8 Vegetarian & Veg-Friendly Restaurants in Beijing
By Justine Lopez
Everyone says that being a vegetarian in China is impossible. Well, clearly those people haven’t been to Beijing. Because this city is full of veg-friendly restaurants and it even has a smattering of pure-vegetarian places to eat. So in case you’re looking to take a break from meat a few times a week or are hosting a vegetarian friend you have plenty of places to choose from. Here’s our mini-guide to some of the best vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly places to eat in Beijing.
Pure-Vegetarian Restaurants in Beijing
1. King’s Joy
King’s Joy is a dining experience that shouldn’t be missed – even if you’re not a vegetarian. Yes, it’s on the expensive side, but the meal will no doubt be memorable. Like most pure-vegetarian restaurants in Beijing, King’s Joy serves up Chinese-style dishes and impressive mock meats, but they also have an extensive selection of unexpected dishes. There’s sushi with dragon fruit, mock lamb kebabs, delectable mushroom concoctions and so much more. Guests can also choose from a variety of set meals, starting from around RMB400. Everything is impeccably presented and the restaurant’s atmosphere matches its beautiful food.
2 Wudaoying Hutong, Yonghegong Da Jie, Dongcheng 东城区雍和宫大街五道营胡同2号(8404 9191)
2. Baihe Vegetarian
Don’t let the hairy chuan’r dissuade you. This Confucian-style restaurant conjures up wholly-meatless Chinese classics using malleable mushrooms, tofu and soy protein. The Peking-style duck is a particular favorite.
23 Caoyuan Hutong, by Dongzhimen Bei Xiaojie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门北小街草园胡同甲23号(6405 2082)
3. The Veggie Table
Proving that Beijing-style vegetarian cuisine is by no means the exclusive preserve of Buddhist monks and soppy Jack Johnson fans, this superbly honed vegan eatery offers some of the very best sandwiches found anywhere in the city. The shiitake mushroom burger is a sensation, while the crispy baked home fries and fresh homemade dips will keep you coming back.
19 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同19号(6446 2073)
4. Tianchu Miaoxiang Vegetarian (Chaowai)
This place serves up an almost daunting range of great veggie fare. They have some seriously impressive mock meats and soups and a ton of noodle and rice dishes. Prices are reasonable and last time we checked they offer cooking classes as well.
Room 0260, 2/F, Bldg D, Chaowai SOHO, 6B Chaoyangmenwai Da Jie,west of Jingguang Bridge, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街乙6号 朝外SOHO大厦D座2楼0260号京广桥西(5900 1288)
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Beijing
5. In and Out
One thing that’s great about Yunnanese food is that it’s incredibly vegetarian friendly. And In and Out is one of our favorite Yunnanese joints in the city. This Sanlitun restaurant specializes in creating tasty and quality food in the style of the village of Lijiang. And the best part is almost half of the menu is vegetarian. Along with meat dishes, they serve up a variety of mushroom, potato and vegetable fare. And make sure to try their goat cheese (pictured).
No. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号(8454 0086)
6. Ramo
If you have a vegetarian friend in town, Ramo is a great place to take them. They dish out some of the best pizzas in town. Plus, they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It's one of those places that will please everyone.
64 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区方家胡同64号(8403 5004)
7. Tribe (Lido)
Tribe isn’t strictly a vegetarian restaurant, but they have plenty of veggie (and really healthy!) options on their menu. You can order up salads, grain bowls and other favorites at both of their locations. Read our full review here.
Lido Place, Unit B-103, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路6号B103室 (6431 9289)
8. Moka Bros
With a few locations scattered around town, Moka Bros has some quality veggie options. They offer healthy lunches: power bowls, salads and wraps. They also have a great selection of cakes and pastries if you’re feeling more indulgent.
Shop L139A , 9 Guanghua lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶东入口L139A号 (6587 1368); B101b, South Building, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园南楼B101b (5208 6079)
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