I visited the Chi Lin Nunnery in Hong Kong on a recent trip and had one of the best vegetarian feast I've tasted at its restaurant Chi Lin Vegetarian. What made it so exceptional is that there was no "pretend" food - there was no "vegetarian duck" or "vegetarian bbq pork" kind of dish - no fake stuff made with soy or artificial ingredients. Most of the dishes were fresh vegetables in combination with innumerable varieties of fungi. Lunch was an amazing ten courses (for our group of ten) beautifully presented and prepared. The meal was the crowning glory in the visit to this awe-inspiring temple complex - the ambiance was sublime, to say the least. It is no wonder the restaurant is packed, with reservations made months in advance.
 |
| Mini baby zucchinis with fungus - love the contrast in textures between the crunchy baby zucchinis and the fungus! |
 |
| Beet salad |
 |
| Golden tremell (yellow fungus) broth |
 |
| Mushroom stew |
 |
| Mushroom dumplings with broccoli - the dumplings were delicious pockets of chopped mushrooms and bamboo shoots |
 |
| Pumpkin and cheese tempura |
 |
| Asparagus fungus stir fry |
 |
| Tofu dish with fungus |
 |
| Choy sum with fungus |
 |
| Fried rice with white beech mushrooms |
 |
| Healthy fruit dessert |
 |
| Menu |
 |
| Nan Lian Gardens is part of the Chi Lin Nunnery temple complex |
