The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Taiwan

The tropical climate in Kaohsiung makes one yearn for nothing but dishes that are light and delicate. As a Kaohsiung native, the chef at Xiantaosu returned to his hometown and started this restaurant after spending years honing his skills in a vegetarian restaurant in Taipei. Three set meals with different price tiers are available, and dishes are artfully prepared with techniques such as fermentation, roasting, braising, and torching to showcase the best of the plant-based ingredients. The menu changes seasonally. The setting of the restaurant may exude simplicity, but the exquisite plating of the dishes compensates for it. It is recommended to opt for an upper tier set meal. (hero image:©張世璋/Xian Tao Su)

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Nestled in an alley, this restaurant divides its space with stone walls and red bricks, with wooden furniture adding to the charm and creating a cosy vibe. The handmade ceramic containers on display reflect the owner’s philosophy that no detail is too small. The menu features 100% vegetarian dishes that are prepared with whole foods, and the chef takes care to avoid unnecessary cooking and seasoning, promoting wholesome eating. Highlight dishes include the golden pan-fried dumplings with delectable skirts that are made à la minute.

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Situated just a stone’s throw from the Shandao Temple metro station, this space is decorated with Buddhist mural art collected from around the world, emanating a serene ambience as the restaurant’s name promises. Featuring Sichuan cooking style predominantly, all vegetarian dishes use no spring onion and garlic, and are served in sizes that encourage sharing. A popular lunch spot for office workers in the neighbourhood.

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If a relaxed and unhurried experience is what you are looking for, make Yangming Spring(Shilin) on Yangmingshan your next dining destination. Best enjoyed on a weekend with your family, set aside time to stroll along the gravel paths adorned with pine bonsai and give yourself a refined and zen-filled moment. The set meals, change daily according to the seasonality of ingredients, combine Western and Japanese cooking styles. The signature lion's mane steak is tender and springy. As it requires extensive preparation, it is suggested to check its availability when making a reservation.

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For health-conscious carnivores who want to tickle their taste buds by occasionally trying something new and planning to include a vegetarian meal in their weekly diet, Little Tree Food (Da'an Road) will be a perfect spot for them. The cuisine here fuses an American cooking style with Asian flavours. Cooked with the inclusion of eggs, dairy, and five pungent vegetables, the dishes are innovative and full of creative twists, enticing customers with a colourful presentation and multi-layered textures. Set meals for one person are available, allowing solo diners to enjoy a variety of dishes even when dining on their own.

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