Your body is a temple, so treat it with respect by dining at this fab ground-floor meat-free restaurant slung out behind the Jing'an Temple. You can slurp up a vast, tasty bowl of noodles densely sprinkled with fresh mushrooms, bamboo shoots, cabbage and carrots for a mere ¥20 – it’s a meal in itself. Or the set menus are great value.
Also on hand are vegetarian hotpots (¥55) and a host of other choices, plus Portuguese egg tarts and other baked delicacies at the door. Order fast-food-style from the counter. Upstairs the smarter 2nd floor is a civilised choice with a Chinese and Western menu. The blistering and salty mápó dòufu (tofu and pork in a spicy sauce) is delicious with mushrooms in place of meat, while the sizzling seafood bake with melted cheese is crisp and filling. Service is efficient; the only fly in the ointment is the Richard Clayderman muzak.
The 3rd floor has a classy buffet, with creative vegetarian fare. Head here Monday evenings for the ¥140 all-you-can-eat feast.