[healthy tapir]

I'm going to China next week for vacation, and as a vegan I'm kind of worried about what I'm going to eat. I know there is a whole range of things that are available (rice, tofu, vegetables) but I've read that it is very hard to communicate the idea of vegetarianism to the Chinese, and that they have the idea "just a little is nothing" so a little chicken broth or dried shrimp might end up on an otherwise vegan dish.<br><br><br><br>
Are there any common Chinese dishes that are usually always vegan? Is there anything I should try?<br><br><br><br>
I would like to know what your experiences have been!

 

[karenM]

You might want to visit this site for some helpful words/phrases you can print out or memorize:<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.ivu.org/phrases/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.ivu.org/phrases/index.html</a><br><br><br><br>
Here's one of their printable "passports" for mainland China:<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.ivu.org/phrases/chinese/sc.gif" target="_blank">http://www.ivu.org/phrases/chinese/sc.gif</a><br><br><br><br>
Have a great trip!

 

[Tropikiwi]

Hey I am going in October so let me know how you go!<br><br>
I looked at <a href="http://www.happycow.net" target="_blank">www.happycow.net</a> for veggie resturants.<br><br>
have fun!

 

[MrFalafel]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Tropikiwi</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Hey I am going in October so let me know how you go!<br><br>
I looked at <a href="http://www.happycow.net" target="_blank">www.happycow.net</a> for veggie resturants.<br><br>
have fun!</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Yes, looks like a lot of veggie places there! <a href="http://www.happycow.net/asia/china/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.happycow.net/asia/china/index.html</a><br><br><br><br>
I'm guessing the tourists hotels will steer tourists towards tourist-friendly restaurants which will no doubt be heavily meat-centric. You could always ask the front desk of your hotel for the nearest 'buddhist vegetarian' restaurant which they should understand. Probably need to get a taxi or other means of conveyance in order to find the place unless you're good at reading signs in Chinese.<br><br><br><br>
Buddhist restaurants quite often specialise in mock meats, which are usually made of seitan. They can look and taste extremely realistic which can be off-putting to some vegetarians but do try them.<br><br><br><br>
Along with the excellent 'vegan passport' listed above, take a look at the 'Point It' book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=veggieboards.com-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F3980313026%2Fqid%3D1152863582%2Fsr%3D2-1%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_b_2_1%2F002-8721448-0404866%3Fs%3Dbooks%26v%3Dglance%26n%3D283155" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/398...lance&n=283155</a> it's a book of pictures of common items for travellers (lots of food items) that you can point to and indicate like/don't like in order to aide in communication. And the people you're talking to can use it to communicate with you, too.

 

[healthy tapir]

Tropikiwi, I will definitely let you know! I might post a little guide here when I get back for future reference of other travellers.<br><br><br><br>
You have all been really helpful, especially the "passports," as I know very little Chinese. MrFalafel, I am Buddhist myself so I'm sure that will help in explanations <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> I plan to be visiting many Buddhist sites along the way also, so maybe there will be good vegetarian restaurants nearby. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[TreeManEarthSteward]

A good contact for you (right now if you're lucky) is Suzykat, maybe she can contact you from in China where she is now (she has web access some place or other) and may advise you if she's not too busy, I think she's still there working at a gibbon sanctuary... ooo ooo the monkey gibbon.....<br><br><a href="http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/member.php?u=6832" target="_blank">http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/member.php?u=6832</a> (her profile)

 

[karenM]

MrFalafel, that Point It book is a great idea! I'm going to get one for myself now. Very cool! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":up:">

 

[misq17]

Defenitely let us know how it goes. I'm going on a trip with my school to China for ten days in November and I would love to hear about your experience.