Ahimsa Buffet
An affordable vegetarian buffet at just $68 per head for lunch and $108 for dinner, Ahimsa Buffet serves a wide selection of dishes that include dim sum, Buddhist-style vegetarian and salads. The Zen venue is popular with Buddhists though it attracts its fair share of “flexitarians,” and even hosts regular jazz nights.
Shop B, G/F, Wah Hai Mansion, 10-16 Fort St., North Point, 2528-2368, www.facebook.com/ahimsabuffet.
Branto
Known for its authentic (read: spicy!) Indian vegetarian food, Branto is an authentic, humble spot that’s wildly popular with those in the know. Be sure to order a portion of their “pani puri” semolina cups, which you stuff with potato, chickpeas and sauces.
1/F, 9-11 Lock Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-8171, brantoindianvegetarian.com.hk.
Dandy’s Organic Café
Chef Vivi Cheung’s aim is to educate Hongkongers about healthy food and nutrition at Dandy’s, her casual east-meets-west cafe in the heart of Sheung Wan. Dishes include vegan burgers, gluten free pastas and low G.I. desserts, all accompanied with nutritional facts and a full list of the ingredients present in the dish.
108 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2815-8221, www.facebook.com/dandysorganiccafe.
Greenwoods Raw Café
Taking healthy eating to a new level, Greenwoods serves only raw food to ensure that no nutrients are lost in the preparation process. Open for lunch only, the innovative raw menu includes an array of dishes, from raw pizza to raw sushi, as well as plenty of tasty raw cakes.
13/F, 2 Carnavon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3428-2416, www.lifeflowhk.org.
LockCha Teahouse
Located in Hong Kong Park, LockCha serves delicious vegetarian dim sum over a great cup of traditional Chinese tea – perfect for non-meat-eating out of town guests. If you’re interested in learning more about Chinese tea, you can also participate in a tea class that’s run throughout the year.
G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, 2801-7177.
Mak Mak
This trendy, tasty Thai restaurant in the Landmark is owned by the same people behind Chachawan. You’ll find classic Thai dishes such as pad Thai and curries here, but the real draw for herbivores is the full vegetarian menu. Think crispy tofu and mushrooms served in lettuce parcels, fish sauce-free pomelo or mango salad, hot and sour mushroom broth, and work-fried crispy tofu with spring onion and garlic, to name just a few.
Shop 217A, 2/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, 2983-1003, www.facebook.com/makmakhongkong.
Mana! Fast Slow Food
Vegetarian cafe in Wellington Street known for its healthy flats and salad bar. Sister outlet Mana! Express is across the road if you want to grab a takeout, or head up to Mana! Cafe in PoHo for a more leisurely meal.
92 Wellington St., Central, 2851-1611, mana.hk.
Maya Café
This petite vegan cafe dishes out home-cooked Mediterranean vegetarian goodness. Their lunch set includes soup, main and a dessert for $150; expect dishes such as raw gazpacho, eggless frittata and a brown rice pudding to round things off. Don’t miss out on their raw dessert counter, which offers cakes, bites and balls to eat in or take home.
G/F, Shop G-7, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, 2111-4553, www.mayacafedeli.com.
MUM
Offering delicious vegetarian food to Wong Chuk Hangers, this pretty, casual spot offers mains with an Asian flair, salads and great coffee. You can also round off your lunch with one of their healthy desserts.
G07, G/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2115-3348, www.mum-hk.com.
Orchid Veggie
If you’re looking for an affordable, healthy bite in Kennedy Town, Orchid Veggie offers modern Chinese vegetarian cuisine that’s much lighter on the grease than your regular Buddhist takeout spots. It offers a $60 lunch set that includes a main (think purple sweet potato with wolfberries fried rice, or hairy gourd and mixed mushrooms on steamed oat rice), and a drink. You can also add an extra $20 for a soup or salad.
G/F, 18A-20 Belcher’s St., Kennedy Town, 2367-7790, www.orchidveggie.com.
The Herbivores
This stylish vegetarian dining spot is dedicated to crafting delicious and hearty vegetarian and vegan recipes. The SoHo outlet has a large communal table for a friendlier dining experience. Dishes include pumpkin carbonara, wild mushroom and mozzarella pizza, and truffle risotto, to name a few.
Various outlets, including 35 Staunton St., Central, 2613-2909, www.the-herbivores.com.
Veggie SF
Serving internationally inspired vegetarian cuisine in décor inspired by 1950s San Francisco, Veggie SF is a longtime favourite with Central’s lunch crowd. Veggie SF’s meat-free burgers are a specialty, but you’ll also find vegetarian versions of pan-Asian favourites, from gado gado to Vietnamese pho and laksa.
10/F, Stanley 11, 11 Stanley St., Central, 3902-3902, www.veggiesf.com.
Veggie Spinner
A small café located in Tai Hang, Veggie Spinner serves up fresh salads, as well as fresh juices, soups and wraps. Seats are limited but it’s a popular café for diners looking for healthy, nutritious takeaway lunches.
G/F, 144 Tung Lo Wan Rd., Tai Hang, 2802-6126.
