Yes, Chinese cuisine is very vegan-friendly due to its plant-forward nature, abundance of vegetables, use of tofu, and lack of dairy, with many naturally vegan dishes like stir-fries, rice, and dumplings, though vigilance is needed for hidden animal products like pork fat (lard), fish/oyster sauce, or meat broth in some dishes, especially outside major cities. Vegan restaurants are common, especially in larger cities, and asking for vegetable oil (植物油 - zhíwùyóu) is key.
Vegetarianism and veganism are growing trends in China.
Almost every Chinese restaurant has tofu, a versatile vegan staple, which can replace meat in pretty much any dish—making any menu item a potentially vegan one. Even if you're not a big fan of the soy stuff, fear not, because there are tons of other options for you to order. Check out our Chinese food guide below!
Common vegan dishes in China
Some estimates have suggested that 4-5% of China's population identifies as vegetarian or vegan. With a population of over 1.4 billion, this translates to anywhere from 56 to 70 million people.
Miley Cyrus stopped being strictly vegan because she experienced health issues, feeling malnourished and that her brain wasn't functioning properly after six years on the diet, leading her to reintroduce fish and omegas for better brain function, though she still values animal welfare. She noted feeling "much sharper" and healthier after adding animal products like fish back into her diet, which was a difficult transition emotionally, but a necessary one for her body.
The 30-30-30 diet for vegans involves eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio (like walking), aiming for fat loss and better metabolism by boosting protein intake and steady exercise early in the day. To make it vegan, focus on soy products (tofu, soy milk), legumes (lentils), nuts, seeds, protein powder, and whole grains for that crucial 30g protein breakfast, pairing it with fruits and healthy fats, and then doing your walk or gentle bike ride after.
Mexico. Hearty, flavourful and satisfying, Mexican food is always a winner. With an emphasis on fresh, exotic vegetables, tomatoes and avocados, Mexican cooking is incredibly easy to adapt to a vegan diet. Beans, corn and rice are staple components and meat fillings can often be replaced with vegan alternatives.
The healthiest Chinese food options focus on steamed or stir-fried dishes with lean proteins (chicken, shrimp, tofu) and lots of vegetables, like Beef and Broccoli, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Buddha's Delight, or Steamed Dumplings. Key tips include choosing brown rice, asking for sauces on the side or light, avoiding deep-fried items, and prioritizing broths and fresh vegetables for nutrient-dense meals.
Don't miss the Chow Mein. These stir-fried wheat noodles are blended with cabbage, celery, and onions for the perfect dish. Whether you're ordering it as a side or making it the main meal, you really can't go wrong. We are obsessed with this vegan-friendly choice.
Below are our picks for the most vegan-friendly destinations:
However "素sù" is often used interchangeably to mean both vegan and vegetarian in Chinese. Are there words that are more precise? Technically yes... 1️⃣纯素 chún sù OR 全素 quán sù are generally understood to mean no animal ingredients (including gelatin, dairy, eggs, honey...)
Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
Season 3 Euphoria teasers are finally here—and they reminded us of one iconic Zendaya fact: she's been vegetarian since age 11, after passing a slaughterhouse on a road trip. She's even admitted, “I'm a vegetarian who doesn't like vegetables too much.” Honestly? Same.
India. Three of India's major religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism — teach the practice of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all beings. Because of this religious tradition, India has the highest percentage of vegetarians out of all the countries in the world.
Pork is the most consumed meat in China. In 2023, the average Chinese consumer ate approximately 28 kg of pork annually, more than five times the per capita consumption of beef. To meet this strong domestic demand, China raises hundreds of millions of pigs, boasting the world's largest hog herd.
Worst: General Tso's Chicken
One order clocks in at around 1,500 calories and 88 grams of fat, and it delivers more sodium than you should get in a day. Other fried dishes to watch out for: sesame, orange, and sweet and sour chicken.
For the healthiest Chinese takeout, choose steamed or stir-fried dishes with lean protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) and lots of vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas, opting for light sauces or sauce on the side to control sodium and sugar. Popular healthy choices include Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chicken/Shrimp with Broccoli, Steamed Dumplings, Lettuce Wraps, Buddha's Delight, and broth-based soups like Egg Drop or Wonton Soup, while avoiding deep-fried items and heavy, sweet sauces.
Fried rice can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. Traditional fried rice often contains a high amount of oil, sodium, and calories, which can be unhealthy if consumed frequently or in large portions.
No, but apparently she does occasionally support some animal causes and will occasionally eat vegetarian foods (who doesn't?), and has offered vegan options at the concert concessions where she performs. She is definitely not a vegan, but seems to be open minded. As she gets older and starts to get…
The 80/20 Rule for Vegans
This flexible approach suggests aiming to eat vegan 80% of the time while allowing yourself some flexibility the remaining 20%. This can be particularly helpful when you're just starting out or in social situations where vegan options might be limited.
"I've found a counterculture way of living, of embracing red meat and organs — natural food just like our millennia of ancestors would have eaten for hundreds of thousands of years," he said. "I've tried to listen to my body more, tried to listen to nature, and I don't miss vegetables at all.
Some of the ways she's lost weight include walking, eating more protein, and medication to help with how her body processes food. Clarkson started some of these changes to her diet and exercise routines when she moved to New York City, where she hosts "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
Well – most people are more astute than I was at that age but interestingly it is estimated that a staggering 84% of people who try a vegan or vegetarian diet go back to eating meat. Perhaps you have had this experience yourself?