With the rising trend of health products in the market, it is no wonder that the Ling Zhi Vegetarian Restaurant is so well received. A member of the multiple award winning Tung Lok Group, this fine-dining restaurant introduces innovative ways of preparing haute vegetarian cuisine that has successfully appealed to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Skeptics of vegetarian food can be rest assured that the styles adopted by these talented chefs are one of its kind. Patrons can expect to savour the natural essence of the mushrooms that is expertly paired with tangy fruits and vegetables. The overall draw of their food is in its subtlety, freshness of ingredients and the delicate attention paid to its presentation. Coupled with excellent service, Ling Zhi certainly delivered a pleasurable dining experience, oriental style.

• The Food
  Following a contemporary style, each course is served with individual portions, as opposed to the usual Chinese practice of communal dining.

  Every platter showcased the chefs’ detail in ensuring that all the dishes had a variety of colours and tastes. From the red and yellow peppers that accompany the finely breaded straw mushrooms to the fresh green spinach that served as the topping to a creamy Pumpkin base, it is evident that its patrons can look forward to a feast that is intricately crafted with creativity and passion. The health conscious can be affirmed that all the chefs use only olive and grape seed oil to prepare the dishes.

  Some recommendations include the wholesome Braised Pumpkin Bisque with Chinese Spinach and Shark’s Fin Melon, the crispy Peking duck that is made entirely from beancurd skin, as well as the House Specialty Monkey Head mushroom.

  Home styled goodness at its best, the pumpkin bisque was rich with flavour, and nicely paired off with subtle hints of fresh spinach and melon. Also, the Peking Duck offers a surprisingly delectable taste of natural bean curd accents that can rival the satisfaction you can get from eating the actual duck. Lastly for those who are looking to savour something unusual, the oddly named monkey head mushroom is a must try. The dish earned its name from its original appearance of resembling a monkey’s head, which can be a daunting sight prior to preparation! However, upon expert touches applied by the chefs, the mushrooms are fried golden brown and hold a tinge of sweetness that is truly tantalizing.

• The Price
  The prices are pretty affordable for the quality served. Soups range from $5.50 for the simple soups to $40 for the Bird’s Nest. The main courses see a slight raise in prices of between $10-$18 for ala carte dishes, and $10 for all rice and noodle varieties. Fans of traditional Chinese desserts like black sesame and almond cream can expect a light serving at only $4-5 each.

SD Food Advisor’s take on Ling Zhi
Overall, the meal was delightful, and will not leave you feeling satiated. Being someone who dislikes vegetarian food, I felt pleasantly surprised at the quality and taste of the food served. When coupled with different condiments, I was amazed at the number of ways a type of mushroom can be prepared, and the variety of tastes that are offered. I have to applaud the chefs for their dedication to their craft, and would give this restaurant two thumbs up!