HK vegetarian restaurant The Leisurely Veggie serves fusion food all vegetarians (and meat-eaters!) will love
We find Hong Kong’s hottest eats ’n’ treats
The Leisurely Veggie
50 Jardine Centre
Jardine’s Bazaar
Causeway Bay
Tel: 3565 6393
Grub: Vegetarian fusion food
Vibe: Hidden away on the 25th floor of a nondescript building in Causeway Bay, this small but lively restaurant will take you by surprise when you enter. It has a casual, diner-style layout and atmosphere, but with nicer decor; the white and blue colour scheme and latticework on the windows and chairs will give you Greek island vibes.
For Vegetarian Awareness Month, consider a veggie buffet at Mei Gui Yuan
Who to take: There is rather limited space, and it would be tough to accommodate a party bigger than four, so select just one or two of your closest friends as your dining companions. And don’t worry if they aren’t vegetarian; we promise you that even the most bloodthirsty meat-eaters will be won over by the dishes here.
What’s hot: Literally everything on the menu. Leisurely Veggie serves up all your favourite comfort food – Thai green curry, noodles, lasagne, and sushi hand rolls – but simply sans the meat.
The dan dan noodles (which can be made as spicy as you like) are a must-try because, unlike some of the other dishes on the menu, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a meat-free version anywhere else in Hong Kong. Vegetarians who have long dreamed of being able to enjoy a bowl of that rich steaming broth will finally have their wish fulfilled.
The mashed potato-topped portobello mushrooms also make for a great side dish, while the light, airy crepe cakes – we highly recommend the strawberry or Earl Grey flavour – really won’t take up much room in your stomach, so be sure to finish your meal with a slice, no matter how much you’ve already eaten.
What’s not: Given the restaurant’s small size, it is easily crowded, and so the service may not be prompt or efficient as some might like. But as long as you aren’t expecting five-star treatment, you won’t be too disappointed. And when the food is this good, it’s worth waiting for.
Cost: Appetisers range from HK$68-HK$88, while main dishes are around HK$150. Desserts are between HK$28 and HK$48, and drinks range from HK$45-HK$70. A dinner set – which includes a starter, main, dessert, and drink – will set you back around HK$250, but the portions are very generous, so you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.