If you’ve ever worried that being vegetarian or vegan in Vietnam might mean living off plain rice and papaya salad, you can relax. Vietnam might just be Asia’s most underrated vegetarian paradise; it’s not just possible to eat plant-based here, it’s joyously easy. Between Buddhist traditions, vibrant local markets, and an ever-growing community of creative chefs, Vietnam serves up veggie dishes that hit every craving: crispy, saucy, spicy, comforting, and sometimes, shockingly cheap.
We’ve eaten our way from Hanoi’s temple-side tofu stalls to Saigon’s sleek vegan brunch spots – and we’re here to tell you: being vegetarian in Vietnam is not a limitation, it’s a flavour adventure.
🥬 The Surprising Roots of Vietnam’s Vegetarian Culture
Before the avocado toast crowd arrived, Vietnam was already quietly mastering the plant-based game. Vegetarianism here isn’t a trend, it’s tradition.
Much of it stems from Mahayana Buddhism, which promotes a “chay” (vegetarian) diet as part of spiritual practice. On Buddhist holidays (like the 1st and 15th of each lunar month), you’ll see temples offering free “cơm chay” meals, and locals swapping their phở bò for phở chay without blinking an eye.
But even beyond religion, Vietnamese cuisine has always been vegetable-forward. Herbs aren’t a garnish – they’re the main event. Mint, basil, perilla, lemongrass, morning glory… every bite feels alive.
Fun fact: In Vietnamese, “ăn chay” means “to eat vegetarian,” but it’s often used as a gentle lifestyle choice, not a hard rule. So even your most carnivorous friend might join you for a tofu feast and call it their “chay day.”
🥢 Hanoi’s Plant-Based Scene: Tradition with a Twist
Hanoi’s vegetarian scene is a perfect mix of grandma’s kitchen meets Gen Z café. The city’s slow rhythm lends itself beautifully to cosy vegan eateries and serene temple-side meals.
Here are a few standouts we love:
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Ưu Đàm Chay – Elegant, peaceful, and totally meat-free. Their lotus hotpot feels like a spiritual experience (and we’re not exaggerating).
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Veggie Castle – A buffet spot tucked away in Tay Ho, serving homemade-style dishes like vegan caramelised “fish” and mushroom stews. Bring your appetite; you’ll go back for seconds.
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Sadhu Vegetarian – A little more upscale, but worth it. Each dish is a work of art – like their purple rice rolls or crispy taro spring rolls with passionfruit sauce.
- Ivegan – the kind of spot you wander into for a smoothie and end up staying for a full Buddha bowl – bright, cosy, and delish food.
If you’re exploring Hanoi, look for “Cơm Chay” signs – they’re your best friend. Even hole-in-the-wall places with plastic stools often serve fantastic vegetarian meals for less than a coffee.
And if you want to eat like a local? Order “bún chay” (vegetarian noodle bowl) or “phở chay” (meatless pho). The flavours are clean but rich, thanks to mushroom broths and fried shallots.
🥑 Ho Chi Minh City: The Modern Vegan Playground
If Hanoi is where you go to zen out with lotus soup, Saigon is where vegan food goes to party.
The energy is bigger, the menus are bolder, and there’s a sense of experimentation that makes every meal exciting. Think plant-based banh mi stuffed with grilled tempeh, coconut lattes with oat milk, and vegan sushi that actually slaps.
Our favourites?
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Prem Bistro & Café – Long-time favourite among expats and locals alike. Cosy, consistent, and wholesome. Their vegan lasagna hits that perfect comfort note.
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Chan Chan Noodle – that low-key vegan gem where the broths are deep, the noodles are springy, and every bowl feels like a warm, flavorful hug after a long, chaotic day in Saigon.
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Filthy Vegan – Don’t let the name fool you – this is indulgent, fun, and 100% plant-based. Vegan burgers, tacos, and loaded fries? Yes, please.
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Pi Vegetarian Bistro – Minimalist vibes, maximum flavour. The tofu claypot here is unreal.
Pro tip: Many Saigon restaurants now clearly label dishes as vegan or vegetarian – but when in doubt, say “không trứng, không sữa” (no eggs, no milk) or “thuần chay” (strictly vegan).
🌾 Beyond the Big Cities: Hidden Veggie Gems Across Vietnam
Vegan-friendly food doesn’t stop at city limits. Smaller towns and coastal destinations often have surprisingly good vegetarian options, especially near temples or local markets.
In Hoi An, try Am Vegetarian Restaurant for their comforting lemongrass tofu and banana flower salads. The town’s gentle pace makes every meal feel intentional – and yes, they do fantastic vegan versions of “cao lầu.”
Da Lat, surrounded by vegetable farms, is practically Vietnam’s garden. You’ll find fresh, earthy flavours in every bowl of soup. Try Biang Bistro or An Cafe for stunning views and local vegetarian fare.
And in Hue, once the imperial capital, the royal vegetarian cuisine (“ẩm thực chay cung đình”) is on another level. Delicate lotus rice, jackfruit “shrimp,” and handmade sesame cakes – this is food fit for monks and emperors.
🥢 How to Eat Vegetarian (or Vegan) Like a Local
Here’s the secret: don’t just look for “vegetarian” or “vegan” – look for “chay.” That’s the magic word in Vietnam.
Some practical tips:
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Learn the lingo. “Cơm chay” = vegetarian rice meal. “Bún chay” = noodle dish. “Thuần chay” = vegan.
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Ask gently, not militantly. Most local cooks are happy to accommodate if you explain – just clarify you don’t eat “thịt” (meat), “cá” (fish), “trứng” (eggs), or “sữa” (milk).
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Embrace temple food. Buddhist temples often serve free or donation-based vegetarian meals. It’s an authentic and humbling experience.
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Don’t skip the sauces. Fish sauce (“nước mắm”) sneaks into everything – ask for “nước tương” (soy sauce) instead.
And yes, you will be surprised how flavorful “vegan fish sauce” can be. (It’s usually made with pineapple, mushroom.)
Be Adventurous
Eating vegetarian or vegan in Vietnam isn’t about restriction – it’s about connection. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and tasting things you may have never tried before.
Whether it’s a humble bowl of tofu and rice on a temple floor or a five-star vegan tasting menu, the spirit is the same: respect for nature, for flavour, and for the art of simplicity.
So if you’re wandering through Vietnam – whether you’re a full-time vegan, a curious foodie, or just trying to eat a little greener – this is your sign: go chay for a day.
And remember to search our directory for all our fav recommendations!
