素食食材 Mushrooms, Beans, Tofu & Seaweed
Are you a vegetarian or simply a fan of plant-based protein? Taiwan and China offer an incredible variety of mushrooms (菇類菇类), beans (豆類豆类), tofu/soy products (豆製品豆制品), and seaweeds (海帶類海带类). Let’s explore the vocabulary for these delicious ingredients!
Taiwan’s Unique Vegetarian Culture (素食天堂素食天堂)
Taiwan is frequently ranked as one of the most vegetarian-friendly destinations in the world! Because Buddhism is highly prevalent in Taiwan, vegetarian cuisine is everywhere and incredibly diverse.
However, Taiwanese Buddhist vegetarianism is a bit different from standard Western vegetarianism or veganism—it strictly prohibits the use of any “pungent spices” (五辛五辛). This means absolutely no garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, or chives are allowed in the cooking. So when you visit a local vegetarian restaurant (素食餐廳素食餐厅), you can expect intensely flavorful and creative dishes, just completely free of garlic and onions!
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are heavily used in hotpots, stir-fries, and soups. They add a deep, umami flavor to any vegetarian dish.
Beans
Beans are essential in Chinese cuisine, not just as vegetables, but also as ingredients for sweets, snacks, and rich sauces.
Soy Products & Tofu
Tofu is just the beginning! The variety of textures achieved with soybeans in Chinese cuisine is truly an art form.
Tofu Textures: Firm vs Soft
Firm Tofu (板豆腐老豆腐): Sturdy and holds its shape well. It’s the go-to choice for pan-frying, braising, or tossing into a hearty stir-fry.
Silken/Soft Tofu (嫩豆腐嫩豆腐): Delicate, smooth, and pudding-like. Perfect for soups, mapo tofu, or simply served cold with a dash of soy sauce and century egg.
Seaweed, Kelp & Algae
Rich in minerals and collagen, seaweeds are often used to create flavorful broths, refreshing cold appetizers (涼拌菜凉拌菜), or healthy desserts.
Must-Know Phrases for Vegetarians
Use these phrases to ensure your meal is strictly plant-based and exactly how you need it.
