The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located in the northeastern part of Beijing, China. While the temple itself is primarily a place of worship and does not have a direct culinary history, it is situated in Beijing, a city with a rich and diverse gastronomic heritage. The surrounding area reflects this heritage, offering a variety of traditional Chinese foods that align with the customs and dietary laws observed by Buddhist monks, many of whom follow a vegetarian diet.
Over the years, as Lama Temple became more popular with both pilgrims and tourists, nearby eateries started to adapt their menus to cater to the diverse preferences of visitors, including the vegetarian dishes favored by Buddhist traditions. Today, you can find an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods influenced by regional Chinese cuisines near the temple.
Famous Food: Zhajiangmian (Veg/Non-Veg)
Famous Food: Buddha's Delight (Veg): An assortment of braised vegetables and tofu.
Famous Food: Peking Duck Wraps (Non-Veg)
Famous Food: Vegan Mock Duck (Veg): A plant-based take on Beijing's famed duck dish.
Famous Food: Customizable Hot Pot (Veg/Non-Veg): Choose from a variety of broth bases and ingredients, including ample vegetarian options.