What Is Taiwan’s Vegetarian Food (素食, sùshí)?

“Sùshí” (素食) is the Taiwanese word for vegetarian food. Taiwan has many eateries serving it, with Chinese-style seasoning applied to plant-based dishes.

The Buddhist connection

In Buddhist-style sùshí, some places avoid the “five pungent vegetables” such as garlic and onions. Other vegetarian places do not apply that rule, so it differs from shop to shop.

The main hall of Zhaoqing Buddhist Temple in Dalin, Chiayi — The front of Zhaoqing Buddhist Temple in Dalin, Chiayi County, Taiwan. Photo: Mk2010 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Cover image: A vegetarian meal box provided for volunteers at the Jing Si Hall in Guandu, Taipei. Photo: Allervous / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Where to try it now

Little Tree Food (Da’an) in Taipei is one example of a modern vegetarian restaurant.

ComChay will add more Taiwanese eateries and temples as we are able to confirm them.

A small restaurant with a large 素食 (vegetarian) sign on a Taipei street at night — The storefront of Zhen Zhen Vegetarian Restaurant in Songshan District, Taipei. Photo: 玄史生 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons