HK$88) , but keep in mind, the culinary journey evolves with the ever-changing menu at Years. Each dish leaves you questioning if it’s exclusively plant-based, surprising even the most dedicated meat eaters.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Impossible Burgers, Impossible Bolognese
Location: 3 locations across Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6338 3719
Leisurely Veggie — Vegetarian
Leisurely Veggie, a haven for plant-based lovers, combines veggies with high-quality plant-based protein. Beyond the norm, they redefine veggie cuisine, focusing on overall culinary excellence. The Mango Avocado Roll (+HK$18)—flavorful, crunchy, and beautifully presented with microgreens—is a delightful surprise for your taste buds. The Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (HK$108) blends warm, juicy pineapples with aromatic turmeric. Leisurely Veggie: where good food takes the spotlight.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, Mango Avocado Roll, Lasagna
Location: Shop B, 3/F, China Insurance Building, 48 Cameron Road, sim Sha Tsui, 37065827 or Shop G08-11, G/F, Citywalk 2, 18 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, 26361808
Contact: Facebook
Isoya Japanese Vegetarian Restaurant — Vegetarian
A clean, refreshing, and flavourful space where thoughtful staff keep your tea brimming. Here, dishes are crafted to celebrate the pure essence of vegetables. For lunch, you can choose a light set (HK$98) or opt for the heavy option (HK$188), boasting extra grilled items and sushi. As night falls, explore the Omakase dinner, featuring King Oyster Mushroom sushi, tofu delights, and crispy Okra Tempura.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Vegetarian Sushi, Soba Noodles, Tempura
Location: 9/F, Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai
Contact: Facebook | +852 5500 8812
Header image credits: Ralph (Ravi) Kayden via Unsplash
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