Finding some local vegetarian soul food at the Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery Food Center

First time visitors taking a step into the peaceful compounds of this temple would be pleasantly surprised that the serene prayer chambers share the same space with an open-air vegetarian cafeteria. On its menu - rice and a cornucopia of local-style dishes made with either soy protein/fake meat, noodles and fried rice, homemade vegetarian snacks and packed food, and warm hawthorn drink. Uniquely, it calls itself a 'vegetarian fast-food center', in a way undoing all the negative stereotypical connotations that come with the term 'fast-food'. Founded on the fundamental belief that no living being should be harmed, killed or eaten, this temple-restaurant celebrates vegetarianism by decorating its walls with meaningful quotes, and dharma teachings, as well as pictures of famous vegetarians in history and popular culture such as Gandhi, Bill Gates, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Thomas Edison. In addition, this canteen-style restaurant provides free lunch for all, every Friday and Sunday, from 11-2pm, as a charitable act. In line with its dharmic foundations, visitors are encouraged to not waste food and clean up after themselves. With its nourishing dishes and drinks, and its harmonious, and blissful environment, this gem of a vegetarian place provides food for the soul, the mind, and the body for its visitors.