6 Vegan Restaurants You Need To Try in Hong Kong
There's many reasons to include more vegan meals in your diet; animal rights, health benefits (if well planned- it's rich in nutrients and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases), sustainability (Animal agriculture is responsible for more than 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of the deforestation in the Amazon), help with world hunger (the food and water we give to livestock could feed 10 billion people), or taste.
You don't need to go fully Vegan, but even eating plant-based just one day a week (3 meals) will save about 225 sq.ft. of land, 120 gallons of water, and 54 miles of car emissions. For these reasons you can find a lot of vegan recipes here (more to come!), or when a recipe isn't- vegan options are almost always given.
I hope you hop on board, because every little bit helps! This article will help you to discover some really delicious Vegan restaurants in Hong Kong that won't make you miss meat at all.
1. Lock Cha Teahouse
This is my #1 vegan/vegetarian restaurant that I recommend to people when they come to Hong Kong for several reasons. Firstly, it's located inside a beautiful, tranquil park (Hong Kong Park). Secondly, the decor is remarkable, both the restaurant itself, and the colonial-era building the teahouse is inside (it's a museum of tea ware, called The K.S.Lo Gallery). When you come to Hong Kong, you have to have dim sum. This place allows you to do it under any dietary preferences. It's also a buddhist restaurant, so strong flavours are also not added to the food (for example, garlic) because they believe it excites the body and disturbs your mind, it's all about being calm and balanced. They offer fragrant premium teas, in fact it is their mission is to "search in remote areas to find the finest teas", so you can find some very rare, good quality, ethically sourced teas here.
*note: rarely (but sometimes) milk products may be in some dishes so just tell your waitress that you are vegan if you only want vegan dishes.
Lock Cha (Mon- Sun 10:00am-8:00pm), G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong *They have a couple of other locations. Tel: +852 28017177.
2. Mana
Mana's slogans "eat like it matters" and "food that doesn't cost the earth" are evident in all that they do. They are part of the zero-food-waste alliance, use only compostable & biodegradable packaging, promote conscious consumption, and are activists for inspiring change (both for people and the earth). They were one of the pioneers to bring plant-based food to Hong Kong, and I've been a loyal customer ever since they opened here. My personal favourites are their salad boxes (I like a mixture of all that's available that day), their sweet potato fries with homemade ketchup and vegan mayonnaise, their wraps (GF options available), and their soups. It feels good to eat here, in every way.
MANA, (Mon-Sun 10:00am-10:pm). 92 Wellington Street,
Central, Hong Kong *they have 2 other locations (POHO is the one photographed above, but the central location is the most convenient). Tel: +852 2851 1611.
3. Kind Kitchen by Green Common
Green common is responsible for the "Green Monday" meatless movement in Hong Kong. This place is a one-stop-shop to grab a great meal, vegan groceries, and eco-friendly goods. Their menu features mostly asian cuisine; with a mixture of dumplings, ramen, and curries (with good amount of Beyond Meat and Omnipork too!). They host a lot of cooking events (they even did my meet & greet!), Nutritional lectures, and are all-around amazing people promoting a positive change that empowers the Hong Kong community.
Green Common (Mon- Sun 11:30am- 10:00pm) Shop 1, 1/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2110 0055.
4. Confusion
It took one bite of their Vegan Mushroom Tacos (everyone told me these are actually tostadas- but I'm just going by the menu so people can easily order if they visit later) AND I WAS IN LOVE WITH THIS RESTAURANT. I actually went back the next day to eat exactly the same thing and I visit every time I'm in the area.
here is that heavenly juicy-veggie filled morsel, wrapped up in a freshly deep friend tortilla....
and here's me living my best life with my new discovery right before it spilled all over my shirt (eat with caution!)
The decor here is welcoming and inspiring, as are the staff. I should also mention that all of the items on the menu are good..everything I've tried so far (I've tried 6 dishes up to this point and have checked out many stranger's plates because you share tables) was incredible. Their plant-based food is far from bland and boring, as they use rich spices, colours, and deep-tasting sauces to delight both your eyes and taste buds. The menu is always changing and there's lot's of daily specials to keep you coming back.... I WILL BE BACK.
Confusion, Mon-Sun 10:30am - 8:30pm. G/F, 103 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2563 3699.
5. Local Ginger (Inside Blue House)
Located in Hong Kong's historical 'Blue House', this place is more than just great plant-based food. They employ local women, support local production and eco-farming, and give back to the community. The lunch sets are really reasonably priced, free from MSG, and low in sodium, sugar, and oil.
My favourite dishes are their 'Five Elements Tumeric Rice' and mixed mushroom stir fry (I can't remember the exact name because it was a special that day- their menu always changes seasonally).
*Please note that although their menu is very vegan-friendly, they do call themselves vegetarian as they serve eggs. Please tell the staff ahead of time if you eat no animal products.
Local Ginger, Mon-Sat 11:30am-5:30pm. G/F, 8 King Sing St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 9062-8345. *They only accept cash.
6. Veggie SF
This American 50's themed diner serves delectable Vegetarian and Vegan "junk food". If you're craving burgers, fries, nuggets, calamari, or other deep-fried foods, then this is your place to go. They also have lighter, healthier options such as rice bowls, and salads, as well as all day breakfast.
While eating you'll be surrounded by antiques, books, and organic products- all of which are for sale. Throw in their 50's jazz music and you're in for a cheerful, inspiring, cozy meal.
Veggie SF, Mon-Sat 12:00pm-2:30pm, 6:00pm-9:00pm. 10/F, 11 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 3902 3902
To see more about these places and some others, check out this youtube video I made on plant-based food in Hong Kong:
I'd love to know about any more places I'm missing in this article, please let me know your favourites in the comments!
-T