As one of Nanjing’s most prominent and well-established vegetarian venues, Jiming Temple Vegetarian Restaurant undoubtedly deserves a visit from all Nanjing expats. Operating since the 80’s, this faithful vegetarian standby offers a variety of scrumptious mock meat dishes, ranging from soy-based chicken and steak to fish and conch. Having dined there this past spring and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I was eager to return and curious to test the consistency in service and quality of cuisine.
For all the rave reviews I had heard from friends and acquaintances, coupled with my own previously positive assessment of the restaurant, the service during my most recent visit left much to be desired. When I entered the vegetarian haven for an evening meal, my presence was not even acknowledged for a good fifteen minutes. I seated myself, helped myself to a menu, and was finally approached by a waiter. He was polite and helpful, if not a bit patronizing, asking if I knew how to use chopsticks. As this restaurant attracts a good deal of tourists, this comment can also be viewed not as offensive, but simply as sensitive to people of different cultural backgrounds.
The food itself proved acceptable, and the vegetarian “meat” was quite satisfying, especially the vegetarian roasted goose over noodles (¥18). The braised tofu with vegetarian crab roe (¥32) marked my first experience trying vegetarian seafood, and the result was pleasantly surprising. The savory nature of the noodle and tofu dishes contrasted nicely with the slightly sweet yet tart mash yam with blueberry jam (¥32).
Before enjoying my meal, I was sure to take a few pictures of the dishes for use in The Nanjinger. Upon leaving, I requested a receipt for business purposes and proceeded to snap a few additional photos of the menu. Taking note of my business-like behaviour, the staff’s attitude toward me shifted considerably, and they rushed to pour me an additional glass of tea, ushering me to a table to further study the menu.
The restaurant’s peaceful ambiance and culturally rich surroundings partially compensate for the mediocre service. Jiming Temple and the Nanjing City Wall, which provides beautiful views of Xuanwu Lake, offer pre-dinner activity possibilities. If Jiming Temple Vegetarian Restaurant improves its customer service, it could further raise its standing in the Nanjing vegetarian community.
Jiming Temple Vegetarian Restaurant is located at 1 Jimingsi Lu, near the Jiefang Gate of Xuanwuhu Park.
