“Is China a vegetarian’s worst nightmare? I’m Atharva Maheshwari, an Indian vegetarian living in China, and I’m here to debunk the myths!” says Indian YouTuber Atharva Maheshwari in his latest video, aiming to challenge the long-held belief that vegetarians struggle to find food in China.
Taking viewers through a local market in Guangzhou, Atharva showcases an abundance of fresh produce that makes the country far more vegetarian-friendly than often portrayed.
“Forget the stereotypes you’ve heard about Chinese food being all meat. The reality is far more delicious and surprising,” he adds in the video.
Describing the market as a “true vegetarian paradise,” Atharva walks his audience through aisles filled with bok choy, gai lan, lotus root, mushrooms like shiitake and enoki, bamboo shoots, brinjal, orca, and giant pomelos. The vibrant visuals reflect the richness of plant-based options available to vegetarians and vegans alike.
“You won’t believe the sheer variety of fresh fruits and vegetables… This is the ultimate guide for any vegetarian or vegan planning a trip to China,” Maheshwari explains.
The YouTuber, known for his candid explorations of Chinese culture, food, and daily life as an expat, earned praise for this eye-opening video.
One viewer wrote, “Very nice, Atharva. Informative video. I have not seen such content about China till now. Keep it up.”
Who is Atharva Maheshwari?
“Namaste, Hello & Ni Hao! I am Atharva Maheshwari, an Indian in China (Guang Zhou, to be precise). I am passionate about exploring the booming business opportunities between India and China,” reads his YouTube bio.
Known for breaking cultural stereotypes and showcasing offbeat experiences—from attending Chinese weddings to trying local haircuts—Atharva continues to build a unique bridge between Indian and Chinese audiences through his channel.
His latest video is not just a guide for vegetarians—it’s a refreshing cultural lens into China’s local life, reminding us not to judge a cuisine by its clichés.