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[title]Anything but Salad
This health food company has been promoting raw vegan-friendly food in Asia since founder Calista Goh developed digestive issues, a hormonal imbalance and later a tumour on her large intestine. With her life taking a ‘clean’ and food-oriented direction, she now encourages the people of Hong Kong to follow her path in enjoying nutritious food at her art-infused café and shop Anything but Salad. Try one of the raw chocolate truffles ($35) or ice-creams for a delicious dessert that’s 100 percent vegan-friendly. Shop B, G/F, 14 Tai Ping Shan St, Sheung Wan, 6743 5000; anythingbutsalads.com.
Chi Lin Vegetarian
Set in the tranquillity of the Tang dynasty-styled Chi Lin Nunnery is this strictly Buddhist vegan-friendly restaurant. The afternoon tea set is the perfect little pick-me-up after a morning looking around the site. And the restaurant is nestled behind a waterfall, making it the perfect place for a traditional Cantonese lunch set ($120). It is made with fresh produce and handcrafted ingredients, so you can enjoy your meal exactly as nature intended it. Long Men Lou, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill, 3658 9388.
Grassroots Pantry
Sourcing unprocessed, organic and sustainable produce to create hearty, healthy meals bursting with flavour, Grassroots Pantry combines great food with a relaxed environment. With its very cool, fresh yet rustic design, the restaurant feels more like a revamped farmhouse than a typical Hong Kong establishment. With a plethora of vegan-friendly choices such as the lemon chia seed pancakes ($118), it makes for the perfect vegan brunch spot. 12 Fuk Sau Ln, Central, 2873 3353; grassrootspantry.com.
Lock Cha Tea House
‘Lock’ means happiness, enjoyment and fortune, and we think Lock Cha fulfils the first two of these promises. Situated in the beautiful green retreat that is Hong Kong Park, the Tea House provides a calming atmosphere all Hongkongers can appreciate. With its fantastic vegetarian dim sum such as vegetable pot stickers ($28) and an extensive range of teas to choose from, Lock Cha is the perfect place to grab a vegan-friendly bite and relax. G/F, The KS Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, 2801 7177; lockcha.com.
Maya Café
Using seasonal, locally sourced organic produce, this teeny tiny Mediterranean-style café has been stirring up a storm with its vegan-friendly menu since its relocation in July this year. French-born Hong Kong designer Tina Barrat founded the small takeaway store, spotting a gap in the market for grab-and-go gluten-free and healthy produce. A particular favourite are the ‘zoodles’ ($88) or noodles made from zucchini. 173 Des Voeux Rd C, Central, 2111 4553; fb.com/MayaCafeMediterraneanLifestyle.
Nood
The perfect snack or lunch-spot, Nood offers a selection of nutritious snacks, salads, wraps and sandwiches that you can pick and choose the ingredients for. Whether you’re after a raw vegan yoghurt pot ($38) or a heartier quinoa salad ($62), with its reasonable prices and extensive menu, you’ll be at a loss to choose. And if that’s not enough choice, you can also add one of the famous cold-pressed juices that are bursting with nutrients and extra vitamins.32 Hollywood Rd, Central, 8199 8189; allnood.com.