Cheap eats and vegetarian may conjure up images of hippie Nimbin types, spliffs and John Butler music, but has the FGY Gallery got a surprise for you.

The part Buddhist restaurant, part porcelain museum is peaceful, opulent and very, very tasty. Don’t cringe at the veg either, because virtually every dish has vegie meat substitute which has the exact texture and taste of what you’re meant to be eating. Just don’t choke on the paddle pop stick holding the faux chicken drumstick together.

Like most Chinese restaurants, the bilingual menu has all the staple take away fare and attracts an incredibly broad spectrum of clientelle. You have four daily lunchbox specials for under $10 and some of the best teas you’ll ever get your hands on. Their Kumquat tea is highly recommended. Culturephobes can have their good old lemon chicken as well. Oh and they have private dining rooms for groups with the Lazy Susan on the table.

So even if you’re scraping up the pennies for a typical pasta carbonara, walk the extra block and get a proper meal (quickly) and feel all the better for it. After all, they serve not just food but tranquility and enlightenment. A permanent favourite.

4.5 stars out of 5.

N.B. The restaurant is not open on weekends but for lunch Monday - Friday.