Tips for Vegetarians Traveling Through China

1. Understanding Vegetarian Types in China

In China, vegetarians are generally divided into two groups: strict vegans and semi-vegetarians.

• Strict Vegans: Influenced by Buddhism, many Chinese vegans follow “pure” vegetarian diets. They avoid all animal products—meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey—as well as the “Five Pungent Spices” (onion, garlic, leek, chives, and shallots), which are believed to disturb meditation. Strict vegans usually don’t consume gelatin, lard, or fish sauce either. People choose this lifestyle for health, environmental, or animal welfare reasons—similar to Western veganism.
• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians: Some Buddhists may allow milk, cheese, and eggs in their diet. Semi-vegetarians might enjoy cakes, milk tea, or egg-based dishes. They may also tolerate honey or minor animal-derived ingredients like lard or gelatin.

Trend: Many health-conscious or environmentally-minded vegetarians accept eggs and dairy, but the number of strict vegans is growing, especially in big cities.

2. Types of Vegetarian Cuisine in China

Chinese vegetarian dishes can be divided into two main styles: Buddhist Vegetarian and Imperial Vegetarian.

• Buddhist Vegetarian: Originating from temples, this cuisine is simple, light, and natural. Its four main principles are: vegetarian ingredients, vegetarian names, vegetarian shapes, and vegetarian taste.
• Imperial Vegetarian: Originating from ancient royal kitchens, these dishes imitate meat in appearance, texture, and flavor—like “vegetarian duck,” “vegetarian braised pork,” or “vegetarian fish.” They use tofu, gluten, mushrooms, or seaweed but contain no actual animal products. For Western strict vegans, some dishes may look surprisingly like real meat.

3. Tips for Vegetarian Travelers in China

3.1 Communicate Your Preferences Clearly

• Tell staff: “I am a strict vegan. I don’t eat eggs, dairy, or honey. I prefer natural vegetables and non-meat-mimicking dishes.”
• Ask about ingredients: “Is this dish fully vegan? Does it imitate meat?”
• Request simple custom dishes if needed, such as vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, or plain rice.

3.2 Choose Non-Meat-Mimicking Dishes

• Safe options: vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, or seaweed dishes. Examples: stir-fried broccoli, “Three Delights” (eggplant, potato, and bell pepper), braised tofu, or cucumber salad.

3.3 Avoid Complicated Imitation Meat Dishes

• Vegetarian chicken or ribs often use complex sauces—check for hidden animal products like oyster sauce or dairy.

3.4 Research Restaurants in Advance

• Use apps like Dianping or WeChat to check menus for “fully vegan” or “non-imitation meat” options.
• Modern vegetarian restaurants in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu focus on natural ingredients and often have fewer meat-mimicking dishes.
• Temple restaurants serve simple vegetarian dishes but may include the “Five Pungent Spices.”

4. Summary

Western strict vegans visiting China should familiarize themselves with the concept of meat-mimicking vegetarian dishes. Clear communication, choosing natural vegetable-based dishes, researching menus in advance, and carrying snacks can help you enjoy China’s diverse vegetarian cuisine without surprises.