Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 16, 2023

"Pure Green Veg Food Guide" awards ceremony, the highlight event of "2023 International Vegetable Culture Festival - Joyous Vego Lifestyle", was held on May 15th.  The organizer recognized 46 "Star-rated" excellent vegetarian restaurants throughout Taiwan, bringing the vegetable exhibition to a climax.

"Pure Green Veg Food Guide" is famed as the "Michelin Guide of the Vegetarian World" and has established a high level of credibility, winning lots of supporters in the vegetarian community in Taiwan. Starting this year, the evaluation is organized by the Pure Green Foundation.

The award ceremony was welcomed by Venerable Hui Kai, the chairman of the Green Charity Foundation. The presenters included Chen Qi-Rong, Secretary-General of the Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Venerable Miao Xi, President of The Merit Times, Dr. Peng Qi-ming, a meteorologist, renowned TV host Li Xiu-yuan, Zhao Ting, food writer Wu En-wen, and internet celebrities in the vegetarian community.

Venerable Miao Xi(right) awarded the "Three Stars" medal. photo／The Merit Times

Venerable Hui Kai stated that the main goal of the Pure Green Foundation is to promote sustainable development on Earth and advocate for the vegetarian low-carbon diet culture of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation." 

Venerable Miao Ju introduced the "Pure Green Veg Food Guide."  photo／The Merit Times

At the age of 69, Venerable Hui Kai mentioned that she has been a vegetarian since her university days. Whenever someone compliments her for looking younger than her actual age, she jokingly attributes it to the blessings of the Buddha.

The attendees expressed that there are more delicious vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan than they had imagined. Venerable Miao Xi mentioned that The Merit Times has developed the JOYOUS VEGO LIFESTYLE app and, through actual investigations, discovered that there are "over 5,000" vegetarian restaurants.

Dai Qing-hua, the CEO of the Pure Green Foundation, stated that the evaluation results of the Pure Green Veg Food Guide are divided into three levels: "Three Stars," followed by "Two Stars" and "One Star." 

In this year's evaluation, there were a total of 7 establishments awarded with "Three Stars," 11 with "Two Stars," and 28 with "One Star."

May 15th marked the final day of the International Vegetable Culture Festival, and the event still attracted a large crowd of people. The event concluded successfully, many attendees expressed their desire to participate again and eagerly look forward to the International Vegetable Culture Festival next year.

The International Vegetable Culture Festival attracted a large crowd of people. photo／The Merit Times