The stylish, eco-conscious restaurant proves that vegetarian food doesn't have to come with a "green" label or a minimalist vibe. At Duli, bold flavors, sleek interiors and modern lounge atmosphere (plus selected alcoholic beverages) replace the usual cliche of vegan dining.

Since launching the concept in 2020, Dutch owner Thijs Bosma's vision has gone beyond simply taking animals off the menu. "I wanted to prove just how delicious plant-based food can be. Most people have responded positively, saying Duli feels refreshing and cosmopolitan. It has a good vibe, and people recognize that," he said.

"The feedback I love most is when guests tell me they didn't even realize they were dining in a vegan restaurant."

Bosma originally opened Duli on Donghu Road in Xuhui District, but the restaurant relocated in search of a new, equally vibrant space. The new spot in Jing'an District turned out to be a perfect fit, offering a dynamic blend of international and local diners.

Before fully committing to his plant-based vision, Bosma worked in online education. During that time, he lived in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where the bold and distinctive flavors of Sichuan cuisine inspired him to create Duli.

"While living in Chengdu, I noticed how satisfying vegan food could be for non-vegetarians. That inspired me to create this concept, incorporating signature Chengdu flavors – like mapo, gongbao, dandan, and doubanjiang – as key elements in our dishes."

By incorporating these bold flavors, Bosma aimed to normalize plant-based dining – offering an experience that feels modern and approachable, without the overly "green" or Buddhist vibe often associated with vegan restaurants.

"We will never compromise on good taste. One common complaint about vegan restaurants is that the flavors can be bland, so we make it a point to use plenty of spices and bold ingredients to elevate every dish," said Bosma. "We are always looking for those indulgent flavors, rich textures and a diverse variety in every dish."

Here, diners can savor mapo tofu hummus, a signature Deli fusion dish that combines a beloved Sichuan flavor with a modern twist. Other standout offerings include kungpao pizza and Tom yum wonton soup. A variety of ingredients from this part of the world have been thoughtfully integrated and elevated through contemporary techniques.

Recently, Duli introduced Sichuan koushui pani puri and Xinjiang spiced kebabs, with both receiving positive feedback. "Again, it's all about indulgence, but we always ensure that every dish is packed with essential nutrients," Bosma noted, adding that he frequently collaborates with other talented chefs (often from outside the vegan space) to create plant-based dishes that are bold and innovative.

However, Bosma's vision goes beyond just great taste. "When you think about plant-based food, there's nothing more sustainable. The impact of animal agriculture on our planet is enormous – it's an inefficient and resource-intensive way to produce food.

"Sustainability is at the core of what we do. Every time we serve a meal, we save significant amounts of water, trees, land, CO₂ (carbon dioxide), and more!"

If you go

Opening hours: 11am-10pm

Tel: 177-6514-1737

Address: 227 Yanping Rd 延平路227号

Average price per person: 140 yuan