VIET FOOD
Fresh herbs, delicate rice noodles & aromatic broths take centre stage at Viet Food, where Vietnamese cooking offers a lighter approach to meat-free dining.
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN DINING GUIDE
From silky tofu and fiery Sichuan noodles to vegetable-packed dumplings, fragrant curries and comforting bowls of ramen, Chinatown London is full of delicious discoveries for vegetarians and vegans.
Across East and Southeast Asia, plant-based ingredients have long played an important role in traditional cooking. Think crispy tofu, earthy mushrooms, delicate rice noodles, fresh herbs and vegetables transformed by aromatic spices, rich sauces and centuries-old culinary techniques.
In Chinatown London, that culinary heritage meets a new generation of contemporary dining concepts, with restaurants exploring inventive meat-free dishes alongside traditional favourites. Whether you're fully plant-based, cutting back on meat or simply looking to try something different, there's plenty to discover.
Forget the side salad. Here's your guide to exploring the vegetarian and vegan side of Chinatown London.
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS
C&R CAFE
Expect aromatic spices, fragrant rice dishes & the distinctive sweet, sour & spicy combinations that define Malaysian cuisine. Choose from tofu, pickled vegetables and achar awak.
PLUM VALLEY
For a contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine, Plum Valley proves that meat-free dining doesn't mean compromising on flavour. From delicate vegetarian dumplings to inventive mock-meat dishes.
VEGAN GELATO
The meat-free discoveries don't have to end with the main course. Chinatown's bakeries and dessert specialists offer a range of Asian-inspired sweet treats, from chewy mochi and traditional sesame balls to refreshing fruit teas and sorbets.
At Bubblewrap, vegan gelato has previously featured among the dessert options, while tea specialists throughout the neighbourhood offer fruit-based drinks that can often be prepared without dairy.
PLANT-BASED DISHES WORTH DISCOVERING
SICHUAN-STYLE AUBERGINE
Tender aubergine coated in a rich, aromatic sauce with garlic, chilli and savoury seasonings. Check for meat-based sauces or stock.
VEGETABLE DUMPLINGS
Delicate wrappers filled with combinations of mushrooms, cabbage, chives and tofu. A meat-free dim sum favourite, served steamed or pan-fried.
MAPO TOFU
Silky tofu in a fiery Sichuan sauce with chilli oil and mouth-numbing peppercorns. Look for vegetarian versions of this classic, as traditional recipes often contain minced meat.
WOK-FRIED GREENS & MUSHROOMS
From garlic pak choi to shiitake mushrooms, simple ingredients are transformed by high-heat wok cooking and aromatic sauces.
A NOTE ON VEGAN DINING
Not every vegetable dish is automatically vegan. Some traditional Asian recipes contain oyster sauce, fish sauce, shrimp paste, egg or meat-based stocks, even when vegetables are the main ingredient. Ask restaurants about their ingredients and preparation methods, particularly if you follow a strict vegan diet.
