Chinese food is associated with meat and seafood. While that is true, you may be surprised to know that there are many Chinese dishes which are vegetarian-friendly. These dishes are just as delicious as any meat dish. A point here to be noted is that we are talking about vegetarian Chinese food here and not vegan food. Yes, there is a whole lot of difference between the two terms.
However, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when ordering Chinese food from a takeaway near you, such as avoiding any animal or fish sauce in food preparation. Or, is there any egg being used in any kind of dough or dish? Is your veg food being fried in the same oil as non-veg food?
Being a vegetarian, you may have to explain to the restaurants about your wants and needs. Once you master that, you could order takeaway or eat in almost any restaurant which will save you time researching vegetarian-friendly restaurants near you.
Let’s see what food items you can order from a Chinese takeaway as a vegetarian.
Veg Fried Rice
This classic Chinese dish is made with a mix of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, along with rice, and is a great option for vegetarians. It’s a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.
Veg Chow Mein
This dish is made with a mix of stir-fried vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, along with noodles. Perfect for vegetarians, this dish is both flavoursome and appetising.
Vegetable Stir Fry
A mix of fresh vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and bok choy stir-fried with garlic and ginger, and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other Chinese spices. It’s a healthy and delicious option that can be customised to your liking.
Steamed Veg Dumplings
Steamed or fried dumplings are filled with a mix of vegetables and spices, making them a tasty and satisfying option for vegetarians. Chinese dumplings can be enjoyed as an appetiser or as a main course.
Veg Spring Rolls
These deep-fried rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables or any vegetarian filling you like, and are a great option for vegetarians looking for a crunchy and hearty snack to pamper their taste buds.
Tofu and Vegetable dishes
Tofu is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways such as Stir-fry, braised, or in a spicy sauce. It’s a great source of protein. You can order dishes like Szechuan tofu, mapo tofu or kung pao tofu to satiate your taste buds with a hearty veg meal.
Chinese Vegetable Soup
Chinese vegetable soup is a light, flavorful, and healthy option that can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course. It’s usually made with a mix of vegetables, tofu, and Chinese herbs.
These are some popular vegetarian Chinese food options to order. However, many restaurants also serve customised dishes as per your instructions. Just check in with the chef or the takeaway owner when you are explaining your order. For e.g. instead of kung pao chicken, you can replace chicken with tofu and order kung pao tofu as a vegetarian.
When ordering from a Chinese takeaway, it’s always best to check with the restaurant to ensure that the dishes you’re ordering are truly vegetarian. Many Chinese restaurants also offer vegan options, so it’s worth inquiring about those as well. With so many delicious and satisfying vegetarian options available, Chinese cuisine is a great choice for vegetarians looking for a tasty and healthy meal.
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