Modern Chinese vegetarian cuisine is more than just tofu and greens. With innovative plant-based twists on traditional recipes, it’s become a delicious, vibrant, and healthy way to explore Chinese food without meat. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, these dishes combine classic flavors with modern ingredients and cooking techniques.
Here are 10 modern Chinese vegetarian dishes you simply must try.
1. Vegan Mapo Tofu
Traditionally made with pork, the vegan version replaces meat with mushrooms or textured soy protein, simmered in a spicy Sichuan sauce made with doubanjiang, chili oil, and fermented black beans. It’s bold, numbing, and full of umami.
2. Crispy Lotus Root Patties
Modern vegetarian chefs have turned lotus root into delicious patties mixed with mashed tofu, scallions, and spices. Pan-fried until golden and served with a tangy soy dipping sauce, they’re crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
3. Plant-Based Peking “Duck”
This reinvented classic uses roasted bean curd sheets or king oyster mushrooms to mimic the texture of duck. Served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and cucumber, it captures the spirit of the original with a fully vegan twist.
4. Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles
A spicy Sichuan noodle dish usually containing minced pork, this version substitutes tofu crumbles or shiitake mushrooms. It’s drenched in a nutty sesame sauce with chili oil, giving you the same satisfying heat and richness.
5. Char Siu Mushrooms (Vegan BBQ “Pork”)
This modern take uses king oyster mushrooms or seitan marinated in a sweet-savory char siu sauce and roasted until caramelized. A perfect meatless option for BBQ lovers.
6. Braised Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Silky, tender eggplant braised in a garlicky, slightly spicy sauce. It’s a staple in Chinese vegetarian households and often featured in upscale plant-based restaurants for its rich flavor profile.
7. Vegetarian Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
With the rise of plant-based innovation, soup dumplings are now available with mushroom or jackfruit fillings and agar-based soup jelly. They burst with flavor while staying 100% meat-free.
8. Buddha’s Delight 2.0
This updated version of the traditional vegetarian medley features carefully curated ingredients like goji berries, asparagus, tofu skin, shiitake mushrooms, and snow peas, sautéed with light soy and sesame oil for a clean, vibrant flavor.
9. Vegan Wontons in Chili Oil
Filled with napa cabbage, shiitake, and tofu, these wontons are soft, spicy, and comforting. The red chili oil adds a satisfying punch without overpowering the delicate flavors inside.
10. Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu Sauce
A simple but bold dish featuring tender water spinach leaves tossed in a creamy fermented tofu sauce—salty, tangy, and packed with depth. It’s a modern upgrade to a rural classic.
Chinese vegetarian cuisine has come a long way, embracing modern cooking techniques and global inspiration while staying rooted in centuries-old traditions. From veganized street food to elevated temple-style dishes, these 10 creations prove that plant-based eating can be both deeply satisfying and culturally rich.
If you’re exploring Modern Chinese Vegetarian food, don’t miss out on these incredible dishes—they’re fresh, flavorful, and full of plant-powered magic.
