Shanghai

๐Ÿฅ—

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Sections

1. Vegetarian and Vegan Dining in Shanghai

Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

Shanghai offers a mix of traditional Chinese vegetarian cuisine (often Buddhist-inspired) and modern plant-based eateries. Here are some top recommendations:

  1. Wujie (The Bund)

    • Cuisine: Upscale, modern vegetarian with Chinese and fusion influences.
    • Dishes: Creative dishes like truffle mushroom dumplings, plant-based Peking duck, and seasonal vegetable platters.
    • Price Range: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ400 per person.
    • Location: Multiple branches, including a flagship restaurant on The Bund.
    • Tip: Perfect for fine dining and special occasions.

  2. Vegetarian Lifestyle (ๆžฃๅญๆ ‘ Zao Zi Shu)

    • Cuisine: Traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes.
    • Dishes: Mock meat dishes (e.g., sweet and sour "pork"), tofu-based creations, and vegetable stir-fries.
    • Price Range: ยฅ80โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
    • Location: Several branches across Shanghai, including Jingโ€™an and Xintiandi.
    • Tip: A great introduction to Chinese vegetarian cuisine.

  3. Hunter Gatherer

    • Cuisine: Health-focused, Western-style vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
    • Dishes: Grain bowls, salads, plant-based burgers, and smoothies.
    • Price Range: ยฅ60โ€“ยฅ120 per person.
    • Location: Multiple locations, including Jingโ€™an and Xuhui.
    • Tip: Ideal for quick, healthy meals.

  4. Pure & Whole

    • Cuisine: Western-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes.
    • Dishes: Buddha bowls, vegan pasta, wraps, and cold-pressed juices.
    • Price Range: ยฅ80โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
    • Location: Several branches, including Jingโ€™an and Lujiazui.
    • Tip: A favorite among expats for its fresh and flavorful offerings.

  5. Vegan Bistro

    • Cuisine: 100% vegan, with a mix of Chinese and Western dishes.
    • Dishes: Vegan dumplings, plant-based hot pot, and desserts like vegan cheesecake.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Location: Jingโ€™an District.
    • Tip: A cozy spot for a fully vegan dining experience.

  6. Happy Buddha

    • Cuisine: Casual vegan comfort food.
    • Dishes: Vegan burgers, tacos, and loaded fries.
    • Price Range: ยฅ50โ€“ยฅ100 per person.
    • Location: Jingโ€™an District.
    • Tip: Great for a quick, satisfying meal.

Types of Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes Available

  • Traditional Chinese Dishes:

    • Stir-fried vegetables (e.g., bok choy, eggplant, lotus root).
    • Mapo tofu (ask for the vegan version without meat or fish sauce).
    • Dumplings filled with mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables.
    • Hot pot with vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.

  • Mock Meats: Many Buddhist-inspired restaurants use tofu, seitan, or soy protein to create mock versions of popular dishes like sweet and sour pork, kung pao chicken, or roasted duck.

  • Western-Inspired Dishes: Salads, grain bowls, vegan burgers, and pasta are widely available in modern vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

2. Grocery Stores and Markets for Plant-Based Ingredients

Supermarkets with Plant-Based Options

  1. Cityโ€™super

    • A high-end supermarket with a wide range of imported goods, including plant-based milks, vegan cheeses, and organic produce.
    • Locations: IFC Mall (Lujiazui), IAPM Mall (Xuhui).

  2. Oleโ€™ Supermarket

    • Offers a good selection of fresh produce, tofu, and imported vegan products.
    • Locations: Found in upscale malls like Kerry Centre (Jingโ€™an).

  3. Green & Safe

    • A combination of a grocery store and cafรฉ, focusing on organic and sustainable products.
    • Locations: Xuhui and Jingโ€™an.

  4. Avocado Lady

    • A small, expat-friendly grocery store with affordable fresh produce, avocados, and imported vegan staples.
    • Location: Wulumuqi Road, Xuhui District.

  5. Hema (็›’้ฉฌ)

    • Alibabaโ€™s tech-driven supermarket chain with fresh produce, tofu, and plant-based options. Some locations also stock Beyond Meat products.
    • Locations: Multiple across Shanghai.

Specialty Stores

  • VeggieWorld: An online store specializing in vegan and vegetarian products, including plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and snacks.
  • Taobao and JD.com: Chinese e-commerce platforms where you can find a wide range of vegan products, including imported brands.

3. Apps and Resources for Finding Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly Places

  1. HappyCow

    • A global app for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Shanghai has a strong presence on the platform, with user reviews and photos.
    • Website: www.happycow.net

  2. Dianping (ๅคงไผ—็‚น่ฏ„)

    • The Chinese equivalent of Yelp. Search for "็ด ้ฃŸ" (vegetarian) or "็บฏ็ด " (vegan) to find local restaurants. Note: The app is in Chinese, but it can be navigated with translation tools.

  3. WeChat Groups

    • Join expat or vegan-specific WeChat groups in Shanghai for recommendations, events, and community support. Search for groups like "Shanghai Vegans" or "Plant-Based Shanghai."

  4. Little Red Book (ๅฐ็บขไนฆ)

    • A lifestyle app popular in China, where users share reviews and tips. Search for vegetarian or vegan keywords in Chinese.

4. Cultural and Dietary Considerations

  • Hidden Animal Products: Many traditional Chinese dishes use animal-based broths, fish sauce, or lard, even if the dish appears vegetarian. Always specify your dietary needs by saying:

    • "ๆˆ‘ๅƒ็ด " (Wว’ chฤซ sรน) โ€“ "I eat vegetarian."
    • "ๆˆ‘ๅƒ็บฏ็ด " (Wว’ chฤซ chรบn sรน) โ€“ "I eat vegan."
    • Add "ไธ่ฆ่‚‰, ไธ่ฆ้ฑผ, ไธ่ฆ้ธก่›‹, ไธ่ฆๅฅถ" (Bรน yร o rรฒu, bรน yร o yรบ, bรน yร o jฤซdร n, bรน yร o nวŽi) โ€“ "No meat, no fish, no eggs, no milk."

  • Mock Meats: While mock meats are common in vegetarian restaurants, they may not always be vegan. Confirm with the staff if the dish contains dairy or eggs.

  • Dining Etiquette: Sharing dishes is customary in Chinese dining. If dining with non-vegetarians, consider ordering a few plant-based dishes to share.

5. Tips for Navigating the Food Scene

  • Learn Key Phrases: Knowing a few Chinese phrases can help you communicate your dietary preferences effectively.
  • Carry Snacks: While Shanghai has many options, itโ€™s always a good idea to carry snacks like nuts or energy bars for emergencies.
  • Explore Buddhist Temples: Many temples, such as Jade Buddha Temple, have vegetarian restaurants on-site offering affordable and authentic meals.
  • Be Flexible: Some restaurants may not fully understand veganism, so be prepared to explain or adapt your choices.

Shanghaiโ€™s vegetarian and vegan scene is vibrant and growing, making it an exciting city to explore for plant-based eaters. With a mix of traditional and modern options, as well as resources to support your lifestyle, youโ€™ll find plenty of delicious and satisfying meals during your stay.