True to its name, Green Sprouts Vegetarian is a haven for plant-based enthusiasts craving home-style Chinese cuisine. The restaurant, tucked away in a quiet shopping village off busy Military Road, is a calming oasis, awash with soothing shades of green. From the pale walls to the lush hanging plants and even the vibrant pandan-infused skin of their choy sum (Asian leafy green) dumplings, every detail reflects Green Sprout’s passion for a healthier way of eating based on plants.
This restaurant is the third culinary adventure for husband-wife owners Carmen Cai and Dennis Chair (Lynn Shanghai Cuisine and Madam Chai’s), but their first foray into the realm of plant-based cuisine. The duo joined forces with plant-based culinary wizard Daniel Chow (Carlingford Vegetarian Cuisine and Green Gourmet), to create a menu that intertwines traditional and modern Shanghai-style delicacies.
When you visit, we reckon Green Sprouts’ yum cha is the best place to start. You might go for the handmade wontons in spicy sauce; steamed barbecue pork buns; or vegetarian stew mai, before moving on to their signature tea-smoked Peking duck pancakes in hoisin sauce. Like any traditional Chinese restaurant, there’s sizzling Mongolian beef; sweet and sour pork; salt and pepper tofu; deep-fried Szechuan chilli chicken; and barbecue char siu, however, all dishes are prepared without a meat product in sight. Honestly, it’s hard to tell them apart from the real deal, in both looks and taste.
While Green Sprouts has the classics down pat, the restaurant also gives your favourite Chinese flavours a twist with plates like truffle fried rice; squid with native spiced salt; and seaweed fish (made from tofu skin) with five pickled vegetables in sweet and sour sauce.
Green Sprouts honours the tradition of tea in Chinese cuisine, with a selection of organic teas like green sencha and oolong rock, however, you’ll also find alcoholic beverages and mocktails. Or, you can BYO vegan wine for a $5 corkage fee per person.
On any night, the restaurant buzzes with a mix of vegans, their loyal friends and locals. With its spacious dining room and airy balcony, the restaurant provides ample space for groups to come together and have a good time. Bring your best mates and get stuck in.