It is a scientific fact we cannot avoid anymore–the meat industry is one of the most significant contributors to climate change. Moreover, all the influential health organizations claim that reduced meat consumption and going mostly plant-based is beneficial for your health. Of course, there’s no forcing a diet on everyone but going meatless has its benefits. For your upcoming Meatless Mondays, or our vegetarian and vegan readers, here is a list of the best vegetarian and vegan places in Macau that will not disappoint!
– Vegetarian and Vegan only –
Chakra Space
(see the featured image above)
Meng Wong says that Chakra Space reflects his lifestyle, and it shows. It sort of feels like visiting that one buddy of yours that is all about a healthy lifestyle, spirituality, and art. Moreover, he is also a talented chef.
In fact, it is the owner who is responsible for all the food preparation here. Vegan food with a sustainable approach is what he cooks. Dishes arrive at the table presented in such a homey yet stylish way that an Instagram post must be made. Most of the menu is based on Asian flavors, some curries with mushrooms and vegetables, and delicious desserts are available too. Four-legged friends are welcome here, by the way.
Opening hours: Daily, 12:30pm–6:00pm, 7:00pm–10:00pm
Chakra Space 19 Calcada da Barra, Macau, +853 6677 8669, www.facebook.com/octaspace1
Also read: Chakra Space: Finding Balance Through Wholesome Food
Sum Yuen in Pou Tai Monastery
Sum Yuen is a well-hidden vegan restaurant in the Taipa Buddhist monastery. Not many spots in the city have such a tranquil vibe as this place. It might lack sophistication and trendiness, but it all boils down to food. Well, Sum Yuen delivers that. They mainly serve Chinese, vegetarian dishes such as marinated tofu, cabbage rolls, and many mushroom-based options like the skewers above. Besides, there is a Japanese section if you like veggie rolls. As the menu is pretty extensive, it’s best to come with friends and order several things to share.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30am–3:00pm, 5:30pm–10:30pm
Sum Yuen Pou Tai Temple, 5 Estrada Lou Lim Ieok, Taipa, +853 893 0321, www.facebook.com/sumyuenmacau
Also read: Sum Yuen: Vegetarian Restaurant in Pou Tai Un Buddhist Monastery
Veggie Macau
Beautifully presented vegetarian food in a simple and cozy space–that is what you will find at Veggie Macau. Although most of the food here could easily pass your healthy diet criteria, they offer you some guilty pleasures to indulge in, like a banana chocolate waffle.
Veggie Macau’s menu is inspired by national cuisines and features dishes like tofu tikka masala, pineapple and vegetarian “meat” quesadilla, baked vegetarian bolognese spaghetti with cheese. We can’t get enough of their pastel lattes–green matcha and Japanese sweet potato which you simply must order too.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 12:00pm–9:00pm, closed on Tuesday
Veggie Macau 1-3 Rua do Tap Siac, Macau, +853 2836 6891, www.facebook.com/VeggieMacau
Also read: Macau’s Best Veggie Burgers
Ting Ting Café Restaurant and kiosk
Ting Ting Café Kiosk is located inside a small park on Praça de Jorge Álvares. You can say they sell fast food, only healthier. They started with vegetarian burgers that quickly became popular. These days, some of their bestsellers are beetroot vegetable soup, tofu burger, black pepper mushroom burger, and organic quinoa salad sushi. If you are pressed for time during lunch, this spot would be a great choice. Order some freshly squeezed juice of your choice or a smoothie to go before heading back to work or city exploring.
An older brother of the kiosk, Ting Ting Café Restaurant is a casual dining spot for vegetarians. The food served is the same, and they have a set lunch menu.
Opening hours: Kiosk: Monday–Saturday, 9:00am–7:00pm; Cafe: Daily, 10:00am–10:00pm
Ting Ting Café Kiosk Praça de Jorge Álvares, Macau, +853 6387 7345
Ting Ting Café Restaurant 4 Beco das Caixas, Macau, +853 6698 3483, www.facebook.com/TingTingCafe
Also read: Ting Ting Café: Homemade Vegetarian Burger in Macau
Vega Vega
Vega Vega is a decent option for vegetarian Italian-cuisine-inspired comfort food. They have pasta, risotto, pizza, and a bunch of plant-based starters. They substitute dairy in creamy sauces with plant-based milk, and it works perfectly in pasta and risotto. The majority of dishes are vegan, but some may contain dairy cheese. However, you can ask to substitute it for a vegan one. Besides, they offer several dishes with plant-based meat such as burgers and Omnipork bowls.
The drinks section offers some original smoothies such as dragonfruit or grape. An avocado and banana smoothie can easily make a deliciously light lunch too.
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–9:30pm
Vega Vega 9 Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Macau, +853 2880 2092, www.facebook.com/VegaVegaMacau
Harmony Village Vegetarian
If you are fond of Asian, especially Chinese flavors, check out Harmony Village Vegetarian at Barra. Steps away from the iconic A-Ma Temple, it’s a nice spot to have a meal if you are in the area. There are various dishes where you’d typically find meat or seafood with plant-based substitutes. The menu here is only in Chinese, so better bring a friend to help you out, unless you can read characters. Anyway, the staff here will do their best to help you make a satisfying choice. Personally, we like their crispy spring rolls with sweet chili sauce and fried rice with veggies.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30am–3:00pm, 5:30pm–10:00pm
Harmony Village Vegetarian 286 Rua do Almirante Sergio, Macau, +853 2833 1811, www.facebook.com/澳門紫來坊素食料理
Love Veggie
Going vegetarian doesn’t mean abandoning some of your favorite food when you have places like Love Veggie. Their veggie pizza selection worth checking out, especially the sweet potato option. Other than that, there are primarily Chinese dishes, such as fried rice, wok-fried veggies, and more. Even though the menu here is only in Chinese if you go to their Wechat page, the pictures will help you select something nice. The friendly staff will go out of their way to assist you and not let you leave the restaurant hungry.
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:00pm–10:30pm
Love Veggie 18 Estrada de Coelho do Amaral, Macau, +853 2835 8793, www.facebook.com/pages/愛素食
The Blissful Carrot*
The Blissful Carrot is a renowned Taipa Village eatery with amazingly conscious owners. Not only do they offer some of the tastiest vegetarian food in Macau, but they also regularly start-up and support sustainable and charitable initiatives. So by ordering at The Blissful Carrot, you would in a way contribute to a number of good causes.
Every now and again, they introduce new and seasonal dishes, such as vegetarian tacos, vegan ramen, or Beyond burger. Trust us, you won’t miss meat while dining there! Moreover, they make their own kombucha, sauerkraut, and coconut yogurt. Follow them on their social media to be updated on vegetarian novelties.
*The Blissful Carrot is no longer operating as a shop. However, they still sell vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as their in-house-made pantry items such as coconut yogurt and kombucha via Aomi and MFood. If you have any questions, hit them up on Facebook and WhatsApp, but orders are to be placed via the delivery applications. For their Juice Detox program and private catering, contact The Blissful Carrot on Facebook or WhatsApp.
The Blissful Carrot 79 Rua Direita Carlos Eugenio, Taipa Village, +853 6298 8433, www.facebook.com/blissfulcarrot
Also read: The Blissful Carrot: Vegetarian Food in Macau
– Loads of vegetarian options –
Puffin Cafe
Named after a cute little bird, Puffin Cafe serves salads, pasta, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Although they do have some non-vegetarian dishes, a big part of their menu is plant-based. Even better, some of the dishes can be cooked without meat on request. Besides, there are vegetarian alternatives to all-time favorites like hotdogs and burgers with Impossible and Omnipork “meat.”
Puffin’s whole wheat wrap with creamy spinach filling and stuffed portobello mushroom are firm favorites. Pair them with an avocado soy milkshake for the perfect combo. If you’re not satisfied with what they offer on the menu, you can build your sandwich or salad with some home-made mayo. Yum!
Opening hours: Thursday–Tuesday, 11:00am–9:30pm, closed on Wednesday
Puffin Cafe San Wan building, 16A Rua de Santo António, Macau, +853 2883 6663, www.facebook.com/puffincafebaron
Café Esplanada
Macau’s foodies know and love Wynn Macau’s cafe for its terrace and delicious breakfasts like its fluffy pancakes pictured above. However, Esplanada is also an excellent place for a plant-based meal. Ask for their vegetarian and vegan menu to order something meat-free. From veg alternatives to Asian classics such as egg fried rice and Phad Thai to Western salads and wraps, you won’t have a problem to find something yummy. Expect balanced flavors, high-quality ingredients, and flawless service.
Opening hours: Daily, 7:00am–10:30pm
Café Esplanada Wynn Macau, Rua Cidade de Sintra, Macau, +853 8986 3663, www.wynnmacau.com
Also read: Best Places for a Healthy Meal in Macau
North at The Venetian Macao
More and more Macau restaurants are introducing a vegetarian section on their regular menus. One of them is North at The Venetian Macao, a casual yet beautifully designed place serving affordable Northern Chinese food. With options for meat-eaters and vegans alike, North can be an ideal destination for a group of restaurant-goers with different diets. While your friend is enjoying their pork dumplings, opt for the mixed vegetable ones. If you feel like having something spicy, try the vegan “Chongqing” fried chicken, a meatless interpretation of the Sichuan traditional dish.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–3:00pm, 6:00pm–11:00pm
North Level 1, Shop 1015, The Venetian Macao, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai, +853 8118 9980, www.venetianmacao.com
Also read: Macau’s Best Dumpling Places
Cha Bei
Named after a teacup and inspired by tea ceremony traditions, Cha Bei is much more than just a cute little cafe to have some fruity tea in. Even though they do have an impressive tea selection and plenty of desserts to indulge in, they also cook great Western and Asian food here. For guests who prefer vegetables to meat and seafood, there are some tempting items. Even though the list of plant-based dishes is not that broad, some of them earned Cha Bei a spot on this list. Besides the common Impossible burger, more creative plates such as Impossible kimchi rice and Impossible Bolognese are available. These two create a serious threat to their traditional meat-based competitors!
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00am–6:00pm, closed on Monday
Cha Bei 1047, 1/F, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, +853 8883 2221, www.galaxymacau.com/cha-bei
Also read: Where to Get Poke Bowls in Macau
Brasserie
Vegetarian and vegan but make it exquisite. That’s something you can expect at Brasserie at The Parisian Macao, a casual Parisian-style restaurant with classic French dishes. While the main menu features timeless options such as Niçoise salad, foie gras, escargots, and “Cordon Bleu” chicken, turn the page to their “Green Cuisine” menu and enjoy the plant-based offers. Among other dishes, there is fresh tartar with avocado, tomato, green asparagus, red bell pepper, and crispy greens; green peas risotto and fresh egg tagliatelle with baby spinach, mushrooms, and Parmesan and butter sauce. With plates like this, Brasserie is an ideal spot for a special occasion.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:00pm–10:30pm
Brasserie, Level 3, The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8111 9200, www.parisianmacao.com/macau-restaurants/brasserie
Also read: Best French Restaurants in Macau
Lotus Palace
The home of one of the best hot pots in town, Lotus Palace at The Parisian Macao, serves exquisite Chinese regional food. On top of the attentive service and an impressive hot pot selection, Lotus Palace has something for their vegan and vegetarian guests too. Look for their “Green Cuisine” vegan menu to see what can satisfy your cravings. From vegan beef and chicken to vegetable-based plates, there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Try their signature double-boiled dendrobium flower and fresh blazei fungus soup with mushroom xiao long bao in a paper hot pot, a healthy and flavorsome dish.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:00pm–10:30pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 11:00am–3:00pm, 6:00pm–10:30pm
Also read: Lotus Palace at The Parisian Macao: Have Hot Pot Like a Pro
Indian Spice
India boasts the biggest number of vegetarians. Logically, Indian cuisine offers a significant number of vegetarian dishes. Although most of the Indian restaurants in general and in Macau particularly have vegetarian food on their menus, we’d like to give special attention to Indian Spice with an extensive vegetarian menu. Whether you opt for a rice-based meal like fragrant vegetable biriani, tikka, or something with paneer, you are up for a memorable feast. Excellent preparation, fresh ingredients, and a balanced mix of Indian spices are the winning formula of a perfect dinner here.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–11:30pm
Indian Spice 39, Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpção, Vista Magnifica Court BG/RC, Macau, +853 2872 2784, indianspicemacau.com
Also read: Best Indian Restaurants in Macau
This article was originally written in February 2019 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in December 2020 and in November 2021.
