Whether it’s for reasons of health, religion or environmentalism, veganism is becoming an increasingly popular way of life. It’s a diet generally considered to be higher in fibre and lower in cholesterol, protein, calcium and salt than a carnivorous one, with studies showing that it reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.  And Hong Kong’s vegan restaurant scene is quickly catching up in terms of the breadth of options on offer. From indulgent vegan comfort food to farm-to-table salads and nutritional lunches, here we highlight some of the city’s most exciting vegan and vegetarian eateries.

Treehouse

Everything at Treehouse is made in house, from its 24-hour fermented whole wheat sourdough, flavoured in a blend of either Green (coriander and oregano) or Red (paprika, cayenne and cumin) spices, to the Israel-inspired salads and sauces. The menu is plant-based aside from just two optional ingredients — egg and halloumi. Influenced by the founder Christian Mongendre’s travels, there’s vegan ramen from Japan and detox juices that use Thai flavours, plus the chance to build-your-own flatbread with more than 10 sauces, and 33 different toppings. 

Treehouse, Shop 1, Ground Floor, Ezra’s Lane, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; BaseHall, Jardine House, Central;  @treehouse.eco

Veggie Kingdom

 

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Tucked away in an unassuming commercial building amidst the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district, Veggie Kingdom is a true hidden gem in the world of vegetarian dining. The restaurant reinterprets traditional dishes for a creative plant-based take on Chinese cuisine. What appears to be deep fried “oysters” are constructed out of bean curd sheets and black truffle sauce, while Monkey Head mushrooms replace meat in Veggie Kingdom’s rendition of the all time favourite sweet and sour pork. The restaurant beautifully demonstrates the infinite possibilities of plant-based cooking — all you need is a little bit of creativity. 

7/F, VIP Commercial Centre 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; veggie kingdom.hk

Moxie

Moxie is at the forefront of Hong Kong’s conscious dining scene. Helmed by chef Michael Smith, Moxie harnesses the power of the plant for a veggie-centric menu that prioritises mindful eating through the use of fresh, locally and sustainably- sourced ingredients. With a team that is constantly experimenting, menus are seasonal and constantly changing. Baked fresh in house, their selection of pastries are switched up on a daily basis too. In an effort to further push the boundaries of their future-forward approach to food, Moxie is now making it their mission to go completely dairy-free.

Shop 203, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central; moxiehk.net

Miss Lee

Miss Lee dishes up modern Chinese vegetarian cuisine, with a healthy proportion of the menu catering to vegans. Vegetables are at the forefront of every meal, prepared with traditional techniques inspired by the flavours, smells and textures of Chinese cooking. From Fire Balls that are a vegan version of sweet and sour pork, made using oyster mushrooms, pineapple and sweet plum sauce, to noodles drenched in a vegan sesame sauce, there’s plenty to enjoy. Plus, the immaculate Wes Anderson-inspired decor by interior designer JJ Acuna that is a take on the traditional dumpling or noodle shop with retro furnishings – tasseled lamps, a mustard blanchette and marble floors that are both nostalgic and current. Miss Lee has also recently announced some exciting news! Furthering their commitment to vegetarian dining, their latest concept, a vegetal-focused French restaurant called Feuille, is launching in May. 

G/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central; 2881 1811; misslee.hk

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