Long before there was the Big Buddha, the cable car to Ngong Ping Village, and the never-ending crowds, Po Lin Monastery was dishing out vegetarian meals to those making the pilgrimage. Today the Po Lin Monastery restaurant is still famous for its vegetarian meals, and though nothing fancy, it’s almost a rite of passage to join the multitudes of families who make a point of eating here (and to me, it’s still a highlight of a trip to Lantau.)

You must purchase your meal ticket before entering the restaurant, either at the ticket office at the base of the Big Buddha or at the kiosk in front of the restaurant. There are two choices for fixed-price meals, served in different dining halls: the regular one, served in a utilitarian dining hall and the reigning choice of most Chinese families, making it a noisy and colorful option; and the “Deluxe” meal, served on china plates in a VIP Room filled mostly with foreigners (take a guess which one I prefer). Your meal will be plentiful, consisting of vegetable dishes, rice and soup, and though the food is mediocre, it’s all just part of the Po Lin Monastery experience.

Practical Info

Ngong Ping, Lantau

Set meals HK$110 for standard and HK$150 for deluxe

(852) 2985 5248

www.plm.org.hk

Transit: Cable car from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping; or ferry from Central to Mui Wo and then bus no. 2