Eco-esti

Eco-Esti is your go-to destination for insightful reviews on the latest climate change books, documentaries, and the best plant-based dining experiences. Join me as we explore sustainable living, eco-conscious media, and plant-based gastronomy - all with a passion for protecting our planet.

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Mooncakes!

It’s Mid-Autumn Festival and that means it’s time for mooncakes!

The Mid-Autumn Festival has over 3,000 years of history, originating from ancient Chinese moon worship practices and harvest celebrations. It became an official holiday during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and is now one of China's major festivals.

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Documentary Review: Eating our Way to Extinction (2021)

This documentary does not mess around. Released in 2021 and narrated by Kate Winslet, it's the film that says what other food documentaries only hint at: our current food system isn't just unsustainable, it's actively destroying the planet.

Unlike feel-good food docs that focus on individual choices, this one goes straight for industrial agriculture's role in climate breakdown, deforestation, and mass extinction. Four years later, watching it feels like reading a news report that's aging way too well.

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The Poore & Nemecek Study: Food's Environmental Impact

I keep seeing this study mentioned everywhere.The "Joseph Poore study" has become shorthand for "science proves meat is bad for the environment," but I realised I'd never actually read what the researchers found. So I dove in, and wow - it's both more nuanced and more comprehensive than what the general consensus suggests.

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Documentary Review: What the Health (2017)

When "What the Health" dropped in 2017, it sent shockwaves through Netflix queues and dinner table conversations alike. The documentary, produced by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn (the team behind "Cowspiracy"), made bold claims about the links between animal products and chronic disease while questioning why major health organisations weren't sounding louder alarms.

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Documentary Review: The Game Changers (2018)

If you haven't watched "The Game Changers" yet, this Netflix documentary might just change how you think about food, performance, and environmental impact. Following elite athletes who've adopted plant-based diets, the film makes a compelling case that what's good for our bodies is also good for our planet.

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Documentary Review: Forks over Knives (2011)

Forks over Knives is a documentary that advocates for a whole-food, plant-based diet, primarily from a health perspective. It follows the work of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who argue that many chronic diseases - including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and come cancers - can be prevented or even reversed through a low-fat, plant-based diet.

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Review: Here, Quarry Bay

If you're plant-based in Hong Kong, chances are you've already heard of Here - the east-side offshoot of the beloved Years. Tucked into quiet corner of Quarry Bay / Taikoo, this spot has become my weekly ritual, and honestly, choosing a photo to post each time is getting harder than picking what to eat.

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Review: City Super Deli

City Super Deli in Hong Kong isn't a fully vegan destination, but it does offer a few reliably tasty plant-based deli items that are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. 

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Hong Kong Vegetarian Food Expo 2025

The Hong Kong Vegetarian Expo once again brought together an incredible mix of plant-based innovation, cultural flavours, and eco-conscious living. We scoped out the place for the best vegan dishes and products on offer. 

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Review: Cowspiracy (2014) and Climate Today

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and addressing it requires a critical understanding of its key drivers. While fossil fuels, energy consumption, and industrial activities dominate the headlines, the role of food systems—particularly animal agriculture—often receives less attention. 

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Documentary Review: Seaspiracy (2021)

In 2021, the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy made waves - both literal and metaphorical - by exposing the dark underbelly of the global fishing industry. Directed by Ali Tabrizi, the film ignited passionate debates, garnered international attention, and forced many to rethink their relationship with seafood. Now, four years later, with climate change accelerating and ocean health more precious than ever, Seaspiracy feels less like a sensational expose and more like a chilling prophecy ignored.

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Review: Lisa's Veggie, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Hidden in the heart of Wan Chai, within the historic Blue House, you will find this little gem called Lisa's Veggie - a humble, no frills vegetarian eatery offering home-style Chinese vegetarian cuisine in a setting steeped in culture and character. Don't fret! Vegan dishes are clearly labelled.

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Review: Sol Hakuba, Nagano, Japan

Hakuba, located in the breathtaking Japanese Alps, is a renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding. Beyond its stunning slopes and alpine scenery, Hakuba also has a growing culinary scene, including Sol, a small but welcoming vegan cafe!

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Review: Mercy Vegan Factory

Tucked away in a cosy corner of Osaka, this vegan eatery has become a favourite among locals and travellers alike for its inventive dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to cruelty-free cooking. From hearty mains to indulgent desserts, Mercy Vegan Factory offers a great dining experience.

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Review: Paprika Shokudo Vegan

Located in the heart of the city, this charming restaurant takes vegan dining to the next level, offering creative, flavourful dishes that highlight the best of Japanese and international cuisine. This restaurant redefines plant-based dining in Osaka.

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Review: Pivot Base Cafe & Bar

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, Osaka is a vegan restaurant called Pivot Base. Known for its plant-based versions of takoyaki and yakisoba, this eatery serves up classic Osaka flavours with a cruelty-free twist.


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Review: Vegan Ramen by Playpen Friends

Vegan Ramen by Playpen Friends in Osaka is a great spot for those seeking plant-based ramen options. The restaurant offers a variety of ramen broths including shoyo and tonkotsu, which was probably one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life.

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Review Coil

Kanazawa is a charming city located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It boasts a vibrant food scene, is home to the Kenroku-en Garden, and features historic districts like Higashi Chaya, where visitors can experience traditional tea houses. This is definitely a hidden gem, and though we were not optimistic of finding vegan food, we did not have enough time to try it all!

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