GeoExpat Picks: 6 Top Spots for Veggie Meals

GeoExpat Picks: 6 Top Spots for Veggie Meals

When it comes to vegetarian restaurants and casual eateries, Hong Kong is on point. Whether you’re after Indian, Western, Chinese or Mediterranean flavours, there are many popular eateries dotted all over the city to choose from, not to mention the new ones popping up here and there! Read on to find out which six vegetarian joints GeoExpat recommends (not in order!), then ring up your non-carnivorous mates and arrange to catch-up over lunch. Enjoy...

 

 

1. Grassroots Pantry

12 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun; 2873 3353

 

Snug between Second and Third Street in the hip-and-happening Sai Ying Pun area, you’ll find Fuk Sau Lane, a tiny alley that’s home to a couple of casual, al-fresco cafes. On one side is the award-winning Grassroots Pantry, a cute boutique eatery with an appetising green menu featuring a mix of flavours from the East and West. In keeping with their farm-to-table concept, Grassroots even has a roof-top garden so the menu can be kept up-to-date with fresh, in-season produce. Grab some celery root fries to start, followed by a Thai basil tofu stir-fry - and make sure you leave room for a lime, coconut and ginger ale ice cream float.

 

PS - Directly opposite is Prune, another organic deli and workshop owned by the same people, also serving delicious, plant-based fare for breakkie, lunch and afternoon nibbles. They also offer take-away items including salads, sandwiches, soups, fresh baked goods, coffee and more. We recommend you give their refreshing smoothies a go!

 

 

2. MANA! Fast Slow Food

92 Wellington Street, Central; 2851 1611

 

Seriously popular - not just among vegetarians, but meat-lovers tool - Mana is the place to go for flavour-packed veggie mixes enveloped in soft, warm, organic flatbread wraps served up in a matter of seconds. So basically, a healthy, eco-friendly, substantial and mouth-watering alternative to crappy, stale, fattening burgers and fries at fast-food giants (not naming any names!). Their organic and raw menu is not only suitable for vegetarians, but vegans and gluten-haters too, and it’s not just the food that echoes their earth-lovin’ concept - the cafe is decked out in upcycled furniture and fair-trade products, plus all their packaging is biodegradable. Their absolute must-try dishes are: the Mezze Platter (hummus, baba ganoush, olives - the works!) and of course, a fat, customised wrap brimming with whatever fillings and sauces you choose!

 

 

3. Maya Cafe Mediterranean Lifestyle

G/F, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai; 2529 3319

 

If you’re a vegetarian, chances are you’re probably already a die-hard fan of Maya Cafe’s famous falafels, hummus trio, Rainbow Salad and assorted platters. Since opening its doors in 2013, this private kitchen’s healthy and wholesome menu has been a talking point for the vegetarian community, featuring both cooked and raw Mediterranean dishes that are packed full with nutrients. The cafe which seats around 35, offers a lovely outdoor terrace adorned with Turkish lamps and Mediterranean-inspired decor. Want to know what’s on for brunch, lunch and dinner? Check out their set and a la carte menus here before you pop in for a bite!

 

 

4. Branto

1/F, 9 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2366 8171

 

Just ‘cause you don’t eat meat, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all different types of international cuisines. Travelling back to the roots of vegetarianism (a concept which first hailed from ancient India), Branto is one of Hong Kong’s oldest culinary havens for Indian veggie specialties, known for its extensive menu of Southern Asian favourites  like dosa, medu wada, idli, pav bajhi, thalil  and more. Having a big get-together with your plant-lovin’ mates at home? Place your party orders or simply get them to pack you up a take away meal. You can’t go wrong with an order of Branto’s mushroom masala, butter idli and paneer korma. 


 

5. Wild Thyme

4/F, 1-3 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2577 3662

 

Leaning a little more towards the fine-dining side, Wild Thyme - the newest gastronomic addition to Tsim Sha Tsui’s food and entertainment strip Hart Avenue - has only just opened up last month, and is already making big waves. Chef Tarek Alali is whipping up fresh, herbivorous plates to bring Wild Thyme’s “vegetarian vision” to life, with dishes and canapes like cucumber rolls with homemade vegan cashew cream and black olive dip on toasted pita, beetroot caviar, triple dips, and chilled spicy cheesecake. All we can say is: try it out!

 

 

6. Chi Lin Vegetarian

Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill; 3658 9388

 

Located at the soul-soothing Chi Lin Nunnery temple complex - one of Hong Kong’s cultural sites, and home to treasured Buddhist relics - is Chi Lin Vegetarian restaurant. Hidden behind a waterfall and surrounded by the serene Nan Lian Garden’s lotus ponds, bonsai trees and bougainvillea, the restaurant appropriately serves a holistic menu of vegan creations. Yes, it’s a little out of the way, but anyone’s who been will tell you to stop contemplating and get on the MTR to Diamond Hill. Try a little bit of everything and go for the combo platter (sliced beetroot salad, long beans, dried bean curd, flat rice yuzu noodles, marinated mushrooms); or if you’re into sharing, try the delectable steamed dumplings and spicy braised eggplant hot-pot. Once you’re full and satisfied, make sure you zen out in the tranquil garden for a while before you return to the buzzing city. 

 

 

Want to know where to go for gluten-free munch? Check out our article on Hong Kong's gluten-free food stops!