Don’t Go Here If Your Vegan! I Went Anyway!

You know that feeling when everyone's raving about a place, but you, as a vegan, just know it's going to be a struggle? That was me heading into NBC Seafood for dim sum, driven by curiosity and a group of insistent friends. I thought, 'Hey, maybe I can find *something*.' Oh, how naive I was! Walking into the bustling hall, the aroma was enticing, but my vegan radar was already on high alert. The famous dim sum carts rolled by, laden with steaming baskets. Prawn dumplings, char siu bao, sticky rice with meat... it was a parade of non-vegan delights. My heart sank a little with each passing cart. I kept hoping to spot a green vegetable dumpling or a simple mushroom bun, but they were few and far between. The real challenge began when trying to communicate my dietary needs. In a place known for its seafood and meat, asking for purely plant-based options felt like asking for a unicorn. I eventually managed to ask about tofu dishes, clinging to the hope of finding some simple, unadorned TOFU. I even saw a mention of 永豐豆腐 (Wing Fung Tofu) on a menu, which briefly sparked hope that there might be a dedicated tofu item. But what arrived? A solitary plate of plain steamed greens, and a bland, oily fried tofu dish that tasted suspiciously like it had been cooked in the same oil as everything else. It was genuinely one of those moments where you wonder if this counts as 'gross vegan food' because of the sheer disappointment and lack of flavor. It wasn't a total wash; the tea was good, and the company was great. But for the food itself, it was a proper 'vegan struggle.' I spent most of the meal picking at rice and trying to make conversation to distract from the culinary void. If you're wondering about dim sum carts at NBC Seafood specifically for vegan options, my honest take is... manage your expectations very low. Or better yet, save yourself the trouble and seek out a dedicated vegan-friendly Chinese restaurant. This experience reinforced the reality that not all restaurants are ready for plant-based diners, no matter how popular they are. While some places now clearly label vegan dishes, traditional dim sum spots can be particularly tricky. Ingredients like oyster sauce, shrimp paste, and hidden broths are ubiquitous. So, if you're a vegan eyeing those tempting dim sum carts, be prepared for a hunt, and don't be surprised if your options are limited to plain rice and disappointment. My advice? Research thoroughly beforehand or choose a place known for its vegan-friendly menu. Sometimes, going somewhere 'anyway' just isn't worth the hunger.