Five Vegetarian Restaurants in Taipei
words by Alice Huang
photos by Alice Huang & Cindy Peng
photos by Alice Huang & Cindy Peng
It seems difficult for vegetarians to find a veggie restaurant, but nowadays more and more people want to improve this situation in Taiwan. Apart from stores offering flexitarian dishes, many restaurants sell vegan or lacto-ovo vegetarian delicacies. Also, thanks to advanced technology, people can just surf the Internet and find somewhere to go to enjoy a meal. Now, let’s see what The Next Page has found!
蔬河 VEGE CREEK
台北市大安區延吉街129巷2號(捷運國父紀念館站1號出口)
No. 2, Lane 129, Yanji St, Da'an District, Taipei City, 106 (MRT Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station)
Mon.~Sun. 12:00~14:00 & 17:00~21:00
02-2778-1967
FB: VEGE CREEK 蔬河
Interviewee: the special assistant
Concept
With the intention of “not forcing but encouraging people to eat more vegetables,” two Taiwanese postgraduates opened VEGE CREEK after coming back from a working holiday in Australia in 2012. Braised dishes provided in the store represents Taiwanese delicacies. As for the interior decor, various kinds of vegetables put on the shelf close to the cement walls are so-called "vegetable cement walls," symbolizing a green wall usually seen in a city, and conveying the idea of environmental protection. In addition, customers are encouraged to chat with each other when sitting and having meals around the “long wooden table.”
What's special?
The food hall eatery allows customers to pick vegetables they like from the “vegetable cement wall” with other noodles and braised dishes to choose from. Water is self-service, as are all kinds of seasoning on the “long wooden table.”
What’s special?
Fried wheat roll (小麥捲) is one of the most popular braised dishes in the store. The roll has already absorbed the broth, and one bites, the broth spills out into the mouth. Spoon cabbage, spinach, and leaves of sweet potatoes are all recommended vegetables, for customers can see how fresh they are. The dishes could be made spicy, and customers are welcome to ask for more broth for braised dishes made of Chinese medical herbs.
The cost for each braised dish, noodles, or drink is NT$25, while each vegetable or mushroom is NT$35.
台北市大安區延吉街129巷2號(捷運國父紀念館站1號出口)
No. 2, Lane 129, Yanji St, Da'an District, Taipei City, 106 (MRT Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station)
Mon.~Sun. 12:00~14:00 & 17:00~21:00
02-2778-1967
FB: VEGE CREEK 蔬河
Interviewee: the special assistant
Concept
With the intention of “not forcing but encouraging people to eat more vegetables,” two Taiwanese postgraduates opened VEGE CREEK after coming back from a working holiday in Australia in 2012. Braised dishes provided in the store represents Taiwanese delicacies. As for the interior decor, various kinds of vegetables put on the shelf close to the cement walls are so-called "vegetable cement walls," symbolizing a green wall usually seen in a city, and conveying the idea of environmental protection. In addition, customers are encouraged to chat with each other when sitting and having meals around the “long wooden table.”
What's special?
The food hall eatery allows customers to pick vegetables they like from the “vegetable cement wall” with other noodles and braised dishes to choose from. Water is self-service, as are all kinds of seasoning on the “long wooden table.”
What’s special?
Fried wheat roll (小麥捲) is one of the most popular braised dishes in the store. The roll has already absorbed the broth, and one bites, the broth spills out into the mouth. Spoon cabbage, spinach, and leaves of sweet potatoes are all recommended vegetables, for customers can see how fresh they are. The dishes could be made spicy, and customers are welcome to ask for more broth for braised dishes made of Chinese medical herbs.
The cost for each braised dish, noodles, or drink is NT$25, while each vegetable or mushroom is NT$35.
覓 蔬食鍋 ("Mi-shu-shi-guo")
台北市信義區忠孝東路五段524巷3弄1號 (捷運永春站4號出口)
No. 1, Alley 3, Lane 524, Section 5, Zhongxiao E Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110 (MRT Yongchun Station)
Mon.~Sun. 11:30~14:30 & 17:00~21:30
02-2727-8787
FB: 覓 蔬食鍋 - 忠孝店
Interviewee: the shop owner
Concept
Opened in November 2016, 覓 蔬食鍋 (“Mi-shu-shi-guo”) literally means seeking vegan hot pot. More than 20 kinds of vegetables are provided in each set of hot pot to fulfill people’s desires for fresh foods. A warm and comfortable atmosphere and good service create a homey space for customers. In the future, organic foods may be offered.
What's special?
Medical herbs hot pot is the must-try flavor. The broth is stewed with traditional Chinese medical herbs without a strong smell of medicine, and it is even favorable for pregnant women and people with diabetes or hypertension.
Spicy hot pot challenges taste buds with its numbing broth, which is stewed with Da Hong Pao, pepper, Zanthoxyli Bungeani, and Zanthoxyli Schinifolium. Compared to artificial chili oil, these are what truly arouse people’s appetites.
The cost for a set of hot pot including rice or noodles, drink and dessert is NT$229 (NT$169 for takeout).
台北市信義區忠孝東路五段524巷3弄1號 (捷運永春站4號出口)
No. 1, Alley 3, Lane 524, Section 5, Zhongxiao E Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110 (MRT Yongchun Station)
Mon.~Sun. 11:30~14:30 & 17:00~21:30
02-2727-8787
FB: 覓 蔬食鍋 - 忠孝店
Interviewee: the shop owner
Concept
Opened in November 2016, 覓 蔬食鍋 (“Mi-shu-shi-guo”) literally means seeking vegan hot pot. More than 20 kinds of vegetables are provided in each set of hot pot to fulfill people’s desires for fresh foods. A warm and comfortable atmosphere and good service create a homey space for customers. In the future, organic foods may be offered.
What's special?
Medical herbs hot pot is the must-try flavor. The broth is stewed with traditional Chinese medical herbs without a strong smell of medicine, and it is even favorable for pregnant women and people with diabetes or hypertension.
Spicy hot pot challenges taste buds with its numbing broth, which is stewed with Da Hong Pao, pepper, Zanthoxyli Bungeani, and Zanthoxyli Schinifolium. Compared to artificial chili oil, these are what truly arouse people’s appetites.
The cost for a set of hot pot including rice or noodles, drink and dessert is NT$229 (NT$169 for takeout).
動物誌 About Animals
台北市文山區景隆街一巷9號1樓(捷運萬隆站2號出口)
No. 9, Lane 1, Jinglong St, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116 (MRT Wanlong Station)
Fri.~Mon. 11:00~22:30
Tue.~Thur. 15:00~22:00
02-2935-3633
FB: 動物誌 About Animals
Official website: http://aboutanimalszr.wixsite.com/vegan
Interviewee: the clerk
Concept
As a vegan restaurant, About Animals was opened several years ago by two women concerned with issues of animal protection and ecology. Customers are asked to use steel eco-tableware provided in the store. In addition, sources of ingredients are environmentally friendly. Farmers in Miaoli not only avoid planting “Leopard cats rice” (石虎米) on hills or in forests which are the habitats of the endangered leopard cats, but also use the most natural way to produce rice without any pesticides. Furthermore, beers offered in the store do not contain isinglass (魚膠), also known as gelatine (吉利丁), which is mostly obtained from various animals' skins and bones.
Customers are welcome to take their pets with them, and they may have a chance to see or play with the lovely street cats in the store.
What's special?
Epicures cannot miss “patty” (卡滋) when dining in About Animals. Made with rubber brush, baby corn, broccoli, potatoes and shutter bean curd, “patty” looks like a croquette after being fried. The crispy and juicy taste perfectly complements wasabi mayonnaise in Wasabi Burger (芥末卡滋堡).
A variety of dishes are offered such as hot pot, burgers, rice, sandwiches, and panini, and each of them is under NT$250 with some salad and fruit. Each fried food, side dish and dessert is priced from NT$50 to NT$160. Drinks and beers are from NT$120 to NT$220 at most. To encourage people in vegetarianism, About Animals provides a discount on certain weekdays.
台北市文山區景隆街一巷9號1樓(捷運萬隆站2號出口)
No. 9, Lane 1, Jinglong St, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116 (MRT Wanlong Station)
Fri.~Mon. 11:00~22:30
Tue.~Thur. 15:00~22:00
02-2935-3633
FB: 動物誌 About Animals
Official website: http://aboutanimalszr.wixsite.com/vegan
Interviewee: the clerk
Concept
As a vegan restaurant, About Animals was opened several years ago by two women concerned with issues of animal protection and ecology. Customers are asked to use steel eco-tableware provided in the store. In addition, sources of ingredients are environmentally friendly. Farmers in Miaoli not only avoid planting “Leopard cats rice” (石虎米) on hills or in forests which are the habitats of the endangered leopard cats, but also use the most natural way to produce rice without any pesticides. Furthermore, beers offered in the store do not contain isinglass (魚膠), also known as gelatine (吉利丁), which is mostly obtained from various animals' skins and bones.
Customers are welcome to take their pets with them, and they may have a chance to see or play with the lovely street cats in the store.
What's special?
Epicures cannot miss “patty” (卡滋) when dining in About Animals. Made with rubber brush, baby corn, broccoli, potatoes and shutter bean curd, “patty” looks like a croquette after being fried. The crispy and juicy taste perfectly complements wasabi mayonnaise in Wasabi Burger (芥末卡滋堡).
A variety of dishes are offered such as hot pot, burgers, rice, sandwiches, and panini, and each of them is under NT$250 with some salad and fruit. Each fried food, side dish and dessert is priced from NT$50 to NT$160. Drinks and beers are from NT$120 to NT$220 at most. To encourage people in vegetarianism, About Animals provides a discount on certain weekdays.
綠一點 Veggiegrill
台北市中山區長安西路19巷2弄49號(捷運中山站1號出口附近)
No. 49, Alley 2, Lane 19, Chang'an West Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 104 (MRT Zhongshan Station)
Mon.~Fri. 11:30~14:30 & 17:30~20:30
Sat. & Sun. 10:30~20:00
02-2523-7859
FB: 綠一點 Veggiegrill
Interviewee: the shop owner
Concept
The shop owner, who was originally a housewife, decided to open Veggiegrill two years ago, a lacto-ovo café, since she thought that having a vegetarian diet is one of the ways to protect animals and the Earth. The menu and all the dishes are designed by the owner, and some of the ingredients are bought directly from small farmers. With ethereal and peaceful music, Veggiegrill is a space suitable for anyone who wants a leisurely time enjoying a meal.
What’s special?
The Grilled Mushroom Burger (青醬火烤鮮菇堡) is the most recommended dish at Veggiegrill. Before being grilled, the mushrooms have been pickled with olive oil and basil sauce, and have absorbed the nutrition and fragrance for a full 24 hours. Also, epicures will definitely be impressed by the handmade pesto and the rich fragrance it leaves in the mouth.
Aside from all kinds of popular coffee drinks, Gac Fruit Milk (木鱉果鮮奶) is another highlight of Veggiegrill. Gac fruit is a kind of fruit native to Taiwan, Vietnam and southern China. It contains much more lycopene than tomato does. Every winter, the shop owner makes jam with gac fruit along with kumquat and lemon bought from Taiwanese small farmers. Just come and try this healthy drink!
Each entree is NT$159; a combo meal is NT$289 along with one drink under NT$95, and either potato wedges or small salad.
台北市中山區長安西路19巷2弄49號(捷運中山站1號出口附近)
No. 49, Alley 2, Lane 19, Chang'an West Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 104 (MRT Zhongshan Station)
Mon.~Fri. 11:30~14:30 & 17:30~20:30
Sat. & Sun. 10:30~20:00
02-2523-7859
FB: 綠一點 Veggiegrill
Interviewee: the shop owner
Concept
The shop owner, who was originally a housewife, decided to open Veggiegrill two years ago, a lacto-ovo café, since she thought that having a vegetarian diet is one of the ways to protect animals and the Earth. The menu and all the dishes are designed by the owner, and some of the ingredients are bought directly from small farmers. With ethereal and peaceful music, Veggiegrill is a space suitable for anyone who wants a leisurely time enjoying a meal.
What’s special?
The Grilled Mushroom Burger (青醬火烤鮮菇堡) is the most recommended dish at Veggiegrill. Before being grilled, the mushrooms have been pickled with olive oil and basil sauce, and have absorbed the nutrition and fragrance for a full 24 hours. Also, epicures will definitely be impressed by the handmade pesto and the rich fragrance it leaves in the mouth.
Aside from all kinds of popular coffee drinks, Gac Fruit Milk (木鱉果鮮奶) is another highlight of Veggiegrill. Gac fruit is a kind of fruit native to Taiwan, Vietnam and southern China. It contains much more lycopene than tomato does. Every winter, the shop owner makes jam with gac fruit along with kumquat and lemon bought from Taiwanese small farmers. Just come and try this healthy drink!
Each entree is NT$159; a combo meal is NT$289 along with one drink under NT$95, and either potato wedges or small salad.
卡帛素食義式烘焙坊 Kapok Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant
台北市復興南路二段308巷5號1樓(捷運科技大樓站2號出口附近)
No. 5, Lane 308, Section 2, Fuxing S Rd, Da'an District, Taipei City, 106 (MRT Technology Building Station)
Mon.~Sun. 08:00~22:00
02-2733-6819
FB: 卡帛-kapok
Official website: http://www.kapok-vege.com.tw/
Interviewee: the manager of Information Management Department
Concept
As a lacto vegetarian, the shop owner often experienced inconvenience finding a veggie restaurant, especially a vegetarian bakery. As a result, he opened Kapok to sell bread and cakes made without eggs. Kapok has been in business for nearly 20 years, and it has transformed from a small bakery into a restaurant where customers can select from veggie pasta, risotto, bread, desserts, and coffee.
What’s special?
The bakers in Kapok find other ingredients which can substitute for eggs. Consequently, the cakes sold in Kapok are all named as “旦糕” rather than “蛋糕” because the latter refers to cakes made with eggs. The owner uses the word “旦” to replace “蛋,” since both have the same pronunciation “dan.” Also, “bride cake” (喜餅) without eggs is one of their innovative products.
Drinks are made from various kinds of herbs and fruits, most of which can help to ease fatigue. Customers can choose whatever they like based on their health condition. Moreover, the pasta, risotto or baked dishes will not fail customers, for they contain many kinds of vegetables.
台北市復興南路二段308巷5號1樓(捷運科技大樓站2號出口附近)
No. 5, Lane 308, Section 2, Fuxing S Rd, Da'an District, Taipei City, 106 (MRT Technology Building Station)
Mon.~Sun. 08:00~22:00
02-2733-6819
FB: 卡帛-kapok
Official website: http://www.kapok-vege.com.tw/
Interviewee: the manager of Information Management Department
Concept
As a lacto vegetarian, the shop owner often experienced inconvenience finding a veggie restaurant, especially a vegetarian bakery. As a result, he opened Kapok to sell bread and cakes made without eggs. Kapok has been in business for nearly 20 years, and it has transformed from a small bakery into a restaurant where customers can select from veggie pasta, risotto, bread, desserts, and coffee.
What’s special?
The bakers in Kapok find other ingredients which can substitute for eggs. Consequently, the cakes sold in Kapok are all named as “旦糕” rather than “蛋糕” because the latter refers to cakes made with eggs. The owner uses the word “旦” to replace “蛋,” since both have the same pronunciation “dan.” Also, “bride cake” (喜餅) without eggs is one of their innovative products.
Drinks are made from various kinds of herbs and fruits, most of which can help to ease fatigue. Customers can choose whatever they like based on their health condition. Moreover, the pasta, risotto or baked dishes will not fail customers, for they contain many kinds of vegetables.