Woodlands: The 1st & Best Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Hong Kong Since 1981
100% vegetarian. Vegan · Jain · Buddhist menus. Now in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai & Macau
We opened in 1981 to bring the real taste of India to Hong Kong. Over 150 million plates later, we’re still doing things the old-fashioned way—from the crunch of a fresh Masala Dosa to the comfort of slow-cooked dal. We’ve made sure there’s a seat for everyone with dedicated Vegetarian, Vegan, Jain, and Buddhist menus. Stop by Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, or Macau and see why we’re still the city’s favorite Indian vegetarian restaurant.
Select Location
"The best Dosa in Hong Kong. A true culinary gem."
— Trusted Since 1981
Our Philosophy: Let Vegetation Feed the Nation
Celebrating authentic Indian vegetarian heritage in Hong Kong since 1981, with purity, care, and excellence in every dish, making every guest feel home.
At Woodlands, we believe dining should feel like coming home. From the moment you sit at our table, you’ll experience the warmth, purity, and heritage of authentic Indian cuisine. Excellence isn’t just our standard—it’s how we care for our customers.. That dedication has been recognized with honors like the UNESCO Social Peace Award, the SDG Enterprise Award, and being named among the Top 100 Businesses in Hong Kong. These awards aren’t just achievements; they’re a reflection of the love and trust our community has placed in us.
What makes Woodlands truly special is the personal touch. Our Founder & CEO, Arun P.E (also known as Alex P.E), ensures the quality of your experience by personally tasting dishes and keeping a close eye on guest feedback, reading and responding to the reviews, because it matters the most to him. It’s this commitment that has kept Woodlands a beloved part of Hong Kong since 1981.
100% Vegetarian
Pure vegetarian kitchen with Vegan & Jain options.
Award Winning
Top 100 Companies in HK, UNESCO Social Peace Award.
Signature Dishes
Our guests rave about our crispy dosas and flavorful thalis, crafted with love by our expert chefs.
Meet Our Chefs
Our talented chefs bring decades of experience and passion for authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Kitta Moolya
Our chef, Kitta Moolya, was born and raised in Mangalore, close to Udupi, a famous city in South India known for its specialized and highly varied vegetarian cuisine.
Suresh Pairaje Rai
I want my cooking to reflect the rugged nature and climate of the cold north. I want to create a progressive environment that has an emphasis on the outstanding produce of our region.
Customer Reviews
Reviews from guests who dined at our restaurants
Ameya Patkar
"Our experience at Woodlands Macau was just amazing. The food was delicious, the ambience very neat, clean and pleasant and the staff especially Pon was very welcoming, congenial and courteous."
Posted: Aug 22, 2025
View on Google
Luis Crespo
"Very nice place, great decoration, and extensive and diverse menu. We were 3, paid around 800, but had an authentic feast. It proves you don't always have to eat meat to feel satisfied. Also vegan friendly."
Posted: Jul 18, 2025
View on Google
Kamal Seth
"One of the best Indian vegetarian restaurants outside India for both north and south Indian cuisines. Food was delicious and the quantity was good. Many kinds of dosas and gravy dishes are available."
Posted: Jun 10, 2025
View on Google
Grishm Bhatt
"Great food and exceptional service! The staff was so attentive, friendly and accommodating to our requests with the children. Definitely stop by for a perfectly crisp dosa & amazing Uttapam when in Hong Kong!"
Posted: Apr 5, 2025
View on Google
Ruby May
"This place is so amazing! My uber driver recommended it as he's vegetarian and I'm vegan. I had the dosa, vegan mango lassi and also tried the Rasam soup which was amazing! Food was all great and the staff were super lovely."
Posted: Feb 2, 2025
View on Google
Andy Badua
"We had a lovely lunch at Woodlands restaurant. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The food selection is amazing! We ordered the masala dosa, alu gobi to share and pani puri. The dishes were delicious and the portions generous."
Posted: Jan 15, 2025
View on GoogleVisit Us
We are the only Indian vegetarian restaurant in Hong Kong with two branches, plus one in Macau.
Tsim Sha Tsui
This is where it all began. Back in 1981, we opened our doors in Tsim Sha Tsui with a simple mission: to serve authentic, delicious, and purely vegetarian South Indian food. For over forty years, this cozy spot in Wing On Plaza has been our heart and soul—a beloved institution for generations of families, locals, and visitors.
Wall of Woodlands
Celebrated guests who have dined with us over the decades
Rajinikanth
Kollywood Actor
13.05.2012
"I never expected to get such good and delicious vegetarian food in Hong Kong. In my life experience, I never forgot the coffee."
Sunil Gavaskar
Indian Cricketer
02.03.1992
"It was good to be back in the woodlands after so many years. The food and people at Woodlands are always brilliant."
P.V. Narasimha Rao
Former Prime Minister
06.05.1983
"Thanks for this delicious variety of dishes, which remains one of the best in South Indian food."
Anil Kumble
Indian Cricketer
11.04.2007
"Excellent food! It was very nice to have authentic South Indian food in Hong Kong. Best wishes."
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
Playback Singer
19.03.1994
"It is nice to be in love away from home. Let me take my party back to Madras."
Ilayaraja
Music Director
10.03.1997
"Annathana prabhuve, Saranam ayaapa."
Featured In
As recognized by leading publications
Woodlands in Your Pocket
Browse menus, reserve tables, order delivery, and earn loyalty rewards with every visit.
Watch Our Kitchen
Go behind the scenes and explore our authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine
Subscribe to Our ChannelAbout the Founder
Arunachalam Pudupadi Eaganathan—known to many in Hong Kong simply as Arun (a) Alex P.E.—is the visionary behind the revival and expansion of Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant. A mechanical engineer by training, Arun P.E spent two decades in the watch industry, before transitioning into entrepreneurship.
A lifelong vegetarian, Arun's connection to Woodlands began as a devoted guest in the 1990s. When the beloved restaurant faced closure in 2018, he made the bold decision to save it, reopening with renewed energy and authenticity. Since then, he has grown Woodlands into a multi‑branch brand across Hong Kong and Macau, while also launching ventures such as MaharajaMart, Hello India, MaharajaTickets, and Maharajah Care.
Arun's philosophy is simple: quality, inclusivity, and heartfelt hospitality. He personally tastes dishes at each branch, responds to every customer review, and ensures menus cater to diverse traditions—including Vegan, Jain, and Buddhist options. His vision is to make Woodlands a global destination for vegetarian dining, while preserving the cultural legacy of Indian cuisine.
More about Woodlands
Our Story, Our Heart
For us, Woodlands has never been just a restaurant. It's a legacy. It's a cornerstone of Hong Kong's history, born in 1981 from a simple, powerful idea: to share the vibrant, soulful flavours of authentic Indian vegetarian food with this amazing city. For over forty years, we've been more than just a place to eat; we've been a place where families gather, where friendships blossom, and where the comfort of a good meal feels like coming home.
The next chapter of our story began not with a businessman, but with a devotee. Our owner, Arun, was first a loyal guest for many years. He loved Woodlands for what it was and what it represented. When he felt that original spark begin to fade, he knew he couldn't just stand by. He stepped in with a mission driven by pure passion: to restore Woodlands to its former glory and carry its legacy into the future.
His first promise was to the food. He brought back our original master chefs, the very hands that had shaped our beloved dishes for decades, ensuring that every flavour was as authentic and memorable as ever. His vision is one of heartfelt balance—honouring the traditional tastes that made us famous while embracing a contemporary flair that makes every visit feel fresh and exciting.
Top 100 Companies
Named one of Hong Kong's Top 100 Companies
UNESCO Peace Award
Recipient of UNESCO's Social Peace Award
HK$1.7M+ Donated
Contributed to healthcare, education & children's rights
And it seems that passion hasn't gone unnoticed. We are humbled and overjoyed by the recognition we've received. These awards aren't just trophies on a wall; they are a testament to our incredible team's hard work and the unwavering support of our wonderful guests.
But for us, success is measured by more than just reviews and awards. It's measured by what we give back. We believe that a restaurant's soul is found in its connection to the community, which is why we have proudly contributed over HK$1.7 million to charities supporting everything from healthcare and education to children's rights. This commitment is the very heart of Woodlands.
So, when you dine with us, you're not just enjoying a meal. You're becoming part of a story—a four-decade legacy of flavour, passion, and community. And we couldn't be more excited to share it with you.
A Legacy of Excellence
For over four decades, Woodlands has been more than just a restaurant; it's been a landmark. Since we first opened our doors in 1981, we've become a cherished stop in Hong Kong for anyone seeking the authentic, comforting taste of home.
Over the years, our reputation for genuine flavour and hospitality has drawn a remarkable list of guests. We've had the immense pleasure of serving a true 'who's who' of India's cultural icons. Cinema legends like the great Amitabh Bachchan, the unforgettable Amrish Puri, and the one-and-only Rajinikanth have all dined with us.
The world of sport has graced our tables too, with cricket royalty like Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble sharing a meal here. We've even had the honour of welcoming the soulful voice of Hariharan.
Perhaps our most distinguished honour was hosting the former Prime Minister of India, the late P.V. Narasimha Rao, creating a memory we hold with immense pride.
But for us, the real legacy isn't just in the famous names we've served. It's in the promise that every single guest who walks through our doors receives that same star-worthy quality and heartfelt welcome. We bring that same dedication to your table, every single day.
A Restaurant for Every Occasion
At Woodlands, we believe that the best meals are the ones that bring people together. That's why we've created a space where everyone can feel welcome, comfortable, and celebrated. Whether you're looking for a peaceful corner for a quiet family dinner or a vibrant setting for a large gathering, you'll find it here.
Inclusive & Welcoming
A safe space for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community
Dietary Options
Jain, Buddhist, Hindu & Halal-friendly vegetarian choices
Family Friendly
Perfect for quiet dinners or large family gatherings
Events & Catering
Bar, buffet setup & AV equipment at Wan Chai
We are proud to be an inclusive restaurant where diversity is cherished. Our doors are open to everyone, and we are a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. Our purely vegetarian menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to various dietary and religious principles, with dedicated options for our Jain and Buddhist guests, making it perfectly suitable for those seeking Hindu and Halal-friendly choices as well.
From lively weekend brunches to grand family celebrations, we are equipped to make any event special. Our Wan Chai branch in particular is perfectly designed for your gatherings, featuring a well-stocked bar, a generous buffet spread, and a modern AV setup for seamless business presentations or heartfelt family slideshows.
Planning something special? Let our dedicated team help you craft an unforgettable event. Whether you host it in our beautiful restaurant or at a venue of your choice with our bespoke catering services, we'll bring the beloved taste of Woodlands to your celebration.