Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hong Kong - World Peace Cafe @ Wan Chai *CLOSED DOWN*

A pity i heard this cafe closed down. If you have more info, do let me know!
I've always wondered why many people told me its difficult to find vegetarian places in Hong Kong. In fact, I personally find Hong Kong has many more restaurants than Singapore.
Many Years back my sis gave me this Vegetarians Eateries Link (http://www.vegsochk.org/shops/vegilist.htm) and it has always been a "Manual" which I've referred to whenever I have the chance to visit HK. I think this website is perfectly well-maintained, and it includes all the places that you can go to according to the MTR station.
Do note that some places may not be updated as I found 1 cafe closed down. However, most of the restaurants are still around. The only thing is that this whole list is in Mandarin. Do let me know if you need the information in English, I can TRY to translate them for you.
About World Peace cafe, I must thank my bestie for firstly checking it out and bringing me there to eat.
World Peace is a cafe that serves organic vegetarian food, organic coffees, fruit juices and herbal teas.
Opened in 2005 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, this cafe aims to create an oasis amist the hustle and bustle life in HK. The aim of is to offer people a place to unwind and enjoy healthy food in a relaxing setting. You can also shop for books and health food there.

Inside the cafe, there is a carving of "天下太平" on the wall, which means World Peace, the altimate aim and wish of many people I guess.
Set Lunch HKD 88

The lunch set menu price ranges from HKD 68 to 128. Franny and I took the HKD 88 meal which comprises of a starter, a main and a drink. Do note that the conversion rate is approximately 1SGD: 5.8HKD at the moment. May not be cheap, but well, the living standards in Hong Kong is high, hence do note that you would not be able to find a $2 mixed vegetables rice there.
For our main, we both chose the baked potato with salad, which is a healthy and sweet mix. The potato is well baked. Do note that all food served is organic with minimal taste so people who do have a strong taste bud, you will find organic food a little bland or even tasteless, but well, its good for a change at times, for a healthier body!


I chose the tomato spaghetti while franny took the pumpkin curry rice. The spaghetti was really fine but it isnt the usual angel's hair that i knew, so im not too sure what is this type of noodle. The serving was really big and I almost couldnt finish the entire plate. Sauce wise, rather authentic but sadly not much ingredients.
As for the curry rice, it wasn't spicy and tasted okay. Ingredients comprise of Tofu, carrots and Cucumbers.

Lastly a drink that makes us refreshed!
Its a healthy meal which did not have any fried, any mock meat involved. If you are an avid health enthusiast or looking for some peace, this is quite a nice place to chill. There is even a medication centre. The good news is World Peace cafe is opening an outlet right on our shores! The boss has confirmed with me that they would be opening an outlet in Chinatown. I will keep all of you updated then.
Location: 21-23 Tai Wong Street East Wanchai HK Tel: 2527-5870 Website: http://www.worldpeacecafe.hk/ Opening Hours: Lunch (12 to 2.30); Dinner (6.30 to 9.30) , Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays


Monday, January 10, 2011

Recipes - Shared in VegVibe *Xmas Creations*

Happy 2011 to everyone! I'm totally happy to have met some of you and even recevived wonder email informations on the new places opening, shifting etc. Thank you so much! Though we are all doing this for free, Im sure we are all happy to share such information since its an avenue for us. For contributors who have helped in my blog, thanks once again, and keep your writings coming, I will arrange for them to be up as and whenever possible.
So for the start of the year, i'll like to share some recipes.
Its was my pleasure to be able to share some recipes in VegVibe (Nov/Dec Copy), the one and Only FREE Vegetarain magazine in SG.
Here are the pages that had my recipes:




It was for the Xmas Season, but I personally like these dishes whole year round, so do try it if you can!


Munchy Tofu Balls (Jingle Bells) *Makes 15 balls*
2 Small Firm Bean curd
3 Water Chestnut (Finely Chopped)
3 White Button Mushrooms (Finely Chopped)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Italian herbs
½ tablespoon Soya Sauce
½ tablespoon Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon Self Raising Flour

Method:
1. In a bowl, mesh bean curd and mix all ingredients in evenly except self raising flour.
2. Once all ingredients are mixed, fold in the self raising flour.
3. Mould mixtures into balls and deep fry.



Wasabi Salad Sauce
10g wasabi (Add more if you like it more spicy)
20g Vegan Mayonnaise

In a mixing bowl, mix both sauces together till smooth. Ready to Serve

Minestrone Soup (Santa Stew) *For 2 Servings*
4 Cups Water
4 Cups Diced Tomatoes Or Tomato Puree
10g Carrots (Finely diced)
1 stalk Celery (Finely Diced)
½ tablespoons mixed herbs (Oregano, rosemary, basil)
3 White Button Mushrooms (Finely Diced)
10g Capsicums (Finely Diced)
10g Cabbage (Shredded)
20g Macaroni Pasta
½ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Pepper
½ tablespoon Vegan margarine

Method
1. In a pot, combine all ingredients except the pasta and margarine. Simmer over low heat till all vegetables are tender.
2. Add in the Pasta and cook until pasta is soft. Add in Margarine and stir till it melts.
3. Ready to Serve.



Herbs Mushrooms Tortillas (Wrapped Present) *1 Serving*
1 Tortilla Wrap
2 Lettuce *or any vegetables of your choice*
¼ Carrot (Shredded)
¼ Capsicum (Sliced)
1 tablespoon Tomato Puree
1 tablespoon wasabi mayo sauce

3 White Button Mushrooms (Sliced)

Mushroom Seasoning
1 tablespoon Vegan Margarine
1 tablespoon Vegan Mayonnaise
½ teaspoon Italian herbs
1 Pinch of Salt
½ teaspoon Black Pepper

Method
1. In a medium heat pan, melt vegan margarine. Add in mushrooms and stir fry till fragrant.
2. Add in rest of seasoning except Mayonnaise. Lift mushrooms from the pan into a mixing bowl.
3. Add in mayonnaise and spread evenly. Cool for later use.
4. Warm wrap slightly in a microwave oven for 30 seconds
5. On the preparation table, lay the slightly warmed wrap. Spread tomato puree evenly as a base sauce.
6. Add on lettuce, and Carrots with a spread of Wasabi Mayo on the vegetables.
7. Lay capsicum and mushrooms on top.
8. Roll up the prepared wrap and cup into half. Ready to Serve




Soy Almond Jelly with Avocado Puree *For 3 Servings*

30g Soymilk Powder
360ml Water
90ml Almond Syrup
½ tablespoon Agar Agar powder
3 tablespoon Sugar

Avocado Puree
½ Avocado (Sliced)
30ml Almond Syrup
30ml Water
1 tablespoon Sugar

Method
1. In a blender, blend all ingredients for Avocado Puree together. Add a little more water if its too thick. Refrigerate for later use.
2. Add Soymilk Powder with 90ML of water and stir well till it completely dissolves. Set aside.
3. Dissolve Agar Agar Powder in 270ML of water. Add in Almond Syrup and Sugar and stir.
4. Slowly Add in Soymilk Mixture. Stir constantly and simmer over low heat for another 2 minutes.
5. Using a sieve, pour mixture into a mould and set aside to cool.
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour
7. On a serving plate, spread avocado puree evenly. Place the Jelly on the puree and its ready to serve. *May add fruits to it as well*