Vegan
Chinese
Take-out
吉祥草素食, at 中國上海市盧灣區馬當路428號二樓, focuses on Chinese home-style cooking that is healthier and lighter with few mock meats. Try the tofu with green gravy. Also sells books, sweets, and antique reproductions. Non-smoking. Reported closed, Jan 2019.
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2F, 428 Madang Rd, Luwan (at He Fei Rd), Shanghai, China, 200031
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Last update on 06 Jan 2019 by Guest
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Added by flamekat on 01 Apr 2009
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35 Reviews
First Review by flamekat
Vlad269
Points +364
Best veg restaurant in China - Edit
It is usually an ordeal for me to find vegan or at least vegetarian restaurants in China, but was I lucky when my business partner took me here. Place is very peaceful. You order on a tablet, where most texts are in Chinese and I couldn't find option to switch to English. At least alergens are displayed in English in every meal's card. Food was delicious and you can even order options with less salt, fat etc., but again, these are only in Chinese. Great experience overall, I can definately recommend this if you are in Shanghai. There is even a small gift shop with teas and wooden kitchen accessories.
Read morePros: Calm atmosphere, Tasty and light food
Cons: Menus in Chinese
Guest
Benedict
Points +37
Not up to the hype - Edit
Some of the dishes are adventurous, but it's far from being one of the best vegan restaurants in the city. We also both got sick almost immediately after eating there.
Read morePros: Calm atmosphere, Friendly staff
Cons: Closes between lunch and dinner, Made us sick
Guest
michiemich315
Points +60
Great lighter Chinese food - Edit
After getting sick of having too much oily and over-seasoned Chinese food for a week we tried out this place. The food is obviously much healthier and more veggie based than most places in shanghai, and seemed like they used less oil, salt and MSG. Food looked very good and well presented and the atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing with a bookshelf and private booths.
Read moreThe restaurant does get very busy at dinner so would recommending getting there early or booking ahead. Admittedly, the food many seem very bland and under-seasoned by some, but fit my personal tastes very well. You can request some salt or chilli sauce if need be. Very good price too, around 25¥ satisfied 3 of us for dinner.
Pros: Affordable food, Healthier and lighter Chinese food, Great atmosphere
Cons: Could seem bland to some people
Guest
cookiem
Points +5888
Veg Chinese tea house and cafe - Edit
It’s nice to have a quiet place for a retreat with food. This place does that quite well. There are many tea options and some books to peruse. In addition, the menu is quite extensive.
Read moreI appreciated the many choices, and I found it difficult to narrow down my decision. As a party of one walking around the city, I had no option for take out or leftovers. Very unfortunate! I did enjoy some sweet potato starch noodles and some greens. Well done, clean presentation and nothing heavy or overly salted.
I would certainly go back here again.
Pros: Veggies, Quiet, Fast and fresh
Guest
Sorana
Points +2277
Delicious dishes! - Edit
We shared the shiitake mushrooms with a dark gravy, the potato carrot balls, as well another dish with water chestnuts, celery and a yellow/ orange gravy. As side dishes, we tried the Jasmin and the whole grain rice. For dessert, the delicious durian banana delights. We were not dissapointed by any of them! Definitely coming back
Read morePros: Very peaceful/zen atmosphere
Guest
yumchadong
Points +5547
Good veggie dumplings - Edit
The place has a cool atmosphere. The food is good. Some dishes were a bit bland, but cannot complain overall. Dumplings were really good!
Read moreGuest
philS
Points +88
Zen, Creative and Delicious - Edit
A very well appointed place, with a tablet menu that translates each dish. A good place to chill.
Read moreGuest
oskeewowwow
Points +1222
Great food, Great service - Edit
Very friendly staff and great vegan Chinese food. Less mock meats than most vegan places around, but the food is fresh and their are a lot of options.
Read morePros: iPad ordering system with pictures, Friendly staff, Vegan food shop in front
Guest
sousuneautrelentille
Points +327
Good food, good prices - Edit
Ate here tonight with friends. For all four of us, the meal came out to 210 CNY and we left feeling satisfied and full. Very reasonable price for all the food we got. Everything tasted good and the staff were nice. Ordering is done on a iPad—you can click on each item to get an English explanation of the ingredients. Would go back again.
Read moreGuest
Graham
Points +168
Best Chinese Food I've Had - Edit
I didn't know what to expect at this restaurant, so I was really pleasantly surprised when I saw what a nice relaxed place it was. I was also really impressed by the high standard of food. One of the staff spoke English and really helped us select the best food (they have the menu in English on their tablets as well). I especially enjoyed the tofu skin dishes, something I haven't had much before. Really nice place, great staff and amazing food.
Read morePros: Excellent food, Helpful staff (they helped us get a taxi), Nice layout
Guest
AnnaWacker
Points +411
An authentic Chinese restaurant - and vegan! - Edit
This was definitely an experience! Going in at a little door with a neon sign above somewhere in Shanghai, I didn't know WHAT to expect. But it turned out to be a great surprise! This place is fun, weird, cosy, comfortable. All in one really, and clean!
Read moreOrdering via an ipad (never tried that before) we tried different dishes from the "menu", and all was nice. But there was one dish in particular that we loved! It is some kind of white root in a sauce that I wanted to take with me home...
Pros: Big menu , Nice setting
Cons: No english-speaking staff, A bit pricy , Not organic
Guest
MichaelRobinson
Points +3368
Tranquil setting - Edit
We went here yesterday as we were close by & what a delight it was. The place is nicely decorated with books everywhere, we were shown to a window seat. You order via an iPad so it's easy especially if like me you don't speak any Chinese. We ordered quick as it was nearly 2pm, we had mixed veg in yellow curry which was lovely, I'm used to this type of curry back in my home town of Manchester where we have it over chips & boiled rice! We also had what I think was lotus root, with tofu & cashews in a sticky sauce, it was amazing apart from the celery which is the devil's veg! Another place I'm looking forward to returning to.
Read morePros: Delicious, Good size portions, Reasonable.
Guest
Knauji82
Points +2386
wow!! - Edit
Such a nice place! The interior and quiet atmosphere was a joy! And the food! I ordered a bunch of dishes from the iPad menu and everything was super delicious!! Hope to come back soon
Read moreGuest
H2OAddict
Points +686
Juuuuuuuusssssst right! - Edit
If Goldilocks was looking for the perfect fit, she would have found it here. Everything my parents and I ordered on our jaunt here was the perfect amount and flavor. Mama bear, papa bear, and baby bear left full and happy! Even papa bear, with his extreme loathing of mushrooms ate all four of the mushroom dishes all up!
Read moreThe plating was superb and the flavor of everything was spot-on. The favorite dishes were the peppery mushroom hot plate and the butternut squash and fungi soup. The jiaozi was also a big hit. They don't seem to use any TVP and very little oil. As my parents are salt, sugar, oil free in the states, they really liked the break from the normal vegan fare of oily TVP in sugary sauces. When leaving, we didn't have that bottom-heavy feeling that comes from the extremely oily usual vegan fare found all around China.
The restaurant locale is easy to get to, the ambiance (like a cafe and bookstore rolled into one) was lovely, and best of all it was CLEAN! This is a Buddhist establishment so there is no alcohol and they do not use garlic or onions. The staff speak little English and there are no English explanations or titles on the menu, but there are pictures on the iPad they place on the table to order. The only real negative is that once the place gets crowded, it's a bit loud.
Pros: Plentiful dishes, Lovey plating , Clean
Cons: Second floor walk-up (not handicap friendly), Lack of English explanations, Noisy
Guest
alx
Points +98
If more places where like this, we'd be more veggie-eaters in this world - Edit
There's so many bland Chinese restaurants. Places you forget. You like their food, but the setting, the atmosphere and the whole experience is not something to be remembered.
Read moreThis place is something else. This is a proper eating experience, where the food matches the wooden interior design, the chef smiles to you, the staff treats you like you actually make them happy that you visit, and the food... Oh god. It's great.
After the staff pour you some tea, you order via tablets, which is easier than expected, considering everything is in Chinese. My girlfriend and I just looked at the pictures, clicked and added to the basket like its Amazon. Great stuff.
The food begins arriving immediately. Our clay pot tofu was sizzling hot, melting in our mouths. Nothing too spicy but definitely spicy. The spring rolls where crisp and more roll than stuffing, an intersting but very delicious choice. The dumplings where tender, not salty, not overstuffed but instead handmade small pockets of delicious quinoia-spinach-heaven which was great mixed with the soy-vinegar, which served as a condiment.
I strongly suggest you go for some rice and perhaps a dish or two more. I wanted to try it all but got too full to quickly.
If you must visit only one place in Shanghai for veggie food, pick this one. Private rooms are also possible - and they looked very cosy.
This is a high-midrange place and we got enough food for two people for 200 RMB, drinks included. Oh, the drinks? Delicious hot ginger-tea. Go for it.
Pros: Atmosphere, Great food, Felt like a top-of-the-line kinda place
Cons: Can be tricky to find without a map
Guest
Citrusink
Points +49
delicious - Edit
Was brought here by a friend, and we shared a beautiful meal! Everything we got was flavored delicately, and we enjoyed ever bite.
Read moreThey have an ipad menu, that has some English in the ingredients list, but not for the names of the dishes. But every item has a photo (except a few "camera shy" items at the bottom) so it's nice to have a clear idea of what you're getting
Pros: ipad menu with pictures, a bit of English, DELICIOUS
Guest
Tianci
Points +419
One of our Favorites - Edit
This restaurant is fast becoming one of our favorites! The food is great and not excessively oily. The wait staff are quite nice and you can usually find someone who speaks some English if you need a little help in that department.
Read moreThe menu is in both English and Chinese. And as the description already notes, the prices are moderate for Shanghai. They've been in business for over 10 years and have a great reputation. So good, in fact that you may have to wait 30 minutes or so for a table on a busy night if you haven't booked a table (you'll need Chinese language skills for that .... or a native speaker to help).
One word of caution: they will be closed from Nov 1-30, 2015 (or so) for remodeling. You'll want to check with them to make sure they are open in early-mid December.
Guest
nomeatnomad
Points +4795
Wonderful food - Edit
I came here alone, and I'm not sure that this is a restaurant where you're supposed to do that. Everyone else was in groups, and it wasn't furnished to be especially welcoming to solo eaters. Not to worry though, it was still a wonderful dinner.
Read moreI ordered three dishes, and be warned that for one person, that is a lot of food. It was very tasty vegan Chinese food with there being nothing Western, and few to no fake meats on the menu. I was proudly able to force it all down though. And for just ¥60, I was leaving stuffed. Great value for money.
The staff were plentiful and very friendly, although I did not encounter one that spoke English. And the English on the menu is... confusing to say the least. All of the items are pictured. Which is lucky because going on just the English in the menu, you wouldn't have a clue what you're getting. All in all though, it was a great experience. I'll be back here again just as soon as I make some friends.
Guest
blaim
Points +244
So incredible, so delicious. - Edit
Quite likely this was the most delicious meal I have had in China during our six weeks here. Incredible selection, amazing food. And completely animal free!
Read morePros: vegan, delicious , affordable
Guest
shanghaivegan
Points +79
Vegetarian restaurant of choice in the area - Edit
If you find yourself in Xintiandi, this is the vegetarian restaurant of choice in the area.
Read moreThis restaurant is always packed and you should expect to wait at least 15 minutes if you go at dinner time. During your wait you can browse books in their book shop (if you can read chinese that is) and sit down if you're lucky enough to catch one of the few available seats.
The food is very average in my opinion, but not overly expensive if you compare it to the general price level in Xintiandi, which is also the reason for it's popularity.
Pros: Nice atmosphere, Relatively inexpensive for Xintiandi
Cons: Waiting times, Average food
Guest
Katharinenstrasse
Points +74
My favorite place in Shanghai. - Edit
Food is fantastic, so much choice and creativity. Absolutely tasty. Plus design is very nice - authentic temple-like but at the same time modern. Eating in this restaurant is an experience!
Read morePros: Food is awesome, Choice, Decoration
Cons: Sometimes long waiting time
Guest
anarchistanimal
Points +563
Top quality - Edit
This is an upmarket, high-quality, and very popular vegan place. The food is really creative and absolutely delicious. I went a few times and had tofu skin with pine nuts, a mushroom and broccoli dish, these scrumptious glacé sweet potato ball things, and bean vermicelli. It was all superb. The price is a bit higher than some other places (eg one time I paid 95 rmb for two dishes plus tea, the other time I paid 83 rmb for two dishes.) But it's absolutely worth it. The restaurant itself has a pleasant and stylish atmosphere.
Read morePros: Creative and delectable cuisine
Guest
Lynnetto
Points +40
Lucky Zen, Lucky Us =) - Edit
We found this place via recommendation by our friend Kim.
Read morePricing is good.
Because pricing is good, you do not have very very high expectations of the food. Which I think the price fits the value perfectly. In other words, very ethical charging, I feel.
One dish left with me a deep impression... for I am a nut lover. Its veggie with roasted walnut. I like the walnut roasted because it brings the flavor out of it.
Been here 3 times. Love it.
There is also a little shop downstairs. Love the milk-tea sachets & the vegetarian cakes (I have been using them as gifts to friends).
Thank you, Lucky Zen! =)
Pros: Affordable price, Interesting "zen-like" environment
Cons: Loooooong Q, Dark toilet, No spot lights over some area
Guest
Tofuschnecke
Points +134
Our favorite vegetarian place in Shanghai! - Edit
My boyfriend and me (both vegans) spent two months in Shanghai and, fortunately, tried the Lucky Zen very early and came back at least twice a week. The food is different from most other vegetarian places in Shanghai, I really liked it that a lot of dishes are not very oily and that they don't use a lot of mock meat.
Read moreThe staff was very friendly and one of the waiters spoke a little English, even though my boyfriend speaks some Mandarin - and it's not necessary as the menu is very detailed, explained flavors and all. We also really enjoyed the "zen-like" atmosphere, we always felt very good after our visit (and no stomach problems...you probably now what I mean...).
However, the main reason why I'm writing this menu: You HAVE TO TRY the "Fried Shiitake Mushroom Stems" and the "Shepherd's Purse Dumplings" (there are two kinds, this one is much much better)! Two things I really miss here in Germany as I can't even get proper ingredients to make it at home!
And be a little bit adventurous, some of the rather unusual dishes are very good. I won't recommend certain ones as I've been there with a lot of different people and it of course really depends on personal taste which ones you like.
Pros: excellent food, good value, nice vibe
Cons: sometimes crowded
Guest
kaapoq
Points +8
OK but not fantastic - Edit
Arrived at 18:30, waited for 15 minutes or so to get a seat. I was dining alone and had four courses. First some chinese sourkraut balls in very hot soup. This was ok, although the balls were almost tasteless. The soup had some good kick in it. Secondly I had some tomatosoup with gluten "mock meat". This tasted totally terrible and I only had a couple of spoons of this. Then I had some dumlping which were ok but not even in the vicinity of what Din Tai Fung can offer. A bit bland and unimaginative. The greenes which I had as fourth were ok. Friendly and fast service, no-one spoke English but menu was in English.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Nice Atmosphere, Large Portions
Cons: Tasted a bit bland, Narrow selection of beverages
Guest
eatinggreen
Points +608
Not the best in town, but good anyway - Edit
We ate here a few times and always enjoyed it. The staff don't speak any English but go out of their way to help navigate through the menu, which is refreshingly different to what most of the others dish up. The ambience is lovely, very cosy, quiet and minimal. They do use MSG however, so make sure you learn how to ask them not to add it (this is actually where we mastered how to say 'No Msg' in Chinese - the friendly waitor tested us on it every time we went.) I don't necessarily agree that the food is not oily either - it does really depend on what you order. We got a dish one time that was about 80% oil... if they had a more extensive tea menu the oil wouldn't be such an issue I guess. The fruit teas are just hot water with random objects floating in them without any taste so probably best avoided, especially considering the high price. And we sometimes find it hard to actually get a lot of vegetables on our plates for all the tofus, noodles, dumplings, etc. Despite all of this, Lucky Zen is still definitely a worthy dining experience in Shanghai.
Read morePros: lovely ambience, interesting menu
Cons: they do use MSG, more veges would be nice
Guest
sglcklch
Points +3065
Best veggie restaurant in town - Edit
We've been to quite a couple of vegetarian restaurants in Shanghai and this one is by far the best. They have a large menu that offers a wide variety of dishes; it was also the first time that I'd ever seen brown rice on the menu in China. Best thing is that every single item has a picture, plus a description of the main ingredients and how it would taste. They also seemed to be very light on mock meats (actually I don't recall seeing any) and the food was not swimming in grease like in most other places... and on top of that, everything was delicious!
Read morePlace was very clean with a Zen decor and easy to find. Staff was polite and friendly, food was great. Contrary to some other reviews, it wasn't busy at all when we went so no wait whatsoever. Highly recommended!
Pros: healthy yummy food, extensive menu with pics, clean quiet setting
Guest
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