XICHENG WEST DISTRICT. Popular with everyone from health freaks to Buddhist monks, this clean, friendly, vegetarian restaurant is a must for aficionados of organic food. Delectable dishes include "shanyao geng" (yam broth with mushrooms), "ruyi haitai juan" (vegetarian sushi rolls), and the fruity "liangban zi lusun" (purple asparagus salad). There are also imitation meat dishes (mainly soy and mushroom concoctions), bamboo shoots and lots of tofu.

Snuggled away inside a quiet series of beautiful old courtyards, this restaurant is one of Beijing's best kept secrets in vegetarian fare. Like many vegetarian diners in China, there's still fish on the menu, so ask before you order. Portions are large ­ try the finger rolls, eggplant cubes, and strir-fried tofu with mushrooms.

Ever heard of Daoist cuisine? Well, apparently, the Zhengyi school of Daoism in Sichuan province created vegetarian dishes for longevity and virility. Now they have brought the mystic recipes to Beijing. Set inside an old archway, you'll find a Daoist prayer hall where set meals are served (150 CNY). The meal includes fresh dumplings, red bean rolls, medicinal herbs and ... liver and pork dishes!