By ANNA USHER

A much-loved Neutral Bay restaurant will close its doors next week, marking the end of a five-year chapter for plant-based Chinese food fans.

Green Sprouts Chinese Vegan restaurant, located in The Grove arcade, has confirmed its final day of trading will be Saturday 31 August.

The news was announced on social media, where owners Dennis Chair and Carmen Cai thanked customers for their loyalty since 2020.

“After nearly five incredible years, Green Sprouts Vegan Chinese Restaurant will be closing its doors for good,” the statement read, “we’ve had the honour of welcoming thousands of vegan and non-vegan diners from all over Sydney, and we’re grateful to have been voted one of the best vegan restaurants multiple times.”

Green Sprouts quickly earned a cult following for its traditional Hong Kong-style yum cha served from dim sum trolleys, with a 100 per cent plant-based menu that attracted diners from across the city – and interstate.

Popular dishes included vegan duck pancakes, bean curd rolls, black sesame balls, turnip cakes, and mango custard buns.

As news of the closure spread, social media was flooded with tributes from devoted patrons.

“Devastated! Seriously the best vegan food in Sydney,” one customer wrote.

“I’m so sad another beautiful vegan yum cha restaurant is closing in Sydney,” another said, “my partner and I go at least once a month, we absolutely love it and will miss every single dish.”

One regular said the restaurant had been their ‘go-to for every birthday and special occasion’ and praised the food as ‘better than the real thing.’

Another wrote, “I hope this is not the end of your vegan restaurant dreams – your food is incredible.”

In a final message to the community, the Green Sprouts team expressed their gratitude to those who supported the restaurant over the years.

“This journey wouldn’t have been possible without your love and support. While it’s heartbreaking to say goodbye, we are truly grateful for every moment shared,” the post read.

“Thank you for being part of our story – and come to say goodbye in the next couple of weeks.”