When we think of Vietnamese food, images of steaming bowls of pho (usually made with rich beef broth) and bánh mì (typically stuffed with pork or chicken) may come to mind. And it is then easy to assume that vegetarian food is hard to come by in a country renowned for these meaty delicacies. However, this common perception couldn't be further from the truth!

In fact, the numbers tell a different story. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, over 231,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam in the first half of 2024! This significant influx suggests that the availability of vegetarian food is far from an obstacle. Moreover, do you know that Vietnamese Buddhists observe meat-free diets on the 1st and 15th of each month? This practice has fostered a broader awareness of vegetarian dietary needs across the country.

So, if you're planning a trip to Vietnam, don't let hearsay dictate your decision. Additionally, with our complete guide, you can better navigate the culinary landscape. Here, you'll find tips for communicating your food preferences, finding the top vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam (along with our recommendations), and some must-try Vietnamese vegetarian dishes. Let us start!

How to Communicate Your Food Needs 

A crucial skill to master when travelling in Vietnam is effectively communicating your dietary needs. While you’ll find numerous vegetarian and vegan restaurants in major cities, knowing the right local phrases will significantly help you find food places in less touristy areas where English may not be widely spoken.

For Vegetarians

To say vegetarian, use the phrase "Ăn chay" (pronounced "ahn chai"). By knowing this term, you can easily identify vegetarian dishes on the menu. If you have trouble navigating the menu, simply call the waiter and say "ăn chay," and he/she will point out the appropriate dishes for you. Interestingly, this term has become so common that most vegetarian restaurants clearly incorporate this term into the name of their establishment.

BE AWARE that some offbeat restaurants may include eggs in their vegetarian offerings. To avoid any confusion, you can clarify your request by saying, "Không có trứng, thịt, cá, gà," which translates to "no eggs, meat, fish, or chicken." This proactive approach can save you from unexpected surprises.

For Vegans

If you're following a stricter vegan diet, use the term "Thuần chay" (pronounced "twun chai"), which indicates that you want no animal products whatsoever. If you have specific dietary restrictions, you can utilise the phrase "Không" (meaning "without") followed by specific terms to communicate your needs. 

Here are some key ingredients to be aware of:

• Bò – beef

• Gà – chicken

• Nước mắm – fish sauce

• Phô mai – cheese

• Sữa – milk

• Thịt heo – pork

• Trứng – eggs

• Đậu phụ – tofu

• Tôm – shrimp

• Cá – fish

Tip: If you are having trouble getting the pronunciation right, use translation apps and play the audio through the speaker. This small step can help you enjoy your meal exactly how you want it!

How to Find the Best Vegetarian (Vegan) Food Places 

We understand that finding the right places to eat can be both overwhelming and complicated. But this shouldn’t be the case, as we have two of the best tools and tips to help you out.

Use Food Apps (& Google is always there!)

HappyCow, a highly recommended app that specialises in listing vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants around the world. All you need to do is type in your location and set the right filters, which will give you a list of nearby spots. Interestingly, it also displays reviews from your fellow veggie food lovers, which will further help you to pick the right place.

Hire a Local Guide

Another great option is hiring a local guide. As local guides are familiar with the culinary landscape, they can not only help you navigate menus and identify dishes that meet your dietary preferences but also introduce you to much more! Don’t worry- booking a food tour is easy with popular platforms like TripAdvisor or Viator, where you can easily find food tours in Saigon, Hanoi and Da Nang, among others. Based on your convenience, you can either go for a full day or a short 1-2 hours food excursion, but the result will be that you will get a first-hand idea of finding the best vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Vietnam!

Recommendations: Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Vietnam

To help you with your research and Vietnam journey, we have listed some top recommendations based on the Vietnam Ministry of Tourism's website to help you find the best vegetarian spots across Vietnam.

Hum Restaurant, Ho Chi Minh City

Ranked 10th among the 25 vegetarian restaurants worldwide by readers of Tripadvisor, Hum Restaurant stands out for its elegant atmosphere and an impressive menu of tasty and healthy food options. The menu showcases a diverse range of vegetarian dishes, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients that cater to various tastes. Signature dishes include Vegetarian Pho, a fragrant noodle soup made with vegetable broth and topped with tofu and fresh herbs and Gỏi Cuốn Chay (Vegetarian Spring Rolls).

Uu Dam Chay, Hanoi

With around 2,226 reviews, nestled in the heart of Hanoi, Uu Dam Chay is one of the most popular places among vegetarian food lovers. It has a serene ambience complemented by a menu full of creative vegetarian dishes. Their best-seller, the Vegetarian Hot Pot, is a must-try, featuring a rich, flavorful broth packed with fresh vegetables and tofu.

Spice Viet, Hue

In the culinary heart of Hue, Spice Viet stands out as a must-visit destination for vegetarians and food lovers alike. This charming restaurant has garnered a reputation for its innovative interpretations of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. What sets Spice Viet apart is its commitment to freshness and quality! Moreover, they are located across other major cities like Saigon, Hoi An and Hanoi.

Am Vegetarian & Hideaway, Hoi An

Located a short walk from the old town, Am Vegetarian & Hideaway boasts an extensive menu filled with delicious Vietnamese dishes made vegetarian. Interestingly, the restaurant is also pet-friendly! The Vegetarian Banh Mi is a highlight here, packed with fresh herbs and perfectly marinated tofu.

What Vegetarian Dishes Are Popular in Vietnam?

Here comes the point that often goes overlooked: many traditional dishes are naturally meat-free or can be easily adapted to suit a vegetarian diet. So, here are some must-try vegetarian Vietnamese dishes to add to your food itinerary:

• Phở chay (Vegetarian Pho): While the traditional pho is made with beef broth, many places offer a vegetarian version with a light, aromatic vegetable broth. You can request to top it with tofu, mushrooms, and plenty of fresh herbs.

• Gỏi cuốn chay (Vegetarian Spring Rolls): These fresh spring rolls are usually packed with vegetables, herbs, and rice noodles. Just ask for them without meat, and you'll have a light and healthy meal.

• Cơm tấm chay (Vegetarian Broken Rice): This dish, made from small broken rice grains, is often served with tofu, sautéed veggies, and a tangy soy sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful option for any meal.

• Chè bắp (Corn Pudding): This popular dessert features sweet corn cooked in coconut milk and served with sticky rice or mung beans. It’s a delightful way to end your meal on a sweet note.
  

So, in conclusion, finding delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Vietnam is easier than you might think. Whether you're travelling through bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi or exploring quieter spots like Hoi An and Hue, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly restaurants offering an array of flavorful dishes. All you need to do is master a few key phrases and keep the food apps handy (like HappyCow), and then you are all set for your next meal (but in Vietnam)!






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