Beijing's best vegetarian and vegan restaurants

Veggie, vegan or just fancy something different? We've got you covered

Vegetarian in Beijing? You're not alone. Vegetarianism has a longstanding history for some parts of Chinese society: you can trace its roots back to the principles of Ancient Buddhism and Taoism, and today, it remains an important fixture of Chinese culture, philosophy and cuisine.

Still, finding the best vegetarian restaurants in Beijing can be a challenge. That's why we've compiled a list of our favourite veggie, vegan and veggie-friendly restaurants in the city.

With so many different styles of vegetarian restaurants in Beijing on offer, even the most die-hard of carnivores may just consider taking a night off.

Vegetarian (cheap)

Lin's Dining Lounge

In its ultra-chic digs, Lin's plates up creative vegetarian cuisine, with a menu that features meatless takes on some famously meaty and fishy dishes – think classics such as the Sichuan boiled fish dish, shuizhuyu, except the catch of the day is tofu.

Blossom Vegetarian

This Dongzhimen joint has got a somewhat experimental and daring menu, destined to catch you off guard – in the truest of fingers-up to the meat industry, it's probably the only place in Beijing to serve vegetarian foie gras.

Tianchu Miao Xiang

There is a pretty simple reason as to why Tianchu Miao Xiang is always packed out: the bustling Wudaokou restaraunt serves up some terrific food. We recommend the tofu in coconut curry sauce.

Elaine's Vegetarian Restaurant & Bar

Elaine's menu is an encyclopedia of veggie scoff: there's over one hundred dishes to choose from, but we recommend the wonderful vegetable curry. Extensive range of vegan options, too. The restaraunt's picturesque courtyard dining area is great for warm summer evenings, if you're in Shunyi.

Vegetarian (not so cheap)

Samadhi Vegetarian Teahouse

Fine, fine dining. Choose from a collection of carefully curated set menus with dishes full of creamy, silky flavours. It's a Buddhist teahouse too, so unwind and relax in the tranquility.

King's Joy

Sat in the shadows of the Lama Temple, this Wudaoying Hutong restaurant's high-end vegetarian chow could tempt even the most hardened of carnivores. Fit for a king.

Baihe Courtyard

An intimate courtyard restaraunt in the hutongs near Dongzhimen with a focus on soy 'mock-meat' and organic produce. Some of the fish dishes are alarmingly tasty, not to mention ultra sustainable.

Vegan

The Veggie Table

It feels a little long in the tooth here these days, but the decent pun is matched with decent food, too. It's got you covered if you're on the look out for a worthy vegan burger.

Veggie-friendly

In and Out

The breadth of vegetarian options on the menu ensures that In and Out caters for everyone. Popular with both locals and tourists, this place serves some of the best Yunnan cuisine going.

For addresses and full venue details, click 'Read more' at the bottom of the page.

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