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Never thought we would say this, but it’s getting hard to keep up with Hong Kong’s vegan scene- there is just so much going on! From groundbreaking fine dining to the largest Western cuisine fast-casual vegetarian restaurant, it’s never been easier to be/go plant-based.
In our bi-monthly column about all things plant-based dining in Hong Kong, we highlight the best in new menus, openings and more for all you hungry herbivores. Omnis get roundups everywhere else so it’s only fair for veggies to get a regular dedicated update of their own. Enjoy!
Chef Peggy Chan Launches Nectar Integrative Dining
Hong Kong foodies have been waiting with bated breath for Chan’s metamorphosis and it’s finally here. Chan’s new plant-based fine dining experience Nectar opened its door July 25th and it’s sure to continue her legacy of pushing the city’s vegetarian dining boundaries. Book in for a wellness lunch on weekdays, brunch on weekends, or their 5, 8 or 12 course plant-based tasting menu – book here and stay tuned for our full review.
Nectar: 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.
Wan Chai Welcomes MANA! Star Street
Plant-based pioneer and slow fast food purveyor MANA! has expanded in a big way with the soft-opening of their 1,600 sq.ft. flagship third location MANA! Star Street. The space features 70 seats, a new V Coffee Bar, a retail area and showcases their entire menu including options for BYO Salad, BYO Flats and BYO Burgers. Still to come: an organic booze bar and a calendar packed with community events. Stay tuned!
MANA! Star Street: 8-10 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty.
Esca Offers Premium Vegetarian Lunch Delivery & Takeaway
The team behind 3/3rds is back with Esca, a new concept that revolves around perfecting the gourmet vegetarian salad takeaway. Quality ingredients and a made-fresh ethos are key differentiators, as well as a distinctly Ottolenghi-esque style- think chargrilled broccoli, beetroot hummus and potatoes with tomayo. Order online or via Whatsapp and they will have it ready to pick up at lunchtime.
Esca: Unit 19A, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang.
Nuttea Opens in Tai Koo Place
Taiwanese Vegan Bubble tea chain Nuttea is expanding with its second location, just off Tai Koo place, giving those of us on the island a more convenient spot to check out their nut mylk teas, nut cream teas, fruit teas and nut crepes – full menu here.
Nuttea: Shop2, G/F, 36 Hoi Kwong Street, Quarry Bay.
Pizza Express Increases Vegan Menu Availability
You can now enjoy Pizza Express‘ vegan menu, including three different pizzas topped with vegan cheese (our fave is the Trifolata), the Omnipork Penne Aglio Olio and the Mango Salsa salad, at five of their locations, specifically: Sai Ying Pun, Wan Chai (Lee Tung Avenue) & TST (Miramar), Wong Chuk Hang (One Island South) and Yuen Long (YoHo).
Big Dill Vegan Block Party Comes To Town
Hong Kong’s first ever Vegan Block Party, organised by Big Dill and Mayse Bakery (yes, of THOSE vegan pizzas), is taking place Sat August 3rd from 7-11PM at Tuckshop in Sai Ying Pun. The evening is dedicated to celebrating all things junk food so you can look forward to fried chicken, meatball subs pizza and churros- all made from plants of course. Tickets are HK$ 80 and include free flow beer & wine spritz, food is additional (HK$ 50 per dish) – get yours HERE. (This post has been updated to reflect correct event pricing).
Tuckshop by Social Club: Shop 4-7, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun
Veda’s High Chai For Tea Time
Veda, the Indian cuisine-inspired vegetarian restaurant within Ovolo Central is now offering a fully vegetarian (and vegan-friendly upon request) afternoon tea set with savoury and sweet bites, organic teas, coffee, fresh-pressed juices and sparkling wine. We took it for a taste drive and loved it, particularly the Mini Avocado Toast that comes in our Green Queen color palette.
Veda: 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central.
Other Exciting News:
Bite Society: The zero-profit vegan chocolate startup has officially launched in the +852, find it at Green Common stores across town – find out more about the company’s activist transparency mission here.
Sakti Elixir Bar: Don’t be fooled by the name, urban wellness retreat Five Elements Habitat’s just-opened 100% gluten-free plant-based cuisine eatery is way more than just drinks- Sakti offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, juices & smoothies, coffee, tea plus an all-day menu.
Pure Veggie House: The beloved vegan dim sum hotspot is moving to Central, (6/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street); they are set to open August 19th, so stay tuned.
Green Common: Find your favourite Green Common products including Beyond Meat, Omnipork, Daiya Foods and more at their new deli in Pacific Place’s Great Food Hall.
Emporio Antico: In addition to his popular vegan tasting menu, Chef Mike Boyle has debuted a vegan weekend brunch that’s definitely worth checking out.
Africa Coffee & Tea: Over in Wong Chuk Hang, the ethical beans providers’ cafe has some new vegan menu items with an African twist including some plant-based salads and their version of the Beyond Burger.
All images courtesy of respective restaurant, lead photo courtesy of MANA!