The Ultimate 2025 List of Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants in Yangshuo

China Explorer Tour

·October 3, 2025

·11 min read

Are you a vegetarian or vegan traveler? You probably feel the excitement of finding amazing vegetarian food in a new place. Yangshuo offers incredible options for you. For a quick start, check out these top vegetarian friendly spots:

Mei You Cafe (NAVA)
Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant
NAMO NAMO GANGA IMPRESSION

Ready for more? This guide goes beyond a simple list. We give you detailed reviews and must-try dish ideas. You can easily find the best vegetarian friendly restaurants in Yangshuo and enjoy delicious plant-based dishes on your trip.

Key Takeaways

Yangshuo has many great restaurants for vegetarians and vegans.
Mei You Cafe, Pure Lotus, and NAMO NAMO are top choices for plant-based meals.
Learn simple Chinese phrases like "wǒ chī sù" (I am vegetarian) to order food easily.
Always tell staff your dietary needs clearly, especially if you are vegan.
China Explorer Tour can help plan your trip and find vegetarian food across China.

TOP VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN YANGSHUO

You've come to the right place to find the best vegetarian food in Yangshuo! This town is full of delicious surprises for every vegetarian and vegan traveler. Let's dive into the top spots that make this one of the best vegetarian friendly destinations.

MEI YOU CAFE (NAVA)

Mei You Cafe, also known as NAVA, is a legendary spot among travelers. It's one of the most beloved vegetarian friendly restaurants in Yangshuo. The owner is incredibly welcoming and understands vegetarian and vegan needs perfectly. You will feel right at home here.

Must-Try Dishes: You absolutely have to try their famous vegetarian "Fish" in Beer Sauce. It's a local specialty made completely plant-based. The Stuffed Tofu and the creamy Pumpkin Curry are also fantastic vegetarian dishes. Many items can be made vegan upon request.
Ambiance & Location: The cafe has a cozy, rustic vibe. It sits on the scenic Yulong River path, making it a perfect stop during a bike ride. You can relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside views.
Price: Budget-friendly.
Pro-Tip: Let the staff know if you are vegan. They are happy to customize dishes for you and can point out all the vegan options on the menu.

PURE LOTUS VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Pure Lotus is one of the few purely vegetarian restaurants in the area. It's a must-visit for any vegetarian or vegan. The restaurant's philosophy is to turn vegetables into culinary art. Each dish is a masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes. They blend traditional Chinese flavors with a vegetarian twist, creating amazing vegetarian dishes. The restaurant prioritizes health and sustainability by using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

The owner's Buddhist beliefs guide the peaceful atmosphere. You will notice the staff includes Vietnamese Buddhist monks and nuns. However, the food is not traditional temple food. Instead, a talented Buddhist monk chef helps create vegetarian and vegan versions of popular, flavorful dishes.

Must-Try Dishes: The Assorted Mushroom Hot Pot is a warm and comforting experience. You should also try the crispy Lotus Root Patties and their impressive selection of mock meats.
Ambiance & Location: Located near West Street, the restaurant offers a calm and serene escape from the busy tourist area. The decor is elegant and inspired by Buddhist traditions.
Price: Mid-range.
Pro-Tip: This is a great place to try high-quality mock meats that even your non-vegetarian friends will enjoy. It's an ideal spot for a special dinner.

NAMO NAMO GANGA IMPRESSION

Craving something different? NAMO NAMO offers authentic Indian cuisine, which is naturally rich in vegetarian options. Indian food is a safe and delicious bet for any vegetarian or vegan traveler. This spot is one of the top vegan restaurants for flavorful meals.

Must-Try Dishes: You can't go wrong with classics like Chana Masala (chickpea curry), Aloo Gobi (potato and cauliflower), or any of their lentil daals. Be sure to order some fresh naan bread on the side.
Ambiance & Location: Situated conveniently on West Street, it has a vibrant and colorful interior. It’s a lively place to enjoy a meal after exploring the town.
Price: Mid-range.
Pro-Tip: Specify your spice preference when ordering. Also, confirm with the staff that dishes are made without ghee (clarified butter) or cream to ensure they are fully vegan.

MOOD FOOD ENERGY CAFE

Mood Food is your go-to spot for healthy, modern vegetarian food. This cafe is one of the best vegan restaurants in Yangshuo because its menu clearly marks all vegan items. This makes ordering simple and stress-free for any vegan. They offer a great mix of Western and Asian dishes, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Must-Try Dishes: The vegan smoothie bowls are a fantastic way to start your day. For lunch, try their hearty veggie wraps or a fresh salad. They offer excellent vegetarian and vegan choices.
Ambiance & Location: This is a bright, modern, and clean cafe. It provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for chilling out with a book or catching up on emails. You can find it easily near the main tourist streets.
Price: Mid-range.
Pro-Tip: Mood Food is also known for its excellent coffee and fresh juices. It's a great place to recharge your batteries after a long day of sightseeing in Yangshuo. It's one of the top vegan restaurants for a healthy boost.

RESTAURANTS WITH EXCELLENT VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Sometimes the best vegetarian food comes from places that serve a little bit of everything. The following restaurants are not exclusively vegetarian, but they are known for their amazing vegetarian dishes. You will find plenty of delicious and safe options here. These spots are fantastic additions to the list of vegetarian friendly restaurants in yangshuo.

CLOUD 9 RESTAURANT

You can find Cloud 9 Restaurant right on the lively West Street. It's a popular spot with a great atmosphere. You can sit on its second-floor balcony and watch the colorful street life below. The rooftop balcony even offers a unique view that includes a large McDonald's sign! It's a fun place to experience the energy of the town.

While not a fully vegetarian restaurant, Cloud 9 offers an impressive menu with many vegetarian dishes. The staff understands vegetarian needs well.

Must-Try Dishes: You should definitely order the classic Vegetable Dumplings and the savory Eggplant with Garlic Sauce. They also serve other wonderful vegetarian options. You might enjoy the creamy Tomato Basil Bisque or a fresh Asian Crunch salad. Their pizzas, like the Pesto Margherita, are also a great vegetarian choice. Many items can be made vegan, so don't hesitate to ask.
Ambiance & Location: It has a bustling, energetic vibe thanks to its prime location on West Street. It's perfect for dinner after a day of exploring.
Price: Mid-range.

A Tip for the Careful Vegetarian: When ordering at non-specialist restaurants in Yangshuo, always be clear about your dietary needs. Some local dishes sound vegetarian but are not. For example, Pork Stuffed Tofu and Stuffed Li River Snails both contain minced pork. Being specific helps you get the vegetarian food you want. A truly vegetarian traveler knows to always double-check.

LUCY'S CAFE & BAR

Lucy's Cafe & Bar is a long-standing favorite among travelers in Yangshuo. It's your best bet for Western comfort food. If you are a vegetarian or vegan craving a taste of home, this is your spot. The menu is very vegetarian friendly and has clear labels.

This place is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a relaxed lunch. The team at Lucy's is accustomed to international travelers, so they understand what "vegetarian" and "vegan" mean. This makes ordering stress-free for any vegetarian or vegan person.

Must-Try Dishes: Their Vegetable Burgers are fantastic. You can also get a filling Breakfast Burrito to start your day. Lucy's also offers excellent Mexican-inspired vegetarian dishes. You can try the Huevos Rancheros or a cheesy Mexican Quesadilla. The best part? Many of these have a vegan option available. A vegan traveler will find many satisfying choices here.
Ambiance & Location: Lucy's has a laid-back, friendly cafe atmosphere. It's a comfortable place to relax and meet other travelers.
Price: Budget to Mid-range.

Vegan Pro-Tip: Lucy's is great for a vegan diet, but always state your needs clearly. For example, the Mexican Scramble can be made vegan. Just ask them to hold the eggs and cheese. Confirming your order ensures you get a delicious and fully vegan meal. This is a top vegetarian friendly spot for a reason!

ESSENTIAL PHRASES FOR ORDERING VEGETARIAN FOOD

Navigating menus in a new language can be tricky. You want to enjoy delicious local food without any unwanted surprises. Learning a few key phrases in Mandarin will make ordering your vegetarian food much easier and more confident. Let's get you prepared! 🗣️

I AM VEGETARIAN

This is the most important phrase for any vegetarian traveler. It's your starting point in almost any restaurant.

Phrase: 我吃素
Pinyin: wǒ chī sù
English: I am vegetarian.

A Cultural Tip: The phrase wǒ chī sù is often understood as "Buddhist vegetarianism." This type of vegetarian diet can sometimes include eggs and dairy. So, if you are a strict vegetarian or a vegan, you will need to be more specific.

NO MEAT, PLEASE

Sometimes you need to be direct and simple. These phrases are perfect for double-checking a dish or making a quick request.

Phrase: 不要肉
Pinyin: bú yào ròu
English: No meat, please.
Phrase: 这个有肉吗?
Pinyin: zhè ge yǒu ròu ma?
English: Does this have meat?

Be aware that in Chinese cooking, tiny bits of meat are sometimes used for flavor or decoration. The staff might not even consider it "meat." Always be clear that you want a dish completely free of any meat products. This helps every vegetarian get the right meal.

TIPS FOR VEGAN TRAVELERS

For a vegan traveler, being extra clear is key. The concept of being a vegan is less common, so specific language helps avoid all animal products. A dedicated vegan should use stronger phrases.

A great term to use is 纯素 (chún sù), which means "pure vegetarian" or vegan. This is better understood as excluding everything.

For maximum clarity, you can use these detailed sentences. A vegan will find them very useful.

Chinese Phrase	English Meaning
我是素食主义者。我不吃任何来自肉的食品，请麻烦不要在菜里添加任何含肉制品，海鲜，羊油，猪油，鸡精和耗油。	I’m a vegetarian. I don’t eat any meat products. Please do not use any meat products, including seafood, animal oils or fats, chicken stock powder, and oyster sauce.
我是纯素主义者。我不吃任何来自动物的食品，请麻烦不要在菜里添加任何含肉制品，海鲜，羊油，猪油，鸡精，耗油，鸡蛋，蜂蜜和奶制品。	I’m a vegan. I don’t eat any products that come from animals. Please do not use any animal products, including seafood, animal oils and fats, chicken stock powder, oyster sauce, eggs, honey, and dairy products.

Being a happy vegan in Yangshuo is totally possible! This detailed sentence is a lifesaver for any vegan. Every vegan should have this ready.

PLAN YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY WITH CHINA EXPLORER TOUR

Exploring the vegetarian food in Yangshuo is just the beginning. What if you could have amazing vegetarian and vegan meals across all of China? You can make your entire trip a culinary adventure with China Explorer Tour. We specialize in creating tours that meet your dietary needs, making your journey as a vegetarian or vegan traveler completely worry-free.

TAILORED TOURS FOR FOOD LOVERS

You can design your dream trip with our 定制行程 (Tailor-Made Tours) service. This means you get a personalized itinerary built just for you. As a vegetarian or vegan, you can focus your trip on culinary exploration. Imagine adding unique experiences to your journey, such as:

A Shanghai Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class where you visit a local market.
A private Beijing Dumpling Cooking Class in a local's home, using only vegetarian ingredients.

Our guides are ready to help you find safe and tasty dishes. Being a vegetarian or vegan in China is simple when you have a team that understands your needs.

BEYOND YANGSHUO: A TASTE OF GUIZHOU

Our expertise goes far beyond one city. Take our 9-Day Tour in Guizhou for example. This tour blends stunning landscapes with authentic local food. We can adapt this experience for any vegetarian or vegan traveler. You can enjoy the region's unique flavors without any stress. This shows our commitment to making food a highlight of your travels, no matter your diet. This is how we make being a vegan in China an exciting culinary journey.

AN IMMERSIVE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

We want every vegetarian and vegan traveler to feel completely looked after. Your comfort is our priority. As one happy vegetarian traveler said:

...everybody went out of their way with dietary needs and felt very cared for.

This is the experience we provide for every vegetarian and vegan. Just ask Tom Peacock-Nazil, who discovered China's incredible food diversity with us. His journey included everything from spicy Sichuan hotpot to delicate Jiangnan cuisine. His adventure transformed his view of food in China. We believe your journey as a vegetarian or vegan can be just as amazing. Let us handle the details, so you can enjoy every delicious moment of being a vegan in China.

Yangshuo is a fantastic destination for every vegetarian and vegan. You can find amazing plant-based dishes at dedicated vegetarian and vegan spots. Many places are vegetarian friendly, and the best vegetarian friendly restaurants in yangshuo are happy to help a vegetarian or vegan. This guide helps every vegetarian and vegan. With our tips, your journey as a vegetarian or vegan in China will be delicious. Being a vegetarian or vegan in China is a great experience for any vegetarian or vegan.

Did we miss a spot for a vegetarian or vegan? Share your finds for a vegetarian or vegan below! 👇

FAQ

Got more questions about your food journey? Here are some quick answers to help every vegetarian and vegan traveler feel prepared for Yangshuo. 🥢

### Is it easy to find vegetarian snacks in Yangshuo?

Yes! You can find fresh fruit, roasted sweet potatoes, and corn on the cob from street vendors. Many convenience stores also sell nuts and rice crackers. A vegetarian can easily find something to eat. For a vegan, checking labels on packaged snacks is always a good idea.

### How easy is it to be a vegan in Yangshuo?

It is very manageable to be a vegan in this town. Many restaurants understand vegan needs. Purely vegetarian spots like Pure Lotus and modern cafes like Mood Food are excellent for any vegan. A vegan traveler will find great options. Being a happy vegan here is simple!

### What are the best breakfast options for a vegetarian?

You have many choices as a vegetarian! Western cafes like Lucy's offer great vegetarian options like burritos. Mood Food has amazing vegan smoothie bowls. Many local noodle shops can also prepare a simple vegetable noodle soup for a vegetarian or vegan breakfast.

### What is the best way for a vegetarian to order food?

The best way for any vegetarian or vegan is to use the phrases we provided. Showing the staff the Chinese characters for "I am vegetarian" (我吃素) or "I am vegan" (我是纯素主义者) is very effective. This helps every vegetarian and vegan get the right meal.