Inside Beijing's Exclusive Vegan Restaurant

Beijing's exclusive vegan restaurant is near the Lama Temple, about six kilometers from the Forbidden City.

It is known as the gold standard of vegetarian dining.

The restaurant is popular with wealthy and famous guests, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The dining room has marble floors and silk chandeliers. The kitchen uses techniques like steaming and sauteing. There are three set menus with 10 or more courses, all vegetarian.

The menu uses local ingredients and Chinese techniques with a modern presentation. Dishes change every two weeks based on the Chinese calendar.

Dishes vary by season and may include rice with black truffle or purple bamboo shoot soup. The restaurant also serves native ingredients with fermented drinks.

This is a photo of King's Joy restaurant in China.

King's Joy was founded by David Yin, who left Beijing for Taiwan and later Canada before returning to Beijing.

Today, Gary Yin is the executive chef and his sister Mia Yin heads pastry.

We use seasonal produce, reduce energy and waste, and do not use disposable items, says Gary.

In China, vegetarian eating is related to Buddhism and simplicity. About 4% of the population is vegetarian, and dietary guidelines have included vegetarian options since 2016.

Despite promoting Chinese culture, King's Joy was restricted for Beijing officials in 2025. The reason for the restriction is not clear.

The high cost is likely the reason.

Meals start at $250 per person, which may be seen as wasteful or corrupt for government officials.

The average government salary is around $1,600 a month, so dining at King's Joy could be seen as excessive.

In 2014, the government closed luxury clubs to reduce waste and corruption.

Gary wants to influence important people to eat sustainably by having the restaurant in the capital.

Despite the reported ban, the restaurant has not seen any changes in business.

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