Ahimsa Buffet hits the spot with Hong Kong 'flexitarians'
There has been an almost unheard-of response to the North Point vegetarian restaurant, with the crowds drawn by its low prices and, for some, the option of going meat-free for a day
The sight has befuddled as much as pleased co-founder James Yeung Ying-pong. "I did not expect so many people would come and queue to eat at our buffet," says the restaurateur.
During the initial weeks food ran out daily, leading to customer complaints. But Yeung says the kinks have been ironed out and the kitchen is now well stocked with ingredients to provide its hefty buffet spread for a high volume of patrons.
It's not unusual to see long queues at restaurants favoured by meat-eaters - the much-hyped Mrs Pound and trendy Japanese ramen places such as Butao spring to mind. But for a vegetarian venue to generate such an overwhelming response is almost unheard of.
This is a lifestyle trend as some people want to be healthier and they don’t want to eat fast food with meat everyday. So from time to time they have vegetarian fare on weekdays then resume their regular diet on weekends
Yeung attributes Ahimsa's success to its concept: affordable buffet-only vegetarian, a first for Hong Kong.
Operations such as the now-closed Harvester in Sheung Wan ran on a pay-by-weight model, while Ahimsa charges a flat fee.