Name: Buddha's Delight (Lo Han Jai)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 pcs fresh black fungus (or rehydrated dried ones); 2 baby corns; 100 g carrot; 200 g cabbage; 1 pack shimeji mushrooms (or other types); 2 dried shiitake mushrooms; 30 g glass noodles (added last); 10 snow peas (added last); 1 piece fermented red bean curd (some of its sauce); 1 tsp vegetarian oyster sauce; 1 tsp vegetarian soy sauce; Cooking oil (as needed); 0.5 tsp sesame oil; 250 g water; A pinch of salt; A pinch of pepper

This time, I want to share with you a traditional vegetarian dish that carries an auspicious meaning — Buddha’s Delight (Fermented Bean Curd Mixed Vegetables). It’s richly fragrant yet light and refreshing. No need for strong flames or heavy stir-frying. Just a gentle simmer, and soon your whole kitchen will be filled with that comforting savory aroma. Every bite is layered with flavor — a perfect easy vegetarian recipe.

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The Meaning of Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai)

Traditionally, Buddha’s Delight is made with eighteen ingredients, symbolizing the Eighteen Arhats. But when cooking at home, there’s no need to be so strict. Just choose your favorite vegetables and mushrooms, add a slice of fermented red bean curd, and you’ll create a dish that’s both gentle and full of depth. It’s often prepared as a Chinese New Year vegetarian dish.

Essential Ingredients for Fermented Bean Curd Vegetables

Each ingredient shines in its own way—none overpowering the other—together creating a satisfying harmony.

Ingredients Preparation:

Shiitake mushrooms, black fungus (Soak dried mushrooms in advance)
Cabbage, carrots (Cut into flower shapes for a playful touch)
Snow peas (Remove the tough strings)
Baby corn, shimeji mushrooms
Glass noodles

The Soul of the Dish: Signature Nam Yu Flavor Technique

That combination of salty, slightly sweet, and rich fermented notes — that’s the soul of this Lo Han Chai dish.

Aromatic Fry: Start by dry-frying the shimeji mushrooms to release their aroma. Then add sliced shiitake mushrooms and a bit of oil to stir-fry.
Nam Yu: Now, stir in the fermented red bean curd along with some of its sauce, and let it gently sizzle over low heat.
Simmer: Next, add all the vegetables except the snow peas and glass noodles. Season with vegetarian soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce, then add water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the Nam Yu flavor seeps into every bite.
Finish: Finally, add the glass noodles and snow peas, stir until the noodles soften and absorb the sauce, then drizzle a little sesame oil to finish.

Conclusion: Wholesome and Auspicious Traditional Chinese Vegetarian

Lift the lid—and a wave of savory fragrance greets you! Bright colors, tender vegetables, and a light, flavorful broth. This pot of Buddha’s Delight doesn’t just symbolize harmony and good fortune—it’s also a quiet ritual that helps the heart slow down. Whenever you don’t feel like cooking up a storm but still want something wholesome and satisfying, make this dish. It’s simple, clean, and full of warmth—and you can always customize this Buddha’s Delight recipe with your favorite vegetables.

You might like the vegan dessert soup Herbal Sweet Soup