Any vegetarian food?

Question

Hi,

It's our first night here in Beijing, Wangfujing and my mum has struggled for vegetarian food.

She's pretty easy going but she is struggling out here. Is it asking a lot to have a vegetable stir fry with noodles? I've used Google translate and asked the hotel staff for vegetables such as onions, Mushrooms, peppers and they said they don't do it. Is that really the case?

Any nearby restaurants or fast food places anyone can recommend?

Even mc Donald's don't do a vege burger or the things I'm used to back in london such as mozzarella dippers for example.

I'd really appreciate any advice.

Answer

Finding vegetarian food in Beijing, especially around Wangfujing, can be a little challenging if you are looking for Western-style options. Traditional Chinese cuisine often includes meat or fish stock in many dishes, even in vegetable stir-fries, so it’s not unusual that some hotel restaurants may not offer purely vegetarian dishes.

However, vegetarian food is available if you know where to look. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are a reliable option, as they specialize in plant-based dishes and avoid meat, seafood, and sometimes eggs and dairy. Additionally, some Chinese-style restaurants can prepare simple vegetable stir-fries with noodles or rice if requested carefully.

Nearby options and tips:

Buddhist Vegetarian Restaurants: Look for “素食” (sùshí, meaning vegetarian) on signs or menus. Popular options in central Beijing include “Loving Hut” or “Su Xing.”
Local Chinese Restaurants: Ask for “清炒时蔬” (qīng chǎo shí sù) which means “stir-fried seasonal vegetables.” Pair it with plain noodles or rice for a simple vegetarian meal.
International Chains: Some global chains like KFC, Starbucks, or Pizza Hut in Beijing may offer vegetarian options like salads, veggie pizza, or tofu-based items, but these are limited compared to what you might find in London.
Fast Casual / Cafés: Around Wangfujing, there are cafés that may serve pasta, salads, or sandwiches. Apps like DiDi Food or Ele.me can help you find vegetarian-friendly restaurants nearby and order for delivery if needed.
Supermarkets / Convenience Stores: You can find fresh fruits, pre-packed salads, tofu, and instant noodles that can be a simple backup option.

Additional advice:

Use Google Translate to show staff the Chinese characters for vegetarian, vegan, or stir-fried vegetables to avoid confusion.
Be aware that some sauces (like oyster sauce) are not vegetarian, so specify “不要肉汁” (bù yào ròu zhī, no meat sauce) if needed.
If your mum prefers Western-style vegetarian dishes, you might need to try international restaurants or cafés in shopping malls around Wangfujing or the nearby Dongcheng area.

In summary, it’s not impossible to find vegetarian food in Beijing, but it may require visiting a specialized vegetarian restaurant, using translation carefully, or exploring cafés and international chains rather than relying solely on hotel restaurants.

Any vegetarian food?

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