The Vibrant Hong Kong Table Cookbook by Christine Wong

The Vibrant Hong Kong Table is a stunning homage to Hong Kong, reimagining 88 beloved classic dishes as vibrant, plant-based meals.

A common Chinese greeting is 食咗飯未呀? (“Have you eaten yet?”), a phrase Christine Wong fondly remembers her paternal grandmother using to welcome her home during her childhood in Hong Kong. Food was the essence of love, with family gatherings celebrated through shared meals, from elaborate nine-course banquets to cozy home-cooked dinners. After transitioning to a vegan lifestyle for health and sustainability reasons, Christine sought to recreate the familiar flavors and textures of her family’s cuisine without animal products.

This book celebrates Hong Kong’s iconic dishes with a vegan twist, organized to reflect a day of eating across the city while honoring its rich culinary heritage. The vibrant, vegetable-based recipes include:

Breakfast and Dim Sum 點心: Sampan Congee, Lotus Leaf Rice, “Egg” Tarts

Cha Chaan Teng 茶餐廳 and Lunchbox Favorites: Baked Tempeh Chop Rice, Black-Pink Pepper Cabbage Steak, Jackfruit Brisket Noodles

Family-Style Dinners, from Festival Foods to Dai Pai Dongs 大牌檔: “Fish Fragrant” Eggplant, Sweet & Sour Cauliflower, Snow Skin Mooncakes

Siu Yeh 宵夜 (Late-Night Snacks) and Sweets: Curry “Fishballs,” Three Treasures, Hong Kong Sweet Buns

Throughout the book, “Hong Kong Highlights” provide insights into cultural practices like balancing yin and yang and the tradition of family-style dining. Additionally, Mama Wong shares tips on using ingredients such as lotus root, taro, and salted oranges, allowing readers to dive deep into the culinary and social traditions of Hong Kong.

With its stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and accessible instructions, The Vibrant Hong Kong Table offers a treasure trove of fresh, inspiring vegan recipes that bring the essence of this magnificent city into your home.