I am wondering if this thread might lead to some crazy laowai opening up the first healthy, paleo-style, restaurant in Kunming. Can you imagine, organic yogurt? grass fed beef? salads with several kinds of hearty greens and a dozen veggies in them? Berries? Squash lasagna and sauteed mushrooms? Breads made with almond or walnut flour instead of wheat?

That would be pretty amazing. Usually owners like to equate vegetarian with healthy because it cuts down on costs, and is easier to prepare while keeping things sanitary. Also there is still the myth that vegan and veggie diets are better for the earth, so this is a big marketing point.
Meanwhile, white rice, beans, corn, flour, lettuce and other less than nutritious staples make up the bulk of those overly starchy dishes labelled vegetarian.