Have you ever dreamed of savoring a serene vegetarian meal at Chengdu’s famous Wenshu Monastery? For many visitors, enjoying these wholesome, flavorful dishes can be surprisingly tricky. After three attempts, I finally discovered the secrets to getting the highly sought-after “Mushroom Rice” (菇菇饭) and more! In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about where to find these vegetarian meals, how to order them, and what dining options are available at Wenshu Monastery’s charming Xiangyuan Zen Dining Area (香园).
Where to Find Vegetarian Meals at Wenshu Monastery
If you’re visiting Wenshu Monastery for the first time, finding a spot to enjoy vegetarian food can be a challenge. Here’s what you need to know:
Meals Inside the Monastery: Vegetarian meals served within the monastery itself are typically not open to the public. This is why many visitors struggle to find a dining area.
Xiangyuan Zen Dining Area (香园): The public vegetarian dining area is located at Xiangyuan, not inside the monastery. To find it, exit through the back gate of Wenshu Monastery, turn right, and follow the red wall for 50 meters.
How to Get the Famous Mushroom Rice (菇菇饭)
The iconic “Mushroom Rice” is one of the most affordable and delicious options at Xiangyuan, priced at just 18 RMB. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss out:
Look for the blue sign on the right-hand side once you enter Xiangyuan.
The meal is available starting at 11:30 AM, and food is served from 12:00 PM. Arrive early to secure your dish, as it often sells out by the afternoon (I missed it the first time when I arrived at 3:50 PM).
Other Vegetarian Options at Xiangyuan
If Mushroom Rice isn’t enough to satisfy your curiosity, Xiangyuan offers other creative and delicious vegetarian dishes:
Heart Fragrance Hall (心香里): Vegetarian Buffet: 35 RMB per person. If you avoid food waste, you can get 5 RMB refunded after the meal by presenting your receipt. The buffet is available only during lunchtime and features dishes like mushrooms prepared to mimic the texture of meat.
Vegetarian Hotpot: Priced at 50 RMB per person, this small hotpot is perfect for a warm, shared dining experience.
Chenlu Restaurant (尘庐): Offers beautifully crafted vegetarian dishes such as Dongpo Pork made from winter melon.
- Dining options include outdoor tea (38 RMB) or indoor tea (68 RMB and up).
- For meals, the vegetarian set menu is priced at 78 RMB, with options to note dietary restrictions in advance.
Fuhui Hall (福慧厅): Located behind Heart Fragrance Hall, Fuhui Hall provides a serene space for tea and scripture copying:
- Tea + Scripture Copying: 48 RMB
- Vegetarian Meal + Scripture Copying: 79 RMB
- Private Booths: Minimum spending starts at 168 RMB.