Whether it’s for reasons of health, religion or environmentalism, veganism is becoming an increasingly popular way of life. It’s a diet generally considered to be higher in fibre and lower in cholesterol, protein, calcium and salt than a carnivorous one, with studies showing that it reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.  And Hong Kong’s vegan restaurant scene is quickly catching up in terms of the breadth of options on offer. From indulgent vegan comfort food to farm-to-table salads and nutritional lunches, here we highlight some of the city’s most exciting vegan eateries.

Treehouse 

Everything at Treehouse is made in house, from its 24-hour fermented whole wheat sourdough, flavoured in a blend of either Green (coriander and oregano) or Red (paprika, cayenne and cumin) spices, to the Israel-inspired salads and sauces. The menu is plant-based aside from just two optional ingredients — egg and halloumi. Influenced by the founder Christian Mongendre’s travels, there’s vegan ramen from Japan and detox juices that use Thai flavours, plus the chance to build-your-own flatbread with more than 10 sauces, and 33 different toppings. 

Treehouse, Shop 1, Ground Floor, Ezra’s Lane, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; BaseHall, Jardine House, Central;  facebook.com/treehouse.eco

Confusion Kitchen 

Despite its vegan doctrine, the linchpin of this Sheung Wan restaurant is hearty comfort food, with an indulgent menu of global culinary fare. From its Grilled Beyond Burger, which sandwiches a Beyond Meat patty between toasted rye sourdough buns and an assortment of delectable toppings, to British-favourite bangers and mash, and a classic Philly cheesesteak, Confusion Kitchen takes a naughty approach to plant-based cooking that is sure to satisfy meat cravings. There are tacos, burritos, wraps and rice dishes too, with Confusion Kitchen proving that vegan cuisine is more than just salads and raw fruit.

G/F, 103, Jervois Street, Sheung Wan; 2563 3699, confusion.hk

Miss Lee

Miss Lee dishes up modern Chinese vegetarian cuisine, with a healthy proportion of the menu catering to vegans. Vegetables are at the forefront of every meal, prepared with traditional techniques inspired by the flavours, smells and textures of Chinese cooking. From Fire Balls that are a vegan version of sweet and sour pork, made using oyster mushrooms, pineapple and sweet plum sauce, to noodles drenched in a vegan sesame sauce, there’s plenty to enjoy. Plus, the immaculate Wes Anderson-inspired decor by interior designer JJ Acuna that is a take on the traditional dumpling or noodle shop with retro furnishings – tasseled lamps, a mustard blanchette and marble floors that are both nostalgic and current.

G/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central; 2881 1811; misslee.hk

Mana!

This fast-slow-food restaurant brought plant-based, eco-friendly cuisine to the mainstream in Hong Kong with it’s build-your-own salads, flats and burgers. It’s run by Bobsy Gaia, who pioneered the movement with his Bookworm Cafe on Lamma Island in 1997, followed by Life Cafe in 2004 – the first fully vegetarian cafes in the city. Now, they have three stores, the latest of which has a vegan cheese deli, where diners can find everything from plant-based brie to a zaatar-infused goats cheese, and a vegan coffee bar. A “Zen Den” will be used for movie screenings and concerts, as well as its latest Hippie Hour, with morning mindfulness and meditation. 

8 Staunton Street, Central; mana.hk

Veda