Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of Bobsy Gaia, Mana! founder and vegetarian dining pioneer
Bobsy splits his time between Lamma, where he enjoys vegan English breakfasts, and Hong Kong Island, where Teakha is his quiet spot and the InterContinental Lobby the place for guests
I have my house on Lamma Island, where I’ve lived for 22 years and have done lots of environmental protection work. When I’m there, I hang out at Green Cottage (26 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma, tel: 2982 6934), a chill place that serves good vegetarian fare and great vantage point to watch people and things go by at island pace. I usually have a soya latte or two before tucking into a full English breakfast vegan style.
The alfresco tables in the back are a delightful place to sit on a cool sunny morning and always remind me of why we campaigned so hard to save the Yung Shue Wan bay there that was up for reclamation many years back.
Although it’s not quite what it used to be back in the day, the Bookworm Cafe (79 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma, tel: 2982 4838) is an institution and, after all, is Hong Kong’s first organic vegetarian establishment – it’s still standing more than 17 years later, a rare claim for restaurants in this city. This place has bittersweet memories for me, as it was my very first restaurant and it kick-started the organic eatery trend.
