Vegetarian in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Guide!
Being a vegetarian in Vietnam is actually surprisingly easy. Because of the country’s large Buddhist population, you’ll find restaurants across the country serving up vegetarian (chay in Vietnamese) renditions of all the traditional Vietnamese foods you could ever want to try.
This article focuses on how to find vegetarian Vietnamese food while traveling, but rest assured, you’ll find all sorts of international vegetarian options too.
From how to seek out 100% “chay” (vegetarian) restaurants to tips on ordering vegetarian food to a list of must-try vegetarian Vietnamese dishes, I hope my guide to being a vegetarian in Vietnam helps you taste all of the amazing culinary creations this country has to offer!
I’ve spent years living and traveling in Vietnam, so be sure to check out my vegetarian city guides:
- Vegetarian Guide To Nha Trang, Vietnam: Everything You Need To Know
- My Favorite Vegetarian Restaurants In Da Nang, Vietnam
- A Guide to Finding the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Hoi An
- An Insider’s Guide to Vegetarian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
8 Must-Try Vietnamese Vegetarian Dishes
1. Banh Mi Chay
Banh mi chay (vegetarian banh mi) is one of my favorite Vietnamese vegetarian dishes. You’ll find street stalls and restaurants selling these all across the country. Some will come stuffed full of mock meats, slathered with Laughing Cow cheese, or filled with mushrooms.
Do note that banh mi ốp la (fried egg) is a popular option at most banh mi stalls but this often comes slathered in pate, so be warned and make sure you ask.
2. Bun Thit Nuong Chay
Originating in Southern Vietnam, bun thit nuong usually comes with cold rice noodles topped with pork and fragrant herbs all drizzled with fish sauce. This vegan version I found in Hoi An had some of the most tender mock meat I’ve ever tasted and a mild and zesty “fish sauce.”
3. Bun Rieu Chay
Bun rieu is a traditional Vietnamese soup that comes in all sorts of combinations. One of the most popular, bun rieu cua is served with a tomato broth and chunks of fresh crab.
Most vegetarian versions, like the one above, are served with hunks of tofu and plenty of mushrooms as well as a massive plate of fresh herbs and chilis.
4. Cao Lau Chay
When in Hoi An, you’ll want to seek out a restaurant serving up a vegetarian rendition of Hoi An’s famous cao lau. Most vegetarian cao lau consists of thick rice noodles topped with tofu and mushrooms, fresh lettuce and herbs, and a smattering of crispy fried squares.
5. Mi Quang Chay
Another Central Vietnam specialty, mi quang is another delicious rice noodle dish that traditionally features thick noodles, some sort of meat, herbs, and a bit of broth – all topped with a crispy cracker. I didn’t miss the meat with this version!
6. Bun Bo Hue Chay
Bun bo hue is one of my favorite Vietnamese vegetarian dishes. As the name implies, this dish originated in Hue but you can now find it all over the country. Traditionally, it’s made with vermicelli, lemongrass, beef, and pig blood curds, which is where it gets its reddish hue. It might not sound all that appetizing to vegetarians, but the veg version is rich and delicious!
7. Spring Rolls (Chay)
Although fresh Vietnamese spring rolls often come with shrimp or meat, you’ll find vegetarian variations all over the country. Whether you’re in a restaurant or on the street, they’re a cheap and filling snack!
8. Pho Chay
Of course, no list of vegetarian Vietnamese food is complete without including pho. Thankfully, you’ll find pho chay on menus across the country, from north to south. If you’re in the south, order yours like the locals do, with a cup of tra da (iced tea).
Do note that many touristy restaurants have pho chay on the menu but that doesn’t mean the broth is vegan. The only way to make sure your broth is 100% vegan is to order it at a “chay” restaurant.
How to Find Vegetarian Restaurants in Vietnam:
Look for ‘Chay’ Signs
The word “chay” means vegetarian in Vietnam. If you see this word on a restaurant’s sign, you can rest assured it’s totally vegetarian. Typically these places will offer vegetarian Vietnamese food but sometimes you’ll get more international options too.
Join a Facebook Group
Depending on which city you’re visiting, there’s likely to be a local page dedicated to vegetarian food and restaurants. For example, there’s a Vegetarians and Vegans in Da Nang Facebook group. In general, veg communities are super friendly and helpful.
Download the Happy Cow App
The Happy Cow app is a lifesaver for traveling vegetarians. It’s totally free to download and I use it whenever I visit any new city or even a new part of town. When it comes to finding vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam, Happy Cow will list every vegan, vegetarian, and veg-friendly restaurant and store near you, in addition to helpful reviews.
Seek Out the Nearest Buddhist Temple
You’ll often find at least one chay restaurant (or maybe even a bunch of them!) somewhere near the Buddhist temples. These restaurants are usually no-frills and super affordable. And in my experience, this is often where you can find the best vegetarian Vietnamese food!
Vegetarian and Vegan Food Tours
The food in Vietnam varies wildly from north to south, so if you’re a foodie and you’ve got the time, I do recommend doing a food tour in Ho Chi Minh City in the south, Hoi An or Danang in the center, and Hanoi in the north. That way, you’ll get to savor all of the regional specialties that make Vietnam such an incredible culinary destination.
And luckily, you’ll find vegan food tours in each of these big cities. Another suggestion is to schedule your food tours at the beginning of your visit, so you’ll have a better understanding of how to eat your way around each city. Plus, you’ll probably visit a few vegetarian and vegan restaurants on your tour that you’ll want to return to later in your trip.
Take a vegan food tour of HCMC
In quintessential Ho Chi Minh City fashion, there’s a really unique Vegan Food Tour By Scooter that takes you all around the city on the back of a motorbike. Plus, you’ll get the chance to visit five different districts in the city and sample vegan eats from some true hidden gems.
Take a vegan food tour of Danang
This Da Nang Vegetarian Food Walking Tour will introduce you to all of the unique food in Central Vietnam. Trust me when I say that the food here is truly something special and unlike anything you’ll find in the north or south.
Take a vegan food tour of Hoi An
Hoi An is another foodie hot spot for vegetarians and vegans. To make the most of your visit, I recommend this Vegan Food Tour of Hoi An. Your guide will lead you through the Ancient Town, where you’ll try 5-7 vegetarian Vietnamese dishes while meeting local chefs and hearing their fascinating stories.
Useful words and phrases:
Tôi ăn chay – I am vegetarian
Bahn – bread
Bo – butter
Bò – beef
Cá – fish
Chay – vegetarian
Com – rice
Gà – chicken
Mam tom – shrimp paste
Nuoc mam – fish sauce
Pho mai – cheese
Rau – vegetables
Sua – milk
Thịt heo – pork
Trung – eggs
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