Zao Zi Shu
This restaurant's name literally means "jujube tree," but the three characters that greet visitors upon arrival also cleverly play on the punzao chi su,advocating the early adoption of a vegetarian diet. Pleasant and contemporary, the restaurant takes its mission seriously: fruit is served as an appetizer; organic tea is the norm; alcohol, dairy, and MSG are shunned; and smoking is definitively prohibited. The bean curd skin roll is a delicious appetizer, while the sweet and sour vegetarian pork and the pot with vegetable and curry are popular can't-go-wrong choices. Avoid the vegetarian steak with pepper sauce, though. Spinach dumplings and soup noodles with vegetables are also hearty alternatives for those less inclined to edible fungi. Wait staff is friendly and helpful.
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| Cuisine | VEGETARIAN | |
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| Hours | Daily 10:30am-9pm | |
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| Address | Songshan Lu 77 | |
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| Location | 1st Floor (inside the Shanghai Huanggong complex, south of Huaihai Lu, 1 block east of Huangpi Nan Lu), Luwan District (French Concession) | |
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| Transportation | Metro: Huangpi Nan Lu | |
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| Reservations | Reservations recommended | |
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| Phone | 021/6384-8000 | |
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| Prices | Meal for 2 ¥60-¥100 ($7.50-$13) | |
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| Credit Cards | AE, DC, MC, V | |