How to Order Vegetarian Food in China
Explain your vegetarian preferences, check stock and sauces, and prepare useful Chinese questions before ordering.
Ordering in ChinaStart with what you actually avoid
Vegetarian can mean different things to different kitchens. Explain whether you eat eggs and dairy, and whether you avoid fish, seafood, animal stock and lard. A vegetable or tofu dish can still include animal ingredients.
Ask about the hidden parts
Broth, cooking fat and prepared sauces deserve a separate question. If the kitchen has already mixed the sauce, changing a garnish may not solve the problem. Tell staff your restrictions before choosing a dish, then ask what they can prepare.
Keep the conversation short
The first phrase below starts a conversation; it does not define every restriction. Use the egg-and-dairy sentence only if it describes you. Show the written Chinese if pronunciation is difficult. If you also have an allergy, explain that separately and ask about shared preparation.
A few words to show or say
Show the Chinese to staff, or use the Pinyin as a pronunciation guide.
Start here, then explain exactly which animal ingredients you avoid.
我吃素。
I am vegetarian.
Show the whole sentence and ask staff to check sauces as well.
不要肉、鱼、海鲜、荤汤和猪油。
No meat, fish, seafood, animal stock or lard, please.
Add this only if eggs and dairy are also excluded.
鸡蛋和奶制品也不吃。
I do not eat eggs or dairy either.
Sources and scope
Sources support general background, not the recipe used by a particular restaurant.