This month we set out to explore Shenzhen’s small – albeit thriving – community of restaurants specializing in vegetarian and vegan fare. Here, we introduce you to four of our favorite spots to chow down on delicious, plant-based edibles.
1. Dzambala Vegetarian Restaurant
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
Situated in the trendy environs of OCT East, in the shadow of B10 and OCT-Loft, Dzambala seems to be a very well-kept secret. Despite serving up some fantastic plant-based food, it remains relatively quiet compared to other shops in OCT East Market. Stylistically, the place leaves a little to be desired, but one can forsake a design-forward space as long as the food is good. And it is good. While sashimi seems to be the outlet’s most prized menu item, you can also find a list of awesome plant-based dishes that fit firmly within the realm of Chinese cuisine. If you are in the neighborhood, certainly make a point of stopping in for a quick bite!
See listing for Dzambala Vegetarian Restaurant.
2. Yunlaiju
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
This Yunnan-style vegetarian restaurant (with plenty of vegan options) has five locations dotted around Shenzhen’s Futian, Nanshan and Luohu districts. Despite the lack of animal flesh, we found that Yunlaiju’s fare still maintains a lot of the hallmark qualities that make Chinese cuisine so flipping great. We visited the chain’s Honey Park location, where we sampled the meiwei xiaochao (RMB68), which literally translates to ‘beautiful flavor fry’ (it certainly was, we might add). Comprised of sweetcorn, walnuts, asparagus, peppers and carrots, this dish was a feast of nutrients that led a parade of sweet, spicy and sour flavors over our buoyant tongues.
See listing for Yunlaiju.
3. New Plum Garden Yuantong Vegetarian (Xinmeiyuan)
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
Billed as a vegetarian hotpot outlet, this restaurant is so much more. For starters, in addition to a dining area, the establishment also hosts a large shop that sells soup ingredients, spices, beans and other foodstuffs. You can also pick up some new threads and accessories, as the store stocks Buddhist clothing and trinkets. New Plum’s kitchen juts out into the dining area, canteen-style, and you can watch chefs slicing ‘n’ dicing while your soup boils away in front of you.
See listing for New Plum Garden Yuantong Vegetarian (Xinmeiyuan).
4. Summer Tea House
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
Everywhere we looked, this name kept popping up. We visited late in the evening just before this tea shop/veggie restaurant closed for the night and were delighted by what we found. On the seventh floor of the Jintang Building, this secluded outlet is a veritable oasis, hidden above the narrow streets of old Luohu. We were immediately blown away by the silence and the pacific charm of this rustic restaurant. On the menu, you’ll find some novel fruit-based soups and snacks, as well as vegan Southeast Asian fare, namely Thai and Vietnamese food.
See listing for Summer Tea House.
For more helpful Shenzhen city guides, click here.
[Cover image by Bryan Grogan/That's]
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