Vietnam’s vibrant food scene is a revelation for any traveler, but for vegetarians, it might seem like a land dominated by fish sauce and savory broths. Fear not, plant-based adventurers! Vietnam embraces vegetarianism with open arms, offering a delectable array of meat-free options alongside its iconic dishes.
Navigating Vegetarian Food in Vietnam
Before we dive into the various meat-free delights, lets introduce some pointers to help you navigate the culinary adventures in Vietnam –
- “Tôi ăn chay” (I am vegetarian)
- “Không thịt” (No meat)
- Carry a Phrasebook or Digital Card: A simple card stating your dietary preferences in Vietnamese can be a lifesaver.
- Embrace Local Delights: Don’t just stick to vegetarian versions of popular dishes. Explore “com chay” (vegetarian rice plates) and “goi cuon chay” (fresh spring rolls) for unique flavor profiles.
- Look for “Chay” Signs: “Chay” translates to “vegetarian” and is a telltale sign for restaurants specializing in meat-free cuisine.
- Explore Buddhist Pagodas and Temples: These places often cater to vegetarian practices and might have vegetarian restaurants nearby.
Must-Try Vegetarian Food Items when in Vietnam
Pho Chay
This vegetarian Pho substitutes the traditional meat broth with a flavorful vegetable stock, simmered for hours with fragrant spices like star anise and cloves. Often featuring marinated and pan-fried tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms, Pho Chay delivers a comforting and deeply satisfying vegetarian take on the national treasure.
Com Chay
A customizable vegetarian rice platter, Com Chay allows you to create your own perfect meal. Start with a base of fluffy steamed rice, then choose from an array of stir-fried vegetables like morning glory with garlic or lemongrass-infused eggplant. Pickles like shredded carrots and daikon radish add a tangy counterpoint, and fried tofu puffs or crispy spring rolls provide a delightful textural contrast.
Banh Mi Chay
The quintessential Vietnamese baguette gets a vegetarian makeover with fillings like lemongrass-marinated and grilled tofu, pickled vegetables with a satisfying crunch, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a burst of fragrance, and a creamy vegan mayonnaise for a touch of richness.
Xoi Chay
Glutinous rice, a breakfast staple, gets a vegetarian makeover with toppings like peanuts for a nutty crunch, mung beans for a touch of earthiness, and black beans for a protein boost. Drizzled with a touch of sesame oil and sprinkled with crispy shallots, Xoi Chay is a delightful and satisfying way to start your day.
Goi Du Du (Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad)
A refreshing and crunchy salad bursting with flavors of julienned green papaya, sweet carrots, and chilies for a kick. Peanuts add a textural contrast, and fresh herbs like mint and basil lend a fragrant touch. A tangy nuoc cham dressing ties all the elements together for a salad that’s both light and flavorful.
- Banh Xeo Chay: A savory crepe made with turmeric-infused rice flour for a vibrant yellow hue. The crepe is filled with bean sprouts for a satisfying crunch, mushrooms for an earthy depth, and shrimp-like tofu that mimics the texture of seafood. Dunked in a sweet and savory fish sauce-based dipping sauce, Banh Xeo Chay offers a delightful textural contrast and a burst of unique flavors.
- Spring Rolls : A must try when in Vietnam, spring rolls or summer rolls are a very easy pick when it comes to vegetarian food in Vietnam. Super healthy and nutritious, these rolls have an outer covering of rice paper stuffed with a mixture of vermicelli, herbs, tofu, mangoes, avocadoes or any vegetables available. Every bite is a burst of freshness and crunch, enhanced by the zesty flavours of the dipping sauce. It’s like a healthy and flavorful salad wrapped in a delicate package
Pro-Tip: While many restaurants may offer “Pho Chay” on their menu, the broth might not always be vegetarian. Opt for vegetarian-specific restaurants to ensure a completely meat-free experience.
Top Vegetarian Restaurants
- Hanoi: Uu Dam Chay, Aummee, Mệt, Veggie Castle, Mộc Miên
- Hoi An: Karma Waters, Am Vegetarian, Annen Hoi An Restaurant, Nhat Da
- Hue: Organic An Lac, Spice Viet
- Ho Chi Minh City: Hum Restaurant, Pi Bistro, Filthy Vegan, Veggie Saigon, Phuong Mai Vegetarian Restaurant
- Da Nang: Chickpea Eatery, Mother’s Kitchen, Banh My Chay, Ans Vegetarian Cuisine
These are some of the vegetarian restuarants that we have handpicked for our readers. However, you can also rely on apps like HappyCow to find a vegetarian restaurant near you.
Slurping into a steaming bowl of Bun Chay, savoring a fresh and crunchy Banh Xeo Chay, and so much more awaits you on your delicious vegetarian adventure through Vietnam.
With a little planning and a willingness to explore, Vietnam unfolds as a vegetarian paradise. From vibrant street food stalls to charming vegetarian restaurants, you’ll discover a world of flavors that tantalize your taste buds without compromising your dietary preferences. To plan your travels, you can opt for bus, trains and flights across cities. You can easily book your Vietnam bus tickets from one city to another, via platforms like redBus, Vietnam.
Planning your travels by bus? Check out our detailed guides on –