Vegetarian in Taipei

One of the many reasons I like Taipei is that it is very vegetarian friendly. In fact, apart from India, it is the most vegetarian friendly country I've visited.

There is almost always vegetarian food somewhere round the corner. Even if you can't find vegetarian restaurant, you can find frequently find vegetarian options available on their menu.

The important thing is to recognize the Chinese word for vegetarian (素). This is different from many other countries which denotes vegetarian food with the another word (斋). This may be a bit difficult for non-Chinese speaking visitors. But if you try to recognize this word, you will find that vegetarian food is really quite readily available.

I found that increasingly, instead of labelling as "vegetarian" (素), some restaurants have labelled themselves a "vegetable crusine" (蔬食). I suspect the main difference is use of garlic and onion which is avoid in religious vegetarian food.

Just a word of caution, some non-vegetarian restaurants serve "花素" dishes, such as "花素饺" (literally "flower vegetarian", but it means mixed vegetarian). These are not pure vegetarian. This means that the ingredients are mainly vegetables, but it is likely to contain some non-vegetarian ingredients like dried shrimps.

Here's some of the food I've tried in my most recent Taipei trip in March.

So Free Pizza 柴燒窯烤比薩&起士

Great thin crust pizzas you won't find in Singapore:
http://laink.blogspot.sg/2013/04/vegetarian-in-taipei-so-free-pizza.html


Addiction Hazard 小心上瘾

Vegetarian mala hot pot
http://laink.blogspot.sg/2013/04/vegetarian-in-taipei-mala-hotpot.html


MOS burgers

They have a delicious vegetarian mushroom rice burger
http://laink.blogspot.sg/2013/04/vegetarian-in-taipei-mos-burger.html


Korean hotpot

If you like Korean food, vegetarian tofu pot is available in this Korean restaurant.
http://laink.blogspot.sg/2013/04/vegetarian-in-taipei-korean-tofu-pot.html


Vegetarian Sushi

I picked this up at a food court inside the underground mall in Taipei Main Station. A selection of sushi only for NT100. Good for day trips!


Fried buns

Looking for a breakfast join in Ximending, I came across this shop that was selling fried buns. One of the buns is a vegetarian cabbage bun. I bought one to try with a cup of soya milk. It wasn't as good as the vegetarian buns I get from Shilin night market or the stall near Long Shan temple though. This stall also sell various mixed grains gruel which should be vegetarian.

Ximending Vegetarian Cold Noodles 

There is a vegetarian stall in the Ximending area. It serves mainly simple noodles. It is run by an elderly couple. Available early morning for breakfast till late night for dinner.

One bowl of wanton soup, stewed tofu and Zhajiang Noodles. Simple hearty breakfast.

Vegetarian snacks at Jiufen

I never like stinky tofu until I tried them in Taiwan. Taiwanese just know how to make it well. This is the BBQ stinky tofu stall at Jiufen which I always try.

Grilled King Oyster mushroom. I ordered the deep fried version however.

Vegetarian meat ball pie.