In China, temples are often seen as places of worship, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life. However, a lesser-known but equally delightful aspect of temple life is the cuisine—especially the humble yet hearty vegetarian dishes served within their ancient walls. Far from the notion that vegetarian food lacks flavor or excitement, these temple-based dishes prove otherwise. From noodles to savory snacks, the temples of China serve some of the most delightful meals, blending spiritual tradition with culinary craftsmanship.
Though temple food is strictly vegetarian, the variety and depth of flavors can be surprising. Consider the staple dish in many temples: vegetarian noodles. These aren't just any noodles, but dishes steeped in rich, aromatic broths that are painstakingly crafted with an assortment of vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu, designed to nourish both the body and spirit. Let's take a look at some of the best temples to visit if you're looking for not just peace but a truly delicious vegetarian experience.
Temple Noodles
In Suzhou, a city famed for its sophisticated culinary traditions, even the temple noodles stand out. At Lingyan Mountain Temple and Xiyuan Temple, locals and tourists alike gather early in the morning to enjoy a steaming bowl of vegetarian noodles—no meat, but plenty of flavor.
Xiyuan Temple (西园寺) offers a unique vegetarian noodle experience, with dishes like "Auspicious," "Fulfillment," and "Avalokiteshvara" named after symbols of good fortune. The noodles come with various toppings, including sautéed mushrooms, tofu skin, and pickled vegetables, all enveloped in a bright, golden broth that tantalizes the senses. The broth here is made from a combination of herbs and mushrooms, which deliver a rich umami flavor.
The artistry of the noodle is further appreciated in Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), where the vegetarian noodles feature rich, earthy mushrooms and tender bamboo shoots. Each bite is a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, the perfect dish to enjoy while contemplating the surrounding natural beauty.
The Zen of Vegetarian Noodles
In Shanghai, the Longhua Temple's (龙华寺) noodles take on a more peppery, spicier personality. These noodles are not as sweet as their Suzhou counterparts but are no less delicious. The broth is fragrant with the aroma of fresh mushrooms, garlic, and a dash of white pepper. The noodles are served in a hearty broth with an assortment of vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, each swimming in a pool of rich and aromatic soup.
What's special about Longhua's noodles is not just the flavor, but the tradition of trust embedded in the meal. Visitors can enjoy their bowls first and pay afterward, a symbolic gesture reflecting the temple's emphasis on trust and the communal spirit. It's not just about eating; it's about connecting with the tradition of faith and service in a deeper, more fulfilling way.
The Best Noodles of Hangzhou
Moving to Hangzhou, the city renowned for its tea culture and picturesque landscapes, the temples here also serve a unique vegetarian noodle experience. At Lingyin Temple, one of the most popular spots is the "Arhat Noodles," named after the Buddhist figure representing enlightenment. The noodles come with a variety of toppings, from mushrooms to leafy greens, and are made even more delightful with the addition of seasonal vegetables. For a local taste of Hangzhou, the "Longevity Noodles" offer a delicious twist with pickled mustard greens and tender bamboo shoots—delightfully simple yet packed with flavor.
If you're still hungry for more, head over to Yongfu Temple (永福寺), just a short walk from Lingyin. Here, the "Double Pepper Vegetarian Chicken Noodles" steal the show. The noodles are cooked in a fragrant broth, spiced with red and green chilies. The tofu-based "vegetarian chicken" is juicy, chewy, and flavorful, a worthy substitute for meat. For something heartier, their "Fried Sauce Noodles" bring together mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and a savory, umami-packed sauce—a dish that's as comforting as it is satisfying.
Vegetarian Delights in Xiamen
While the temples of the inland cities offer a more traditional vegetarian fare, Xiamen, located by the coast, puts its own twist on temple noodles. At the Nanputuo Temple, the "Vegetarian Satay Noodles" stand out. Unlike typical satay, which is made from meat and peanuts, the vegetarian version uses mushrooms, tofu, and peanuts, creating a deep, rich flavor that complements the dish's mild spiciness. The noodles are topped with fried tofu puffs, which burst with flavor when bitten into, adding another dimension to the meal. The broth is sweet yet savory, not overly spicy, but rich enough to make you want to finish the entire bowl.
Many temples across China create dishes that are centered around the local produce available to them, highlighting the natural flavors of vegetables. Take Mount Wutai, for example, where the famous "Tai mushroom" is a vital part of the vegetarian diet. Known for its meaty texture and robust flavor, these mushrooms are often used in dumplings and noodle dishes, offering a hearty, satisfying bite that makes the meal feel indulgent despite being meat-free.
In Mount Jiuhua (九华山), visitors can savor unique local ingredients like "spicy salt bamboo shoots" or "stone ear stir-fried eggs." These ingredients are found only in the region and are so fresh that they don't require any complicated seasoning. The natural flavors are enough to make any meal feel special. Similarly, the Nanputuo Temple in Xiamen serves up an inventive dish called "fragrant mud treasure." Made with locally grown taro, this dish combines the sweetness of the root vegetable with the savory flavors of shiitake mushrooms, winter bamboo, and water chestnuts. The dish is steamed to perfection and drizzled with fragrant tea oil, making for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Sichuan's Bold Vegetarian Creations
Sichuan's temples are famous for taking vegetarian cuisine to a whole new level. Known for their fiery spice and bold flavors, the temples in Chengdu offer a range of mock-meat dishes that will surprise even the most seasoned spice lovers. The Wenshu Monastery, located in the heart of the city, offers dishes that mimic the textures of spicy Sichuan delicacies. For instance, their "mock pig's ears" (a dish made from mushrooms) comes with all the familiar textures—crunchy, chewy, and satisfying—while offering the deep, spicy, and slightly sour flavors typical of Sichuan cuisine.
Another standout is the "sweet soy braised mock pork" that looks almost identical to the real thing, with the mock pork resembling tender, marinated slices of meat. The texture is so convincing that it's easy to forget that it's vegetarian. And for those who enjoy a bit of spice, their "mock hotpot" filled with faux fish and tofu, paired with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, offers a fiery feast that will satisfy any craving for spice and heat.
Exquisite Art of Crafting Vegetarian Dishes
While it's true that temple food lacks the meat that many are accustomed to, it is far from lacking in flavor. From the Tang Dynasty onward, temples in China have employed skilled chefs, known as "Xiangji chefs," to prepare meals for the faithful. Over the centuries, these temple kitchens have perfected the art of crafting vegetarian dishes that are not only delicious but imbued with deep cultural and spiritual significance. The ingredients may be simple—beans, tofu, vegetables, and grains—but the flavors are complex, and the textures are carefully balanced to offer a satisfying and nourishing experience.
One of the standout dishes in many Chinese temples is the "vegetarian goose." This dish, particularly famous at Jingci Temple in Hangzhou, exemplifies the creativity of temple chefs. The preparation involves layers of oil-soaked tofu skin marinated in soy sauce and sugar, then steamed and fried to achieve a crispy outer layer with a soft, savory filling. The result is a dish that is so rich and flavorful, you might forget it's not made from actual goose meat. A single bite can be so satisfying that it leaves a lasting impression.
Not far behind in fame is the vegetarian crab dish at Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple. Using mashed potatoes and carrots to mimic the texture of crab meat, this vegetarian crab is seasoned with ginger, vinegar, and rice wine to recreate the sweetness and delicacy of real crab without any of the fishy undertones. Topped with chopped bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms, this dish is light, refreshing, and utterly delicious.
In Guangzhou, the Buddhist temples (大佛寺) serve up an impressive range of vegetarian offerings. At the Dafo Temple, a vegetarian buffet includes everything from dim sum to Western-style desserts. But the true gem here is the "taro braised in mock pork" dish. The soft, sweet taro combines with konjac (a root vegetable used as a meat substitute) to create a texture that mimics fatty pork, served in a rich sauce that is savory yet delicate.
Some temples offer a more rustic, home-cooked experience that emphasizes the purity of their ingredients. At Ji Zhao An, located in the mountains near Dali, the dishes are simple but incredibly satisfying. The monastery serves up vegetarian dishes such as steamed pumpkin, stir-fried peas, and tofu, all made from vegetables grown on their own land. These dishes might be humble, but the freshness and quality of the ingredients make each bite feel like a taste of peace and serenity.
For those who truly want to experience the peaceful simplicity of temple cuisine, a visit to the Baiyun Temple in Guangzhou is a must. Here, the focus is on clean, light dishes that highlight the natural flavors of local vegetables. A favorite dish is the "fermented tofu," which is rich in flavor but still light and refreshing. Served alongside steamed rice or noodles, this dish feels like a true moment of tranquility.
Temple cuisine in China is a delightful discovery, one that shows the transformative power of vegetarian cooking. While temple food may be rooted in ancient traditions of vegetarianism, it is by no means lacking in flavor or creativity. From the delicate vegetarian goose to the bold Sichuan-inspired dishes, temple kitchens offer a world of flavors that even the most dedicated meat-eaters will find hard to resist. So, next time you find yourself in one of China's ancient temples, don't just pray—indulge in a delicious vegetarian feast that nourishes both the body and soul.
The Right Way to Explore Temples
When visiting a temple, simply filling your stomach with a meal is hardly enough to make the trip complete. The true essence of temple visits lies in both eating and taking something home with you. Only by combining these two can you truly master the art of temple exploration.
Suzhou's West Garden Temple offers a perfect example of how to enjoy both the culinary and spiritual sides of temple life. There, you can begin by enjoying a bowl of noodles, then head over to the back garden to pet the temple's cats, and before leaving, don't forget to pick up some vegetarian buns for the road. It's fascinating how a simple bun filled with vegetables and mushrooms—just like those sold in convenience stores—can taste so much fresher and more comforting. Maybe it's the heartwarming atmosphere of the temple, or perhaps it's just the perfect balance of filling and flavor that makes these buns irresistible. Standing on the street, eating one of these buns, you'll soon have others eyeing you with envy.
In Hangzhou, the Fa Jing Temple (法净寺) knows how to cater to its visitors. A few years ago, the temple went viral after airing hundreds of pounds of cabbage in front of its Buddha hall. While the temple may be humble, the autumn season is when its culinary prowess really shines. The renowned "Orchid Dried Tofu" always brings in crowds. The tofu is cut into thin strips, resembling delicate paper flowers, and served with either salty or spicy dipping sauce. It's the perfect snack, and it's hard to stop eating once you start—before you know it, you've polished it off completely.
Spring time at Ji Ming Temple
In spring, Ji Ming Temple (鸡鸣寺) is famous not only for its beautiful cherry blossoms but also for its delicious vegetarian dishes. After enjoying the beauty of the flowers and taking a few photos, why not indulge in a bowl of noodle soup topped with vegetarian shrimp and eggs? Pair it with a few savory dumplings or a traditional dessert "ruyi cake" (如意糕) to make the most of your spring visit. The "ruyi cake" is highly praised for its perfect balance—neither too sweet nor too rich. It features a fragrant rice dough wrapped around a filling of black sesame paste, making it an ideal companion for a cup of fragrant tea.
Shanghai: Sweet and Savory Temptations
In Shanghai, Longhua Temple's vegetarian snacks have earned a reputation far beyond the city's borders. Their mooncakes, made without meat, have gained such fame that they've become serious competitors to the traditional savory pork mooncakes during Mid-Autumn Festival. The green bean cake from Longhua Temple is equally beloved, soft and sweet with just the right hint of freshness. However, if you're seeking something truly unique, visit the Fa Cang Temple. Here, you can enjoy a delightful fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, such as their "vegetarian butterfly pastries" and "curry dumplings." Their vegetarian salad dressing, surprisingly rich and creamy despite being entirely plant-based, is so good that you might find yourself taking a jar home as a souvenir.
In today's fast-paced world, visiting a temple feels a little like finding an oasis in the middle of a desert. With the randomness and chaos of everyday life, offering a prayer and lighting a few incense sticks can provide a brief, peaceful respite. And what better way to ease your mind than with a plate of delicious food? Eating comforting vegetarian dishes allows you to experience both the tranquility and nourishment that the temple offers.
Next time you visit a temple, don't just look around and reflect—indulge in some delicious food, pack a few treats for later, and leave with a full belly and a calm spirit. Whether you're enjoying the fresh air outside or savoring a quiet moment within, the perfect temple visit is a blend of spiritual peace and gastronomic satisfaction.
