Food History of Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu, China

Wenshu Monastery, located in Chengdu, is known for its deep cultural heritage and as a site of historical importance in Chinese Buddhism. The monastery, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, has not only served as a spiritual center but has also been integral in the development of vegetarian cuisine in the region. Over time, the monks at Wenshu Monastery have refined their vegetarian cooking techniques, creating dishes that adhere to Buddhist principles while satisfying the palate.

Eating vegetarian food is part of the Buddhist way of life, promoting non-violence and compassion towards all beings. The vegetarian cuisine associated with Wenshu Monastery, therefore, is rich in varieties of mock meats and creative uses of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms to create flavorsome and nutritious meals. These traditions have been passed down through generations and continue to influence the food culture in and around the monastery.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu, China

1. Vegetarian Hotpot (Veg): A spicy and aromatic broth filled with an assortment of vegetables, tofu, and mock meats.
2. Kung Pao Tofu (Veg): A vegetarian take on the classic Sichuan dish with tofu cubes, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy sauce.
3. Mapo Tofu (Veg): Soft tofu cooked in a fiery bean sauce with chili and peppercorns, minus the ground meat found in traditional versions.
4. Stir-fried Mushrooms with Vegetables (Veg): A simple yet delicious medley of local mushrooms and crisp vegetables.
5. Vegetarian Dumplings (Veg): Dumplings stuffed with an assortment of finely minced vegetables and sometimes accented with tofu or mock meats.
6. Steamed Vegetable Buns (Veg): Fluffy bao buns filled with seasoned vegetables.
7. Sweet and Sour Lotus Root (Veg): Slices of lotus root cooked in a tangy and sweet sauce.
8. Braised Eggplant (Veg): Eggplant braised in a rich soy-based sauce with garlic and ginger.
9. Sichuan Noodles with Peanut Sauce (Veg): Noodles tossed in a creamy and spicy peanut sauce, often topped with chopped nuts and vegetables.
10. Vegetarian Sichuan Pickles (Veg): Tangy and sometimes spicy pickled vegetables, a perfect side dish to balance out a meal.

Top Famous Restaurants in Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu, China

• Wenshu Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant
  Address: No.66 Wenshuyuan Street, Qingyang District
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Hotpot (Veg)
• Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant
  Address: Inside Wenshu Monastery
  Famous Food: Mapo Tofu (Veg)
• Yi Zhai Yi Shu Vegetarian Creative Restaurant
  Address: 2nd Ring Rd, North 1st Section, Jinniu District
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Dumplings (Veg)
• Zao Zong Ji Vegetarian Tea House
  Address: No.15 Wenshufang Street, Qingyang District
  Famous Food: Stir-fried Mushrooms with Vegetables (Veg)
• Qingyang Vegan Restaurant
  Address: Just outside Wenshu Monastery
  Famous Food: Steamed Vegetable Buns (Veg)
• Non-Veg Restaurants: While the monastery area is known for its vegetarian cuisine, nearby restaurants serving non-vegetarian food are also available, and they typically offer traditional Sichuan dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan Boiled Fish, and Shredded Pork in Garlic Sauce, excluding any dishes containing cow derived ingredients.