In China – and especially Guangdong, where anything with a heart is fair game for tomorrow night’s dinner – vegetarian restaurants are hard to come by. But before you skip over this review in pursuit of meatier options, consider the mission that has inspired a man to pool his life savings into this sole veggie venture.
A meat lover himself back in the day, Yong Chen has now been a devout Buddhist for 10 years – four of which he spent living in a monastery. Now farther from his self-indulgent past than ever before, the founder of Joy Vege speaks with the same placid tone that characterizes the nature of his restaurant: simple, spotless and chivalrous. Yong comes to work every day with a vision: to promote meat-free dining in one of the world’s least environmentally conscious societies.
A fusion of East and West, Joy Vege is a trailblazer on the path to enlightenment, bridging the best parts of both cultures. Tables are elegantly set with cloth napkins, fine silverware and choice of sparkling juice or wine.
The meal unfolds in French fashion, with small portions gracefully arranged in six total courses. Guests can select options from a generous set menu (RMB128/person), which includes soup, appetizer, main course, second course, staple food and dessert. An a la carte menu is also available, but prices are significantly steeper – one small bowl of cream and pumpkin soup, for example, will cost you RMB30.
While Joy Vege radiates an overwhelmingly European vibe, the majority of dishes feature healthy Chinese fare, from chili tofu to jujube lotus root and longan fungus soup. Main courses swing back to a Western palate, with classic vegetarian options such as the mushroom steak, Italian pasta with white sauce and special vegan pie. Desserts meld the sweetness of both sides of the globe, allowing guests to choose between a walnut brownie and carrot tart or ginger souffle and spinach tart.
Why the Western twist? Yong says that Chinese restaurants are particularly wasteful, since guests routinely order more than they can eat while dishes are served in large portions. In Western dining, however, multiple small courses ensure that very little food is left on most customers’ plates – something Yong strives for.
Even if you adore meat, Joy Vege offers an ingenious spin on vegetarian dining that’s both palatable and progressive. Come in and feast for the greater good!
Price: Approx RMB128 per person
Who’s going: Vegetarians, inner-peace seekers, European royalty
Good for: Date nights and an artistically prepared six-course meal
// For listing click here.
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