A healthy diet is a balanced one, where you can fuel your body with the necessary nutrients and energy sources it needs to prosper and thrive. Many shy away from the thought of healthy eating, envisioning limp salads, bland chicken and overall under-seasoned dishes with incredibly low calorie counts. One of the most important elements about a healthy diet is ensuring it is tailored to your specific needs, while making conscious, small changes towards a healthier lifestyle – healthier eating doesn’t happen overnight!
We invited Heidi Lee, a member of the Hong Kong Cantopop girl group Super Girls, to experience a variety of up and coming health-conscious and primarily plant-based restaurants. Heidi, who is by no means a vegetarian, discovered the magic of Hong Kong’s vegetarian scene with Vogue Hong Kong: “While I occasionally go to vegetarian cafés with friends to try vegetarian food, I was particularly surprised and impressed with Avobar. As an avocado lover myself, I found not only was the decor beautiful and the dishes visually stunning, but the food was unexpectedly delicious as well!”
This food adventure has given Heidi a fresh perspective on vegetarianism and a healthier way of eating. “I had always thought that vegetarian food was mostly old-fashioned recipes made from noodles. Now, I’ve come to learn that eating vegetarian food is not only healthy, but there are a plethora of delightful and trendy vegetarian dishes to choose from. I look forward to exploring more vegetarian food in the future!”
Below, we’ve rounded up ten restaurants that bring an energetic spin on health-conscious cuisine, with satiating dishes that surprise, delight and satisfy.
Avobar
Originally established in London, Avobar brings a fresh new perspective on healthy eating with all things avocado. The superfood is seen across every single dish, and, as one of the most nutrient-dense ingredients in the world, packs a powerful yet delicious punch. From avo-lattes, smoothies and cocktails to burgers with plump, avocado buns, Avobar caters to an avocado lover’s every whim and fancy, while their convenient Grab & Go corner is perfect to nab a bite in a jiffy. Dish highlights include a nutritious sweet potato and red lentil patty sandwiched between two perfectly cut half avocados, while alternative renditions of the avo-burger include the luxurious Avo Bun Lobster with succulent lobster chunks, tangy mango, passion fruit and tabasco mayo, and the Avo Bun Beef, a special Hong Kong edition with pulled beef, tomato salsa & salsa verde.
K11 MUESA, B201, Unit 4, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; avobar.hk
Ma…and The Seeds of Life
Chef Tina Barrett brings French fine dining with a vegan twist to SoHo, creating delicious yet healthful dishes. One of Tina’s signature dishes, the Grilled King Oyster Scallops is an exemplary dish that is flavourful and refined yet bursting with nutrients. The king oyster mushrooms act as scallops, and are high in protein and rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Meanwhile, the red bell pepper purée, cauliflower polenta and red cabbage provide a myriad of vitamins, working together with the confit garlic to give a boost to the immune system. The upscale eatery also offers a selection of raw vegan dishes, including “Cheese”cakes, carrot hummus, white chiaviar and sun-dried tomatoes.
H18 Conet, Shop 11, 1/F, 23 Graham Street, Central; marestaurant.com.hk
404 Plant
404 Plant is a chic and trendy cafe tucked away in Sheung Wan, recognisable from its distinct, cobalt blue branding and highly instagrammable decor. The entire menu is 100% plant based, serving everything from housemade milkshakes and ice creams to sweet and savoury bagels, salads and more. A sustainable diet is a balanced one, and 404 plant perfectly encapsulates this mentality of conscious, playful eating, where guests can appreciate and enjoy more healthful, plant-based renditions of their favourite café and diner classics.
G/F, 109 Jervois St, Sheung Wan; 404plant.hk
Grain of Salt
Opened in January of this year, Grain of Salt is Hong Kong’s very first dietician owned cafe, where bright, healthy dishes meet scientific-backed expertise. Founded by Tiffany Shek, the establishment serves a myriad of breakfast favourites including avocado toast, “Green Eggs No Ham” a chia seed pudding and the “Soup-er” veggie dumplings. Each dish has been tweaked and revived with Tiffany’s expertise in nutrition, for dishes bursting with vitamins, healthy fats and of course, delicious flavour. Guests can even scan a QR code at the bottom of the menu to review the macronutrients and calories of each dish. The Soup-er Dumplings are high in soluble fibre and isoflavones and stuffed with shiitake mushrooms and tofu then served in a wholesome, nourishing broth, while the chia seed pudding is packed with omega-3s and healthy fats alongside a potent dose of micronutrients.
47 Gough St, Sheung Wan; grainofsalt.co
LockCha Tea House
Dim sum is a Hong Kong staple, a unique dining experience that is culturally infused in the city’s eating scene. Overlooking the courtyard in Tai Kwun, Lock Cha Tea House is a traditional, Canton-style establishment that offers dim sum with a clean, vegetarian spin. From fried “prawn” rolls and siu mai to spring rolls, each toothsome dish is made with vegetarian-friendly meat alternatives. If the name was not an obvious giveaway, the tea is also unmissable – LockCha Tea House works closely with carefully sourced tea farmers to ensure uncompromising quality. Sustainability is kept in mind at every step of the process, from the farming techniques to packaging, for exquisite, authentic Chinese tea.
Shop 01-G07, Block 1, Taikwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central; lockcha.com
Mother Pearl
The brainchild of Po Yee Chen, Mother Pearl offers nutritious and plant-based alternatives to every Hongkonger’s favourite drink: boba. Calling upon insight from plant-based trailblazer Peggy Chan, the brand is the first and only bubble tea establishment to make all of its ingredients from scratch, including a range of superfood-infused pearls using acai, turmeric and moringa, while Lakanto monk fruit acts as a guilt-free sweetener for the drinks. A condensed menu of vegan snacks and baked goods are also on offer if you’re feeling peckish for something more substantial, including smoked pepper “cheese” scones and fibre-rich almond crackers flavoured with herbs and nutritional yeast.
Treehouse
With a motto that “who you are is what you eat”, Treehouse gently reminds consumers of the importance of their choices through satiating yet nutritious food in a thoughtful, intentional setting. Rooted in healthy, wholesome ingredients and chef-driven dishes, Treehouse also hones in on sustainability with mindful, ethical design and eco-friendly packaging. The clean, warm eatery offers an array of vegan and gluten-free options, with dishes inspired by personal travels including the Banyan flatbread inspired by Tel Aviv and a vegan ramen dish that pays tribute to the flavours of Japan. Healthy juices and detox drinks are also on offer, while the nature of each dish ensures speedy, efficient preparation and serving time for a healthy dish to grab on the go.
H Code, Shop 1, G/F, 45 Pottinger St, Central; treehouse.eco
Tea Academïcs Central
The Tea Academïcs is the plant-based rendition of its older sister, Coffee Academics. Novel, specialty teas are just as much of a prime focus as the plant-based cuisine on offer: the café’s signature, tea-based lattes are made with a plant-based milk of your choosing, while vibrant dishes including neon pink pancakes have been infused with superfoods such as beetroot, while adding coconut for some healthy fats. Meanwhile, the vegan basque cheesecake and freshly baked pastries offer a satisfying craving for any sweet tooth.
Vego Coffee
Vego Coffee is known for their stunning spreads of vegan baked goods including artfully decorated cakes made of figs, durian, mangos and more, alongside an array of standard baked treats such as banana bread and chocolate brownie. Sweet treats aside, the 100% plant-based eatery also dishes up everything from sandwiches and burritos to plant-based cheesy pizzas: notable dishes include the “crabmeat” avacado and yuzu burrito and the black truffle pate, portobello and cheese Impossible burger, for a slightly more healthful and conscious ways of satiating your indulgent food cravings.
Shop 7B, G/F, Garden Mansion, 154-156 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; @vegocoffee
Youni
Youni offers both meal plans and freshly made dishes at their locations, which are perfect for a post-workout meal, or a nourishing and balanced midday pick-me-up. A team of nutritionists at the brand develop the seasonal menu, while customised nutritional meal plans can also be tailored to an individual’s specific goals and needs. Whether you are looking to lean up, build muscle or simply are on the route to a healthier lifestyle, there are a plethora of options for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike.
UG/F, V Heun Building, 138 Queen’s Road Central, Central; youni.com.hk
While travel still poses its difficulties, take the time to slow down and rediscover Hong Kong through a fresh new lens. Uncover a vast array of hidden gems and unexpected new culinary finds with something new at every corner, conveniently compiled for you at holidayhk.com.
Art Direction: Kat Yeung
Photography: Issac Lam
Starring: Heidi Lee
Producer: Carina Fischer & Katherine Ho
Makeup Artist: Melody
Hair Stylist: Terrence
Fashion Assistant: Foxla Chiu
In partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board
Editor
Carina Fischer
