Vegetarian dim sum has to be one of my favorite restaurant meals to enjoy whether alone or with friends. I love the casual hands-on nature, and I can never resist trying to sneak a peak at the towers of bamboo steamers in the kitchen and the piles of little ceramic bowls. Chinese New Year, then, is a great opportunity to indulge, and Chinese food is filled with vegetarian and vegan options. The traditional new year celebration is a fantastic holiday, with vibrant dragon dances, colorful foods and decoration, and a rich tradition that still thrives in Chinese neighborhoods across the globe. Did I already mention the food?
In celebration of the new lunar year (Chinese New Years), here are a few of my favorite Chinese vegetarian tidbits:
Vegan Scallion Pancakes
In Taiwan, scallion pancakes are served up hot and piled high, fresh from street vendors. They're more of a snack or appetizer than a breakfast food, so enjoy them anytime, dipped in soy sauce, of course.
Vegetarian Chinese Dumplings One of the best meals I've ever had was at a small restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan. It included steamed dumplings very similar to these and dipped in a very simple soy sauce and vinegar dip. Serve hot with a good green tea.
Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup My Chinese roommate in college used to prepare this for breakfast on occasion, and I heartily ate it up! It is somewhat light, however, so feel free to add in some tofu or seitan if you want a soup that is more of a meal.
Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookies (pictured) I predict you will love this quick recipe, from Rhonda, About.com's Guide to Chinese food. Ok, so there's nothing traditional about it, but it is a fun idea!
More Vegetarian and Vegan Chinese Food Recipes Browse through dozens of easy vegetarian and vegan Chinese food favorites, including traditional classic and westernized favorites such as spicy sesame peanut noodles and tofu "egg" foo young. Enjoy!
Lucky oranges photo by stock.xchng; Fortune cookie photo by Rhonda Parkinson, About.com Guide to Chinese Food
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