Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of the Po Lin Monastery, far from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong city life, lies a hidden gem for vegetarian cuisine enthusiasts. After climbing hundreds of staircases to the Big Buddha, your hunger brings you to the Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant, where food becomes another integral part of your journey.
The restaurant offers an assortment of vegetarian dishes, but the "Deluxe Meal (two persons Set) 貴賓齋 二人套餐" stands out as the best deal. For just $300, this set includes rice, soup, and four diverse vegetarian dishes - a feast that will leave you more than satisfied! The four dishes consist of Deep Fried Spring Rolls (脆皮炸春卷), Asparagus with Mix Mushroom & Cashew Nut (碧綠如意炒), Black Mushroom with Vegetable (冬菇扒時蔬), and Deep Fried Bean Curd sheet with Lemon Sauce (西檸鮮竹片). Despite all dishes being vegetarian, the sequence in which you savor them does make a noticeable difference.
We suggest beginning with Deep Fried Bean Curd sheet with Lemon Sauce. The hint of sourness in the lemon bamboo slices is particularly effective at stimulating appetite, a feature especially beneficial amidst the warmer weather in Hong Kong, serving to jumpstart your dining experience. This should be followed by Asparagus with Mix Mushroom & Cashew Nut, a mouth-watering blend of green beans, chopped mushrooms, and cashews that you'll certainly relish with an eager appetite.
The third dish is Asparagus with Mix Mushroom. This dish serves as a palate cleanser, a milder option after tasting the more robust flavors of the previous dishes. While the taste may be somewhat subtle, the distinctive texture of shiitake mushrooms pairs well with the seasonal vegetables.
Finally, the spotlight is on the show-stopper of the meal - the crispy spring rolls. Their allure might have drawn your attention from the start, but saving them for last will not diminish your craving in the least. The spring rolls, with their crispy exterior enveloping a generous filling of vegetables and vermicelli, will round off your meal with a satisfying crunch.
Dining at the Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant is not just about savoring a delicious meal but also about immersing oneself in the Buddhist philosophy of harmony and balance. Whether you are a vegetarian food lover, a culinary adventurer, or simply someone seeking a serene dining experience, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.