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.
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.
Best plant-based restaurants in Hong Kong
Here follows a quick round-up of some of the best vegan places to visit in Hong Kong!
Playground - A Reflection on Climate Change
In Playground, Richard Powers crafts a poignant and timely narrative that subtly but powerfully addresses the pressing issue of climate change. While not a traditional climate change treatise, the book weaves environmental concerns into the storyline, making the consequences of a warming planet feel deeply personal and immediate.
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.
Movie Review: Wicked
When I sat down to watch Wicked, I expected dazzling visuals, catchy songs, and a twist on the classic Wizard of Oz. What I didn't expect was a surprisingly powerful message about animal rights, systemic injustice, and the importance of speaking up for those who can't.
Review: The Language of Climate Politics by Genevieve Guenther
Genevieve Guenther's book "The Language of Climate Politics" delves into the intricate relationship between language and climate discourse. As the founding director of End Climate Silence and an expert in climate communication, Guenther brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table, making her work a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about climate change and policy.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Review: Vegan Veggie Joga, Tokyo
Vegan Veggie Joga, located in the trendy Aoyama district of Tokyo, is a delightful haven for those seeing plant-based cuisine infused with medicinal herbs.
Review: Tosso Roppongi Tokyo
Tosso, located in the Roppongi Hills North Tower, is a bistro that offers a unique dining experience centred around plant-based food.
Review: Oscar Wilde Donuts!
Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Roppongi, Oscar Wilde is a charming vegan donut shop that will become a favourite among locals and tourists. Known for its creative flavours, the shop is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you are looking for plant-based options.
Review: Kamui, Hakuba, Nagano
Japan is one of the hardest countries to find vegan food, and we have to rely on each other to identify noteworthy places. Kamui Restaurant in Hakuba, Nagano, Japan is one of those places that has been identified by other vegans as a spot to go and eat. So we made a booking.
Travel Vegan: Japan (Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Osaka)
Japan is often considered one of the most challenging places in Asia to find vegan food, but during my visit to Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa and Osaka in 2025, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the vegan scene evolved.
Vegan Birthday Celebration in Macau
We celebrated a very special vegan birthday at the St. Regis Macau. I let them know beforehand that we prefer plant based or vegan food. We arrived to find a delicious fruit cake for our celebration in our room! What a nice touch.
The Four Ws of Food Insecurity: A Climate Lens on a Global Crisis
In episode 249 of the J.P. Morgan Making Sense Podcast - titled "The Four Ws Driving Food Insecurity: War, Weather, Waste and Water the complex and devastating drivers of food insecurity are explored.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green is a poignant exploration of the human experience in the context of the Anthropocene, a term that denotes the current geological epoch characterised by significant human impact on the Earth. This book which is a collection of essays adapted from his popular podcast, offers a blend of humour, personal reflection and sobering insights into the state of our planet. I've tried to pick out and look for anything particular to climate change.