Vegetarian Shanghai: A Plant-Based Food Guide

Shanghai has a rich Buddhist vegetarian tradition. From temple restaurants to modern plant-based dining, here is where to eat.

Shanghai’s vegetarian scene is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, rooted in centuries of Buddhist culinary tradition. Temple restaurants and modern plant-based dining coexist beautifully.

Temple Restaurant Tradition

Temple restaurants like Gong De Lin serve elaborate meat-free versions of classic Shanghainese dishes, using tofu, mushrooms, and gluten to recreate textures with remarkable fidelity.

Modern Michelin-Starred Options

Restaurants like Fu He Hui are earning Michelin stars for innovative plant-based tasting menus that push the boundaries of vegetarian cuisine.