Buddha's delight

Buddha's Delight, also known as Luóhàn zhāi in Chinese, is a beloved vegetarian dish within Chinese and Buddhist cuisine. Originally relished by Buddhist monks, it has become a popular vegetarian option in Chinese restaurants globally. The dish features a medley of various vegetables and vegetarian ingredients, all simmered together in a flavorful soy sauce-based broth.

The name "Luóhàn zhāi" translates to "arhat vegetarian food" with "luóhàn" referring to an enlightened individual or the Buddha, and "zhāi" meaning "vegetarian food." The dish can include a minimum of 10 ingredients, with some elaborate versions incorporating up to 35 different components. In certain regions, it’s also known as tián suān zhāi, featuring uniquely flavored ingredients like pickled tofu or sweet bean curds.

Traditionally, Buddha's Delight is especially popular during the Chinese New Year when many Buddhists practice a vegetarian diet for the first five days of the year. The dish typically excludes eggs and dairy, and specific vegetables like garlic and onions are omitted in accordance with Buddhist dietary practices.

Common ingredients in Buddha's Delight include arrowhead, bamboo shoots, black mushrooms, carrots, cellophane noodles, ginkgo nuts, lotus seeds, peanuts, and water chestnuts. To enhance its flavor, seasonings such as ginger, monosodium glutamate, soy sauce, and occasionally oyster sauce are used.