Beijing

Comprehensive Guide to Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Beijing, China

Beijing, as the capital of China, is a vibrant city with a rich culinary heritage. While traditional Chinese cuisine often includes meat, the city has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene, thanks to its Buddhist influence, increasing health consciousness, and the rise of plant-based lifestyles. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate vegetarian and vegan dining in Beijing.

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1. Types of Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes Available in Beijing

Chinese cuisine offers a variety of naturally vegetarian and vegan dishes, many of which are rooted in Buddhist culinary traditions. Here are some common options:

Traditional Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes:

• Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐): A spicy tofu dish traditionally made with minced meat, but vegetarian versions are widely available. Be sure to confirm it’s made without meat or animal-based sauces.
• Vegetable Dumplings (素饺子): Dumplings filled with vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu. Ensure no lard is used in the dough or filling.
• Buddha’s Delight (罗汉斋): A classic Buddhist dish made with a mix of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, often served in a light sauce.
• Stir-Fried Greens (清炒时蔬): Seasonal vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli stir-fried with garlic.
• Hot Pot (素火锅): Many hot pot restaurants offer vegetarian broths and a wide selection of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms.
• Cold Dishes (凉菜): Salads or cold appetizers like cucumber with garlic sauce, shredded potatoes, or marinated tofu.
• Soybean-Based Dishes: Beijing has a variety of soy-based dishes, including mock meats made from tofu or seitan.

Snacks and Street Food:

• Jianbing (煎饼): A savory Chinese crepe. Ask for it without eggs or meat fillings.
• Sesame Balls (麻团): Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste.
• Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Skewered candied fruits, often hawthorn berries or strawberries.

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2. Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Beijing

Beijing has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Here are some highly recommended spots:

Fully Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants:

1. King’s Joy (京兆尹)

   • Description: A high-end vegetarian restaurant near Yonghe Temple, known for its creative, beautifully presented dishes and use of organic ingredients.
   • Cuisine: Modern Chinese with a focus on plant-based innovation.
   • Cost: ¥300–¥600 per person.
   • Address: 2 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District.

2. Lotus in Moonlight Vegetarian Restaurant (月光下的莲)

   • Description: A serene, Buddhist-inspired restaurant offering a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
   • Cuisine: Traditional Chinese vegetarian.
   • Cost: ¥100–¥200 per person.
   • Address: 12A Xinyuanli Middle Street, Chaoyang District.

3. Vege Tiger (素虎)

   • Description: A casual vegan eatery offering plant-based versions of Chinese comfort food, including dumplings and noodles.
   • Cuisine: Vegan Chinese.
   • Cost: ¥50–¥100 per person.
   • Address: 1/F, 1-1 Xinyuanli West, Chaoyang District.

4. Tianchu Miaoxiang Vegetarian (天厨妙香素食)

   • Description: A popular chain offering affordable vegetarian Chinese dishes, including mock meats and hot pot.
   • Cuisine: Chinese vegetarian.
   • Cost: ¥50–¥100 per person.
   • Address: Multiple locations across Beijing.

Vegan-Friendly Cafes and International Options:

1. Gung Ho! Pizza

   • Description: A pizza chain with vegan cheese and plant-based toppings.
   • Cuisine: Western.
   • Cost: ¥80–¥150 per person.
   • Address: Multiple locations.

2. The Veggie Table

   • Description: A cozy cafe in the Wudaoying Hutong area offering vegan burgers, salads, and smoothies.
   • Cuisine: Western vegan.
   • Cost: ¥100–¥150 per person.
   • Address: 19 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District.

3. Root Pop

   • Description: A vegan restaurant specializing in plant-based versions of Chinese and Western dishes.
   • Cuisine: Fusion.
   • Cost: ¥100–¥200 per person.
   • Address: 1/F, 1-1 Xinyuanli West, Chaoyang District.

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3. Approximate Costs

• Street Food or Casual Dining: ¥20–¥50 per meal.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: ¥50–¥150 per meal.
• High-End Dining: ¥300–¥600 per meal.

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4. How to Communicate Dietary Preferences in Mandarin

When dining in Beijing, it’s important to clearly communicate your dietary needs. Here are some useful phrases:

• I am vegetarian.
  我是素食者。
  (Wǒ shì sùshí zhě.)

• I am vegan.
  我吃纯素。
  (Wǒ chī chún sù.)

• I don’t eat meat.
  我不吃肉。
  (Wǒ bù chī ròu.)

• I don’t eat fish or seafood.
  我不吃鱼和海鲜。
  (Wǒ bù chī yú hé hǎixiān.)

• I don’t eat eggs.
  我不吃鸡蛋。
  (Wǒ bù chī jīdàn.)

• I don’t eat dairy.
  我不吃奶制品。
  (Wǒ bù chī nǎi zhìpǐn.)

• Does this contain meat?
  这个有肉吗？
  (Zhège yǒu ròu ma?)

• Does this contain milk or eggs?
  这个有牛奶或鸡蛋吗？
  (Zhège yǒu niúnǎi huò jīdàn ma?)

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5. Cultural and Practical Tips

• Buddhist Influence: Many Buddhist temples in Beijing have vegetarian restaurants attached, offering simple, wholesome meals. For example, the restaurant at Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) is worth visiting.
• Hidden Ingredients: Be cautious of hidden animal products like lard, chicken stock, or fish sauce, which are sometimes used in vegetable dishes. Always confirm with the staff.
• Dining Etiquette: Sharing dishes is common in Chinese dining culture. If dining with non-vegetarians, you can request separate vegetarian dishes.
• Seasonal Produce: Beijing’s cuisine often features seasonal vegetables, so ask about the freshest options.

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6. Apps, Websites, and Local Resources

• HappyCow: A global app and website for finding vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Beijing has a strong presence on this platform.
• Dianping (大众点评): A Chinese app similar to Yelp. Use keywords like "素食" (vegetarian) or "纯素" (vegan) to search for plant-based restaurants.
• WeChat Groups: Join local expat or vegan/vegetarian WeChat groups for recommendations and tips.
• Baidu Maps (百度地图): Use this app to locate nearby vegetarian restaurants. Search for "素食餐厅" (vegetarian restaurant).

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7. Final Thoughts

Beijing offers a wealth of vegetarian and vegan options, from traditional Chinese dishes to modern plant-based innovations. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, you’ll find it easy to enjoy delicious, plant-based meals in this bustling city. Don’t hesitate to explore local markets and street food stalls for fresh, vegan-friendly snacks, and embrace the opportunity to try unique dishes that reflect Beijing’s rich culinary heritage.