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In recent years, vegetarianism is no longer just a culinary trend but has truly become a way of life, especially for the younger generation around the world. In Vietnam - a country heavily influenced by Buddhism, vegetarian dishes can be easily found on the streets, in luxury restaurants, or even in cozy family meals.

If you are a first-time visitor to Vietnam and worry about vegetarian options here, read this article carefully to get an overview and enjoy your trip to Vietnam!

Overview

Vietnam stands out as a vegan-friendly destination, offering an abundance of dining choices for enthusiasts of plant-based cuisine. The prevalence of vegan and vegetarian options in Vietnamese cities can be attributed to the existence of temple-affiliated restaurants, often found in proximity to religious sites.

Source: Collected

Many eateries showcase dedicated vegan menus, and others are flexible in adjusting their regular dishes to exclude meat. The allure of Vietnamese cuisine lies in its vibrant flavors, crafted from an assortment of fresh vegetables and robust spices that will make vegan options more appealing!

Top Vegetarian Vietnamese Food

1. Specialities can be vegan-friendly

Pho, Banh Mi, Goi cuon, Bun cha, etc - Vietnamese cuisine can be customized into plant-based dishes with a few tweaks in ingredients. Instead of meat, Vietnamese people get protein from many sources such as nuts, mushrooms, tofu, etc, which are always abundant and fresh in Vietnam. In addition, Vietnam is well-known as a wet rice farming country, you can go to grocery stores and get a full bag of cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, cabbages, etc at a very cheap price compared to some Western countries.

Source: Collected

It is such a waste if foreigners cannot enjoy the vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and wholesome ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine a delightful experience due to their food preferences. Be creative or go on restaurant-hopping to try authentic Vietnamese food that is vegan-customized!

2. Types of salad

Most salad dishes in Vietnam are made completely of vegetables and herbs, and one of the most famous ones has to be Goi Du Du (Green Papaya Salad). The dish is flavorful with a fine balance between sweet and sour dressing, coating perfectly crunchy grated papayas, carrots, daikons, a handful of herbs including basil, cilantro, mints, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts.

Source: Collected

Other types of salad such as Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Stem Salad), Avocado Salad, etc can be enjoyed pleasantly by vegetarians. You can find them in almost every restaurant or if you live in a homestay and are allowed to use the kitchen, just buy ingredients (which are available everywhere) and make them yourself.

However, vegans should be mindful, as certain places may include fish sauce in the dressing - simply request a replacement for soy sauce or its exclusion if needed.

3. Dau hu sot ca chua (Fried tofu with tomato sauce)

A cherished vegetarian dish in Vietnamese food is crispy tofu with tomato sauce, evoking nostalgic memories for many locals from the North to the South of Vietnam. This delightful blend makes Dau hu sot ca chua a beloved choice among residents and a culinary delight for those eager to experience Vietnamese vegetarian fare.

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If you have a chance to visit any temple in Vietnam and are welcomed for a meal, it is likely that Dau hu sot ca chua will be served.

Despite its simplicity, this dish is incredibly flavorful, showcasing crunchy fried tofu accompanied by a tasty tomato sauce, garnished with fresh green onions, and served alongside steamed white rice. 

4. Make-of-rice cakes

Rice remains a pivotal element in both agriculture and the culinary landscape of Vietnam. Besides main dishes, Vietnamese people have created more than hundreds of different kinds of cakes from rice such as Banh nep (Glutinous rice cake), Banh it tran (Vietnamese Sticky Rice Dumplings), Banh day (Round Sticky Rice Cake), etc. And do you know that you can eat them without meat, as the fillings are mostly mung beans or coconut strips?

Source: Collected

Make sure to travel all across Vietnam and devour each rice-inspired dish and find your favorite one!

Where to eat

Here are a few vegan restaurants in Vietnam you might want to explore:

• Prem Bistro, Ho Chi Minh City: 87/15 Dien Bien Phu, District 1

• The Veg, Hanoi: 1 Tong Duy Tan Ward, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem District

• Buddha Chay, Ho Chi Minh City: 31 Dang Tat, District 1

• Vegito Vegetarian Buffet Restaurant, Hanoi: 4 Dinh Ngang, Hoan Kiem District

• Hum Vegetarian Restaurant: 32 - 34 Vo Van Tan, District 3

That’s it! We hope this article has given you an overview and what to eat in Vietnam as a vegetarian. No more worries and enjoy your trip to the fullest!