Vegetarian Dining in Vietnam 2026: A Complete Travel Guide to the Best Cities, Dishes & Restaurants

Why Vietnam Is a Hidden Paradise for Vegetarian and Vegan Travellers

Vegetarian dining in Vietnam is not only about discovering meat-free dishes, but also a whole experience embedded in the country, cuisine and spirituality. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Da Nang, each place presents its own perception of vegetarian dishes. This Vietnam vegetarian guide will answer one of the most frequently asked questions by a travelling person: Where do I eat, and what do I order? This field guide is a compilation of confirmed food listings, verified dishes, and helpful traveling advice, whether you are looking to find vegan food in Vietnam or a traditional Buddhist chay restaurant.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Vietnam (City-by-City Guide)

Hanoi

A chay restaurant based on temples, Uu Dam Chay, is worth a visit. Its famous dishes include the Pho Chay– a vegetarian noodle soup in Vietnam with mushrooms and root broth, tofu, herbs and seitan on top. You should anticipate serene interiors and the mellow tastes that resonate with the relaxing sensation of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

HCMC is the centre of the vegan dining culture in Vietnam and is reeking with modern vegan restaurants and vegan cafes. Among the favourites are Hum Vegetarian, Shamballa and Filthy Vegan. All the way up to Banh Mi Chay (vegan baguette sandwiches) and fusion tofu meals, down to the chef-style vegan platters, these vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City have it all.

Hoi An

Hoi An is known for its classic appeal, which is a mixture of culture and food. Vegan Cafe Fisherman or Try Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant, where ubiquitous Cao Lau Chay (Hoi An-style noodles) and Buddha Bowls are very healthy and affordable.

Da Nang

Roots Plant-Based Cafe Da Nang is a coastal local specialising in vegan bowls, smoothies, and coffee; it has a seafront view. The mix of traditional Vietnamese vegan cuisine and modern vegan cuisine turns the city into a secret for conscious tourists.

Must-Try Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes in Vietnam

Throughout its cuisine, Vietnam is a nation that glorifies balance and contrast, and that is the philosophy that is spilt over into its vegetarian world. The following are the vegetarian foods that one must not miss in Vietnam:

• Pho Chay (Hanoi): Pho Vietnam – a transparent, aromatic soup filled with noodles, tofu and spices.
• Banh Mi Chay (Ho Chi Minh City): A baguette filled with tofu, pickled vegetables, and herbs – a typical vegan street food in Vietnam.
• Cao Lau Chay (Hoi An): Chewy noodles in broth that contains a lot of umami, prepared using mushrooms and soy sauce.
• Goi cuon: Fresh vegetarian spring rolls with tofu, avocado and herbs and topped with soy or peanut dipping sauce.
• Banh Xeo Chay: Savoury rice pancakes in turmeric with bean sprouts and mushrooms.
• Chao Chay: Cosy, warm rice porridge which is commonly served in temples.

When eating, never forget to say “Không nước mắm” (no fish sauce) or “Tôi ăn chay” (I’m vegetarian) so that your food is vegan in accordance with the vegan food in Vietnam.

Essential Dining Tips for Vegetarian Travellers in Vietnam

1. Early Reservation: in Ho Chi Minh City District 1 restaurant or in the beachfront cafes in Hoi An, it can be full of people in a short time during the peak season.
2. Get Google Maps: Find vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam or chay to find traditional places.
3. Ask Before You Eat: Fish sauce is routinely used in many dishes; however, you must always make sure whether it is used instead of soy or tamarind.
4. When Eating Street Food, be safe: Select stalls with people, eat hot food, and use no ice or raw garnishes.

Vegetarian Dining Trends Across Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City: Modern and Expansive

Saigon has become the hub of plant-based restaurants in Vietnam, with traditional and fusion food. Prices will range between 59,000-485,000 VND with Hum and Shamballa at the forefront.

Hoi An: Tradition and Tranquillity

Hoi An vegetarian cuisine boasts of local origins. The Fisherman Cafe offers its legendary Buddha Bowl Vietnam at 95,000 VND- the ultimate price-quality balance and originality.

Hanoi: Heritage and Simplicity

There is still the temple-inspired vegetarian cuisine in Vietnam, in which food is art and prayer, and the capital city. Except for Pho Chay and tofu stir-fry food, which have a centuries-long Buddhist culinary tradition.

Da Nang: Balance and Freshness

Vegetarian restaurants of Da Nang provide a balance between the alley food and the latest cafe style. Visit Try Roots Plant-Based Cafe and have vegan smoothies and rice bowls, and enjoy the view of the coast.

Cultural Tips: How to Eat Vegetarian in Vietnam

Useful Vietnamese Phrases

• “Tôi ăn chay” – I’m vegetarian.
• “Không nước mắm” – No fish sauce.
• “Có món chay không?” – Do you have vegetarian food?

Indian Vegetarian Restaurants

The Indian vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam are a sure-footed backup across all cities, with both North and South Indian vegan cultures being readily available and popular worldwide.

Conclusion: A Mindful Way to Taste and Travel Vietnam

Vegetarian dining in Vietnam is not only not eating meat, but it is also being the heart of a nation that treats food as philosophy. Each bowl of pho chay, each banh mi chay and each quiet temple meal is a story of modulation and kindness. It can be walking the lanes of Hoi An with its lanterns, sitting in vegan cafes around Saigon, or having a relaxing Da Nang brunch, and you will find out that Vietnamese vegetarian food is not only good, but will also transform you. To the convenience-seekers, Pickyourtrail has tailor-made Vietnam tour packages, which include food tours, vegan cooking classes, and cultural market tours. 

FAQs: Vegetarian Dining in Vietnam

Is Vietnam vegetarian-friendly?

Yes. Vietnam is one of Asia’s most vegetarian-friendly countries, with thousands of chay (vegetarian) and vegan restaurants serving plant-based versions of local classics.

What are the best vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam?

Top picks include Hum Vegetarian and Shamballa in Ho Chi Minh City, Uu Dam Chay in Hanoi, Minh Hien in Hoi An, and Roots Plant-Based Café in Da Nang.

What are the must-try vegetarian dishes in Vietnam?

Don’t miss Pho Chay, Bánh Mì Chay, Cao Lầu Chay, Bánh Xèo Chay, and Gỏi Cuốn—the most authentic Vietnamese vegetarian dishes across regions.

How much does vegetarian food cost in Vietnam?

Prices range from 59,000 to 470,000 VND for mains, depending on the restaurant and city. Street food options are incredibly budget-friendly.

Can Pickyourtrail help with vegetarian travel in Vietnam?

Absolutely! Pickyourtrail Vietnam vegetarian packages include vegan food tours, restaurant bookings, cooking classes, and complete itinerary planning for hassle-free travel.