Hong Kong Foodie - The Best Veggie Food Tour in Hong Kong
Amazing Vegetarian Food Tour offered by Hong Kong Greeters
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,500+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
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Hong Kong Foodie - The Best Veggie Food Tour in Hong Kong
Amazing Vegetarian Food Tour offered by Hong Kong Greeters
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Looks delicious doesn’t it! Contact my great friend Amy of Hong Kong Greeters and book a spot on her Veggie Food Tour
I have lived in Hong Kong since 1972 so 53 years and counting and I have eaten at around 1,300 Chinese restaurants so I have an understanding of food but not in any shape or form am I foodie or Chinese food expert, I am very fussy about what I eat and frankly when it came to doing food tours, I passed and pointed my guests to Foodie experts not specifically because they are Chinese but because they are Chinese Food Experts and know everything about the ingredients, cooking styles and history of the dishes and in my book legends of the food and cultural scene here.
I will also concede (because I do not do food tours in any shape or form) that as a non Cantonese speaker it is all but impossible for me to provide a proper food tour, many local Hong Kong restaurants have staff that speak limited or NO English and many times there are no English Menu’s available, when I go to Chinese restaurants which is frequently it is with friends and family who are Cantonese speakers and frankly I have no particular interest in knowing the ingredients, the history of the dish or how it is cooked, I just like to eat!
So now I have got that out of the way, down to business.
I actually like Chinese vegetarian food, works for me as they say and I often wondered why Food Tour Companies did not particularly cater for this niche market, to be fair when you think about Chinese food, veggie dishes do not leap out, none of that wow factor.
My great friend Amy of Hong Kong Greeters is cut from a different cloth, I have known Amy for well over a decade and she is as smart as they come and when she creates a new tour she goes all in, she does not cobble things together on the fly and hope for the best, she does meticulous research and will not introduce a tour until she is 100% sure that it will succeed.
So me and my AI bot assistant did our own research on Veggie food tours in Hong Kong ….. read on
Why book a veggie food tour in Hong Kong, what is the primary reason to book one ?
The primary reason to book a veggie food tour in Hong Kong is to explore the city's vibrant and diverse vegetarian and vegan culinary scene, guided by experts who can introduce you to authentic, plant-based dishes and hidden gems that you might not discover on your own.
Are vegetarian dishes popular in Hong Kong Chinese Food culture ?
Vegetarian dishes are moderately popular in Hong Kong's Chinese food culture, but they aren't as dominant as meat or seafood-based dishes. Hong Kong's cuisine heavily features Cantonese traditions, where ingredients like pork, chicken, and seafood are staples due to the region's coastal location and historical preferences. However, vegetarianism has gained traction in recent years due to several factors.
Buddhist and Taoist communities have long promoted vegetarian diets, especially during religious festivals or specific days like the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, when many opt for vegetarian meals. Temples and monasteries often serve plant-based dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and mock meats made from gluten or soy, which are well-integrated into the food scene. These dishes are flavorful, often mimicking the textures and seasonings of meat-based Cantonese cuisine.
In urban areas, especially among younger people and expatriates, vegetarian and vegan diets are growing due to health, environmental, and ethical concerns. Restaurants offering vegetarian dim sum, noodle dishes, or fusion plant-based options have popped up, particularly in areas like Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui. For example, places like Pure Veggie House and Veggie Palace cater specifically to vegetarian diners, blending Cantonese flavors with plant-based ingredients.
That said, vegetarian dishes can sometimes be seen as niche compared to the widespread love for dishes like roast goose or char siu. Many traditional eateries include vegetarian options, but they’re often side dishes or simple stir-fries rather than the main attraction. Posts on X also highlight a growing interest in vegan and vegetarian spots in Hong Kong, with users recommending places like Kindred or Green Common for innovative plant-based meals.
In short, vegetarian dishes are popular in specific contexts—religious, health-conscious, or trendy urban circles—but they don’t overshadow the meat-heavy mainstream of Hong Kong’s Chinese food culture. If you’re looking for specific vegetarian dishes or restaurants in Hong Kong, I can dig deeper or search for real-time recommendations. Let me know!
Which tour company in Hong Kong offers the best vegetarian food tours
Not a complicated or clever question by any stretch but a rational one and I pretty much agree with the assessment other than AI loves the term hidden gems which I cannot stand, in Hong Kong there is, in this day and age of social media, no hidden gems or secret spots and food posts on social media here must run into the millions every week!
Hong Kong Greeters Veggie Tour Tripadvisor Review
Hong Kong Greeters stands out as the top choice for vegetarian food tours in Hong Kong, particularly with their Grass Routes Vegetarian Food and Cultural Tour. Here’s why:
Dedicated Vegetarian Focus:
Unlike many tour companies that offer vegetarian options as an afterthought, Hong Kong Greeters was the first to create a fully vegetarian tour, addressing a gap in the market for plant-based travelers. The tour is designed to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant vegetarian and vegan culinary scene, featuring dishes like vegetarian xiao long bao, vegan ice cream, and meals at sustainable venues like the Green Hub.
Cultural Immersion:
The tour combines food with cultural experiences, visiting unique sites like Wong Tai Sin Temple, Nan Lian Gardens, and the Old Tai Po Police Station (now a Green Hub). Guides like Nadia Kiely and William provide in-depth knowledge about Hong Kong’s history, culture, and Buddhist influences on vegetarianism, making it more than just a food tour.
Small, Personalized Groups:
Limited to six people, the tour ensures an intimate experience, allowing for customization based on dietary preferences and interests. It’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it inclusive for diverse travelers.
Positive Reviews:
Travelers consistently praise the tour for its delicious food variety, knowledgeable guides, and off-the-beaten-path destinations like the New Territories. Reviews highlight guides’ flexibility and the tour’s ability to showcase hidden gems, with a 5.0 rating on platforms like TripAdvisor.
Sustainability Ethos:
The tour emphasizes eco-conscious dining, with stops at places like the Green Canteen, supported by Kadoorie Farm, which focuses on local, organic produce. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences.
Comparison with Other Options:
Hong Kong Foodie Tours: While two of their four routes cater to vegetarians, they are not exclusively vegetarian, and the focus remains on general Cantonese cuisine. Vegetarian options are provided upon request, but the experience is less tailored for plant-based diets.
Little Adventures Hong Kong: This company customizes tours for dietary needs, but their website is no longer active, suggesting they may not be operational. note - this company ceased operation a few years ago
Secret Food Tours: Explicitly states they cannot accommodate vegetarians, making them unsuitable for this query.
A Chef’s Tour: Focuses on Cantonese cuisine with some vegetarian-friendly stops, but it’s not a dedicated vegetarian tour, and reviews suggest a broader focus on local eats like curry fish balls.
Recommendation:
Hong Kong Greeters’ Grass Routes Vegetarian Food and Cultural Tour is the best choice for a dedicated, immersive, and highly rated vegetarian food tour in Hong Kong. It balances authentic plant-based cuisine with cultural insights, small group sizes, and a sustainability focus.
You can book via their awesome website www.hkgreeters.com or contact Amy by email at info@hkgreeters.com or by phone or whatsapp +852 90155301 for details or via the button below
Note: Always confirm dietary accommodations when booking, as menus may vary. If you’re looking for specific tour dates or pricing,
Please note that I do not receive any commission or other consideration for writing these blog posts, Amy and my other private tour guide friends know I am absolutely more than happy to promote their business, I have been doing it for years.
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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