Chinese vegans eat a wide variety of plant-based dishes, focusing on staples like tofu, vegetables (stir-fried, steamed, pickled), rice, and noodles, with many traditional foods naturally vegan or easily adapted by asking for vegetable oil instead of lard and swapping meat for tofu, seitan, or mushrooms, found in both everyday meals and dedicated Buddhist cuisine. Popular options include veggie dumplings, congee, scallion pancakes, eggplant dishes, and hot pot.
Common vegan dishes in China
Vegetarianism and veganism are growing trends in China.
Tofu Vegan
Chinese classics on its extensive menu include wonton soup, Cantonese sweet and sour “chicken”, dim sum, and Peking “duck”.
However, vegetarian diets allow you to eat processed and refined foods, fast foods, and even salty snack foods. This means foods made with white flour or refined sugar are allowed, including white rice or bread, sugary beverages, and even snack foods like cookies and potato chips.
Rice is high in carbohydrates, yet an intriguing phenomenon is how many Chinese people stay slim despite regularly consuming it. The secret lies in a combination of key factors. Portion control is practiced diligently, ensuring that rice consumption is moderated.
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.
Try the following options:
If you're looking for finger lickin' flavour without the chicken, you're in the right place. Coated in our famous 11 herbs and spices, our Original Recipe Vegan Burger will definitely satisfy your plant-based cravings.
10 Primarily Vegan Cultures/Cuisines
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.
Below are our picks for the most vegan-friendly destinations:
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.
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.
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...)
Find more of Good Food's most popular recipes in our most popular vegetarian recipes, popular budget family meals and popular 30-minute meals.
Are KFC chips vegan? In the UK, KFC's fries are cooked in the same oil as the Popcorn Chicken. As such, many do not consider the chain's chips to be vegan-friendly.
McPlant® A vegan burger made with a juicy plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat® featuring vegan sandwich sauce, ketchup, mustard, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a vegan alternative to cheese in a sesame seed bun. Vegan certified.
Veggie burgers aren't universally healthy; some offer good protein, fiber, vitamins (B12, iron) but can be highly processed, high in sodium, saturated fat (from coconut/palm oil), and calories, similar to beef, while others made from whole beans/grains are better choices, so check labels for whole ingredients, fiber, and lower sodium/saturated fat to ensure they align with your health goals.
Top 19 Chinese Vegan Recipes
The chef has discussed some of his favorite vegan recipes
“Did you know that Gordon Ramsay actually loves vegan food?” Steiner said. Ramsay replied: “I absolutely do.” Lucky Cat, said Ramsay, has three plant-based “staples.” They are vegetable maki rolls, tom kha noodles, and miso glazed gochujang aubergine.
Noodles and Rice
American actor. Over the years, Johnny Depp went through several periods when he ate vegan for various reasons – for his health, in preparation for acting roles or perhaps at the request of his (now ex-) girlfriend.
Miley Cyrus has publicly shared she lives with Reinke's edema, a vocal cord disorder causing swelling, hoarseness, and a deeper, raspy voice, which she embraces as part of her unique sound but makes touring difficult. While she's mentioned this and past health struggles like ovarian cysts, rumors of severe diagnoses (like cancer) circulating online (e.g., in posts from late 2025) are unverified and likely false, as recent reports focus on her vocal condition.
I was healthier than I've ever been, and I loved being vegan.” Ellen goes on to share that she still eats primarily plant-based, only occasionally consuming fish and eggs. Even as a non-vegan, Ellen continues to advocate for the public to reduce their consumption of animal products.