The Place
Based out of the thriving Houhai area, Planet Green is in a prime location to snap up hungry shoppers from the nearby Coastal City shopping mall. The exterior of the shop belies a certain trendiness, even before you enter the outlet.
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
The Food
Planet Green’s food is all plant-based. They aim to provide a healthy menu that supersedes unhealthy inclinations.
First up, we tucked into the Sichuan-style cold platter (RMB36), which is comprised of a range of vegetables soaked in a sweet Sichuan sauce. While refreshing and tongue-numbing, it was not quite the explosive sensation that we have come to expect from Sichuan peppercorns. Next up, we tried the vegetarian lasagna (RMB58), made with pasta, cheese, tomato sauce and cabbage. While it tasted smooth, the range of flavors that we enjoy in our meat-based lasagna was lacking.
On a higher note, the outlet’s signature ‘Impossible’ burger (RMB88) defied our expectations. Meat substitutes can sometimes be a letdown, but this burger packed a certain spice that satisfied our cravings. The patty was not quite as thick as the average meat patty, but with cheese, an egg, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and pickles, the Impossible burger was a real treat.
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
Image by Bryan Grogan/That's
Finally, out of sheer curiosity, we tried Planet Green’s English breakfast (RMB46). With beans, tomatoes, (a lot of) mushrooms, two runny eggs, a hash brown and soy-based sausages, this meal was tasty and certainly would make for a full breakfast, though we tried it at lunchtime. We washed all of this down with a green apple soda (RMB28), which was a fizzy and refreshing mix of apple and kiwi. We also tried the Paul Schole (RMB32), comprised of ginger and lemon juice.
Image via Bryan Grogan/That's
The Vibe
Electronic music plays at a low volume, creating an enjoyably modern tension in the air. Perhaps more so than the food, atmosphere is the most important aspect of the restaurant. With a modern design that embraces rugged redbrick walls, a minimalist gray entryway lit by luminescent purple light and electronic menus, the smattering of styles indicates a certain experimental nature.
Price: RMB100-150
Who’s going: trendsetters, trend followers, health junkies
Good for: vegetarian food, funky lunch dates
Nearest metro: Houhai (Exit E), 5 minutes.
Open daily, 11am-10.30pm. See listing for Planet Green.
[Cover image by Bryan Grogan/That's]
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