I actually also designed and printed myself some cards that I have used once or twice now to help me to communicate my preferences. You can download this PDF if you want a copy. I just printed them, cut them out, and glued them back to back so there are 3 double sided cards to help you out. Also some symbols to be aware of. Even if you don’t use Happy Cow, just searching on maps with the Chinese characters can help you unearth options that don’t appear in an english (or other language) search.
Anyway, on with the food I did eat.
Also be sure to follow me over on Happy Cow. I try to leave reviews and keep a running list of the places I eat at over there too.
MICANG (GUANGZHOU)
On my arrival I day I ended up just exploring the shopping centres right near where I was staying. I wasn’t explicitly looking for food, but wound up in the food service area, and was just taking it all in. I spotted a place that looked a bit more green and had veggies on its branding, and took a quick scan of the menu. It looked like there was a salad I could maybe eat. I decided to give my cards ago, and showed the woman out the front (most places have someone out the front so it’s pretty easy to ask questions right away) my card than said I am strict/pure vegetarian (they don’t just have a single word for vegan – they generally know what this means). She then flipped over the menu in her hand and pointed at two salad options. I said great and got a table.
Now, some people might count seaweed not as vegan cos there could be fish remains, etc. You do you boo. I chose the seaweed salad topping, not the avo. This cost about $3, and was actually all I really needed. All the staff were helpful, friendly, and made the process pretty easy.
This is a chain place and I am pretty sure they are all over the place and in some airports. So in a pinch to grab something. You have a salad option here.
Qing Chun by Perma (Guangzhou)
I’m not sure if I’ve ever eaten at a restaurant in the Michelin Guide, but now I certainly know I have. When they say this dining experience was worth lining up for, they aren’t wrong. And I waited like halfa or so to get seated. I’m glad too, cos I got a booth with a view. The menu is extensive, and there was so much choice I got excited. One, it was my first real meal in China, and two, I didn’t realise serving sizes and all that especially when it comes to cost.
I chose three dishes from the menu, a buddha bowl, some sichuan tofu, and some mushroom and greens dumplings. The tofu wasn’t as spicy as I excepted, but it had great flavour. The dumplings were awesome, and the first time I have actually tried those. So exciting to eat them for the first time in China.
It was work getting through it all, but this was going to end up being my one meal for the day. I really didn’t want to eat anything for the rest of it. All this food and a coffee cost me about $21AUD. The quality was great, the flavours were fantastic, and I enjoyed every single bite. Even the ones when I was full, cos when is the next time I am going to eat like this?
Also, with how busy this restaurant was, there must be an audience within China that is growing for more plant based meals. I wonder how many more places there will be here when I next come visit.
Honyisu (GUANGZHOU)
I found my way to this place when I was exploring the area, and I am so glad I did. The staff were so lovely and helpful. I ended up getting some dumplings, which are made on the spot at the front of the restaurant so they are served FRESH! They were so nice. I also got a congee that was suggested by the server. I went with it, and kind of glad I did. It was tasty and def helped to give me a boost of nutrients that I needed. It filled me up and kept me satisfied for the rest of the day.
It’s nice to know as well that Jasmine tea is a tea I can drink that doesn’t make me ill. I have certainly had a bunch of that while I have been here. It seems to be a base tea used in some of the tea drink places I have come across and ordered from so far.
NAMO GANGA (YANGSHUO)
Trying Indian in China. I feel like trying Indian in every country is just one of those little side missions that happens. Not so much intentionally, but there is usually a joint around and they do know how to cater for the vegans. This place seems like it turns into a bit of a social hub later in the evenings and is definitely one of that spots that attracts the foreigners. I think they even do a western menu on some nights, but that chef was off the night I was in, or so I overheard. I was there for Indian anyway, so no skin off my nose.
I got a potato curry, rice roti, and a highball here for under $20. It blows me away every time that I eat. I get so much good food, at such a reasonable cost. I think I could live comfortably in China, earning Australian dollars.
Home Cooking Place (YANGSHUO)
This was my last meal in Yangshuo. I wish I had more time in this place. This is getting marked for a repeat visit for sure. The staff here were lovely, one woman in particular had decent english which made things easy. They are familiar with vegans here and have a lovely handwritten menu – separate vegetarian menu even. There were a few vegan options on there and I over indulged once again. It’s the serving sizes that get me. I know that generally you would share, but I’m alone and I want to eat and try all the things.
It was all really good. I said a little spicy and there ended up being a lot of chilies I wasn’t eating. They got pulled out to the side, but they had done their job and added a good heat and flavour into the dishes. When I ate one full that was definitely a shock to the system.
I’m really enjoying getting to try a range of different dishes and cooking styles. I’m generally pretty lazy food wise, so when I do get to explore a bit more it’s always nice. This tofu dish I had is probably not something I would generally go for, but I am all about trying the vegan Cantonese dishes where I can at the moment.
Also you should go here, as the woman said the more vegans that come through the door the more vegie dishes they will add. Generally restaurants don’t make much from the veg dishes which is why it can be tricky to find them or not as much of a selection.