Vegan in China

I was a vegetarian until the age of 13. A few years of boarding school and then the hotel school really exposed me to many foods. There was not much variety offered in terms of vegetarian food. I tried many different kinds of food from various countries. After backpacking and traveling to more than thirty countries, I am convinced that every country has offered something unique to cuisine.  In this series, I will talk to vegetarians and vegans from all over the world. Abdourahamane Ly is from Africa, has a British wife, and lives in China. I talk to him about his path to becoming vegan.

Fulanivegan, welcome to my series on vegans, please tell me a little about you?

I am from Guinea Conakry in West Africa. I left at the age of 19 and moved to China. I have spent the last 13 years living in Shanghai. I have recently come to Rwanda for work. I studied International Trade and Economics at the University in Shanghai and now operate an import/export business.

How did you become a vegan and what are the advantages of being a vegan?

My wife was a vegetarian and made me read Peter Singer’s book “Animal Liberation”. I initially converted to vegetarianism but once we learned more about the horrors of the dairy and egg industry we both became vegan. There are so many benefits to being a vegan, starting with the fact that you no longer have blood on your hands and can look an animal in the eye. After adopting a completely plant-based diet, my energy levels improved and I developed more stamina at the Gym. My digestion also improved greatly.

Talk to me about where you live, the culture, food, vegan restaurants, and why we should visit?

While I am currently in Rwanda, my China is my home in the long-term. China has some of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world. The food can be made vegan as there are so many plant-based dishes. My favorite are vegan Jiaozi (dumplings) and Suan la tu dou si (shredded hot and sour potatoes). Vegan restaurants are popular in Shanghai due to the Buddhist population. I highly recommend you visit them!

From your IG pics, it looks like you like traveling and culture. talk to me about that aspect of your life?

I love to travel. Leaving my native country at an early age taught me the importance of embracing different cultures and learning new languages. It is important to try and understand different viewpoints and be tolerant. Despite growing up a Muslim in Africa, I have been exposed to all sorts of ideas across the globe – it really makes you a better person. My wife is British and we like to travel together and are constantly learning new things.

Talk to me about your favorite and least favorite vegetables?

I love courgette, recently I seem to include it in most of my cooking! I am really not a fan of white eggplant; they use it a lot in Rwanda.

Indian food is known to have a huge variety of food for vegans. What other food has that kind of variety?

 I love Indian food, but Chinese food has a better variety of vegan dishes! Follow @vegansofshanghai on Instagram for some amazing vegan Chinese recipes.

Do you only eat organic or also GMO plants?

I eat GMO plants.  I prefer to eat organic most of the time, however, in China, this is very difficult. Even things labeled ‘organic’ are not necessarily organic.

If someone wants to transition into becoming vegan what would you say to them?

If you are thinking about transitioning to become a vegan, I recommend you do your research before. Explore the ethical reasons for being vegan. This will make you less likely to quit when you know the consequences for the victims of the animal agriculture industry. Follow some vegan bloggers on Instagram – they will give you great ideas for recipes and nutrition and help you remain excited about the transition. Also, buy B12 vitamins!

Vegans are sexy… please comment?

There is nothing sexier than compassion 😉

Photo Credits: 丁亦然 Hermes Rivera Abhishek Sanwa Limbu @fulanivegan