Mekong Cafe

Although the menu doesn't have loads of veggie options, what's great about this restaurant is that the chef will cook you anything you want. If it's not simply a veggie version of what's on the menu then he may need to know in advance to get the ingredients he needs from the market.

Most of the menu is meat dishes, with an emphasis on western food - burgers etc. However there is a modest vegetarian section on the menu with mostly Chinese and some western dishes (eg lasagne). Only a couple of vegan options.

But the workers were friendly and happy to serve me vegan food. And the atmosphere is pleasant with books and art inside and a quiet courtyard out the back. It seems to be aimed at tourists and wealthy locals who want to eat western food. Prices are higher than cafes for locals, but not too bad. I paid 28 rmb for a tofu and veggie dish and a fresh fruit juice. I guess this is a good place to go if you're a western tourist missing home, but vegetarians, vegans and those in search of a more authentic Chinese experience will be disappointed.

I had much better (and more authentic) experiences going to local Chinese cafes armed with a piece of paper explaining that you're vegan (and what that means) in Chinese.