 The
Easy Way
Looking for "authentic"
Chinese vegetarian food, but you don't speak Chinese? Forget about Chinese menus,
mysterious English names and descriptions ("Ants Climbing A Tree", "mixed
vegetables"), struggles with waiters. Never again be frustrated that you
could only sample 3 of the 50 dishes available, because the servings were
large and filling.
Just walk into
Taiwan's vegetarian buffets. Pause to let your eyes feast on the lush and
colorful display of food. Then grab a plate and go for it. Try a little
of this, try a lot of that - the obstacles between you and the food have been
removed. |
The
Food
After months
of sampling at least once a day, I never failed to be awed by the variety
of food. All the ingredients for a balanced meal are there: fruit, leafy green vegetables (raw and cooked), roots and gourds, nuts and sprouts, funghi, beans, tofu and other soy products.
There's lots of seaweed in different forms, including sushi. Eggs, dairy
products, onion and garlic are excluded. Both brown and white rice
are offered. The preparation is generally mild and lightly seasoned.
The emphasis is on health, as well as taste. |
 The
Cost
When you've finished
selecting, you will be charged according to the weight of your meal. I'm
a big eater, so it generally costs me Taiwan $165 (about US$5) per meal.
The most I've ever paid was Taiwan $250 (about US$7.58) in a fit of gluttony.
Soup is always free, but some places charge Taiwan $10 (about US $0.30)
extra for rice. |
|
Photos: Top - 186 WanTa, Taipei; Others - 5 Alley 32 Lane 216 Chungsiao E. Rd. Sec 4, Taipei
|
