Dim sum, dumplings and spicy Sri Lankan dishes: Hong Kong restaurant picks of a healthy yoga teacher

Originally from the Philippines, James Gannaban has been a yoga teacher in the city since 2018, but it’s not all vegan food for this confirmed omnivore

For a nourishing meal following an intense yoga workout Veda and Mana! Cafe fit the bill, with char siu bao at Tim Ho Man’s a secret pleasure

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Cheese cake at Veda in Central, which is one of yoga teacher James Gannaban’s favourite restaurants in Hong Kong. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Published: 1:15pm, 2 Mar 2020Updated: 1:27pm, 2 Mar 2020

Originally from the Philippines, James Gannaban has been a yoga teacher since 2018; before that, he was an F&B marketer.

While many yoga teachers are vegetarian in observance of ahimsa (the principle of non-harming), I’m an omnivore. When I eat meat, I express gratitude to the animal that has given its life for my sustenance, nourishment and enjoyment.

Sohofama (Shop G09-G14, Block A Staunton, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, tel: 2858 8238) is a crowd-pleaser among the yoga set. The outdoor seating, embraced by natural wood and lush greens, immediately cultivates wellness. The food is comfort Chinese, including a delightful dim sum section.

Ingredients are mostly locally sourced and chemical-free, with the menu clearly highlighting ample vegetarian options. Some of my favourites here are grandma’s organic mapo tofu and steamed black truffle and mushroom dumplings.

The interior of Sohofama restaurant on Aberdeen Street, Central. Photo: Franke Tsang

Originally from the Philippines, Gannaban has been a yoga teacher since 2018.

For a decadent treat, I love Sweetpea Cafe (4 Shin Hing Street, Central, tel: 3689 7269). Walking into their shop, you’ll be greeted by cakes that look straight out of a Pinterest mood board. They have vegan, keto and gluten-free cakes, all free from refined sugars. It’s hard to pick, especially among those decorated with edible flowers, but the double Earl Grey chiffon cake is a must-try.