Planning a trip to Vietnam as a vegetarian or vegan? You’re in for a treat. Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting food destinations, offering a wide array of plant-based dishes deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and regional flavors. Whether you’re arriving with a Vietnam VIP arrival experience or exploring Vietnam’s veggie food street food stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this guide will help you navigate Vietnam’s delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine with ease.
🛬 First Stop: Arriving in Vietnam with Ease
Before diving into the food, let’s make sure your arrival is smooth and stress-free.
If you’re flying into Vietnam, consider booking a VIP airport services in Ho Chi Minh City. These services are especially valuable for first-time travelers, vegetarians with dietary concerns, or anyone who wants a seamless airport experience.
Popular options include:
- Ho Chi Minh Airport Fast Track Service – Beat the queues at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
- Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Fast Track Service – Get through immigration and baggage claim efficiently.
- Vietnam Airport Car Pick-Up Service – Travel directly from the airport to your hotel with a trusted driver.
- Hanoi Airport VIP Service – Enjoy lounge access, priority handling, and exclusive meet-and-greet.
- Vietnam Airport Assistance – Ideal for families or solo travelers who want full-service arrival help.
☝️ Tip: Booking a VIP airport services in Ho Chi Minh City means you can start your food journey stress-free, especially after a long-haul flight.
🥒 Traditional Vietnamese Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly thanks to its Buddhist influence and fresh ingredients. Here’s what to look for across the country:
1. Phở Chay (Vegetarian Pho)
- A vegan twist on Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup.
- Made with vegetable broth, tofu, mushrooms, and rice noodles.
- Best enjoyed in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or at upscale vegan restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Bánh Mì Chay
- A French-inspired Vietnamese baguette filled with pickled vegetables, tofu, and vegan pâté.
- Look for it at street stalls with a “CHAY” sign.
3. Gỏi Cuốn Chay (Vegan Fresh Spring Rolls)
- Rice paper rolls stuffed with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, carrots, mint, and tofu.
- Often served with peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
4. Bún Chay
- A noodle salad with herbs, crushed peanuts, and fried tofu.
- Light, refreshing, and perfect for warm Vietnamese afternoons.
5. Cơm Chay
- “Vegetarian rice” – a plate of steamed rice served with an assortment of vegan-friendly sides.
- Found in Buddhist temples and local eateries.
6. Canh Chua Chay (Sour Vegan Soup)
- Tamarind-based sour soup with pineapple, tomatoes, okra, and tofu.
- A southern Vietnamese favorite.
7. Chè Chay (Vegan Sweet Soups)
- Dessert soups made from mung beans, black beans, lotus seeds, and coconut milk.
- Look for coconut-based versions that are fully vegan.
8. Miến Xào Chay (Vegan Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
- Cellophane noodles stir-fried with vegetables and tofu.
- A delicious, filling, yet light option.
9. Lẩu Chay (Vegan Hot Pot)
- A communal dish with a simmering broth served with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and noodles.
🌆 Vietnam’s Veggie Food-Where to Eat: City-by-City Guide
🌆 Hanoi: Capital of Culture & Vietnam’s Veggie Food
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Hanoi:
- Uu Dam Chay – Elegant vegan fine dining in a serene setting.
- Loving Hut Hoa Dang – Global vegan chain with a Vietnamese twist.
- Bo De Tam – Temple-style food served buffet-style.
Don’t Miss: Vegan egg coffee made from coconut cream instead of egg yolks.
Local Favorites: Try Phở Chay on Pham Huy Thong street or Bún Chay from local street vendors.
Tip: Arrive stress-free by booking the Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Fast Track Service or Hanoi Airport VIP Service for a smooth transition into the city.
🌇 Ho Chi Minh City: Vibrant and Vietnam’s Veggie Food Friendly City
Best Vegan Spots:
- The Organik House – Vegan fusion with smoothie bowls and avocado toast.
- Hum Vegetarian – Upscale spot near Saigon’s Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Prem Bistro & Cafe – Popular with digital nomads.
Street Food Hotspots: District 1 and District 3 have countless vendors selling Bánh Mì Chay and vegan noodle dishes.
Insider Hack: Use the Vietnam airport express service to skip the arrival chaos and head straight to the food scene.
🏖️ Da Nang & Hoi An: Coastal Charm
Hoi An has an impressive vegan scene thanks to eco-tourism and its calm, walkable Old Town.
Top Picks:
- Annen Vegetarian (Hoi An) – Garden atmosphere with mindful eating.
- Roots Plant-Based Café (Da Nang) – Vegan smoothies and power bowls.
Cooking Classes: Hoi An is known for hands-on vegan cooking experiences with fresh ingredients.
🗵️ Temple Cuisine: Dining Like the Monks
Buddhist temples across Vietnam often serve free or donation-based vegetarian meals. Known as “ăn chay,” these dishes are simple, wholesome, and deeply spiritual.
Where to Try:
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Da Lat
- Pho Quang Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery
These meals are 100% vegan, alcohol-free, and usually enjoyed in silence – a unique experience that adds cultural depth to your trip.
🍉 Vietnam’s Veggie Food- Vegan Street Food Snacks
Vegetarian and vegan snacks are everywhere. Look out for:
- Xôi Chay – Sticky rice with mung beans, sesame, and fried shallots.
- Chuối Nếp Nướng – Grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice (check for condensed milk).
- Đậu Hũ Nước Đường – Silken tofu dessert with ginger syrup.
- Bánh tráng nướng chay – Vegan rice paper grilled with scallions and mushrooms.
- Khoai lang chiên – Deep-fried sweet potatoes.
🗣️ Vietnam’s Veggie Food Guide- Essential Phrases for Vegans
| English | Vietnamese |
|---|---|
| I am vegetarian | Tôi ăn chay |
| No meat | Không thịt |
| No fish sauce | Không nước mắm |
| No eggs | Không trứng |
| No milk | Không sữa |
| Is this vegan? | Đây có phải là đồ thuần chay không? |
🗣 Pro Tip: Carry a small card with these translations or show them on your phone.
⚖️ Vietnam’s Veggie Food- Navigating Markets & Ingredients
Vietnam’s markets are a feast for the senses, and a great place to discover new ingredients:
- Fresh herbs: Thai basil, mint, coriander.
- Exotic fruits: Dragon fruit, jackfruit, mangosteen.
- Tofu and soy products: Found at every market.
- Fermented veggies and pickles.
Avoid:
- Shrimp paste (mắm tôm).
- Fish sauce (nước mắm).
- Meat-based broths (always ask).
🛍️ Vietnam’s Veggie Food- Vegan Travel Tips in Vietnam
- 🡡 Use Apps Like HappyCow: Find vegetarian and vegan restaurants nearby.
- 🚗 Pre-Book Transport: Book a Vietnam airport Car pick-up service to get directly to your hotel or vegan café after landing.
- 🚲 Rent Bicycles in Hoi An: Explore local food spots while staying eco-friendly.
- ✈️ Use Fast Track & VIP Services: Avoid delays and long queues by using services like Vietnam Airport Assistance, Vietnam Airport VIP Fast Track Service, or Hanoi Airport VIP Service.
- 🍽️ Try Cooking Classes: Vegan cooking classes in Hoi An and Hanoi are a great way to learn and taste.
- 🏨 Stay at Eco-Friendly Hotels: Many offer in-house vegan options.
✅ Final Thoughts: Vietnam’s Veggie Food Paradise
From fresh spring rolls to temple cuisine and hearty vegan pho, Vietnam offers endless options for plant-based travelers. With the right airport assistance like a VIP Meet & Greet Arrival Service in Vietnam, you’ll be enjoying your first vegan bánh mì without the stress of navigating immigration lines.
Whether you’re arriving in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, Vietnam’s food scene will surprise and satisfy any vegetarian or vegan traveler.
📌 FAQs – Vegetarian & Vegan Travel in Vietnam + Airport Services
Is Vietnam vegetarian and vegan friendly?
Yes! Vietnam has a rich tradition of vegetarian (ăn chay) cuisine thanks to Buddhist influence. Vegan dishes are easy to find, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Can I find vegan options at the airport in Vietnam?
Yes, most international terminals have cafes or restaurants offering vegetarian meals. For a better experience, book a Ho Chi Minh express immigration or Hanoi Airport VIP Service to access lounges with more dietary options.
What is a VIP Meet & Greet Arrival Service in Vietnam?
It’s a personalized airport experience that includes fast-track immigration, luggage assistance, and sometimes lounge access. It’s ideal for vegan travelers who want a smooth, hassle-free arrival.
What does the Ho Chi Minh Airport Fast Track Service include?
It includes priority immigration processing, luggage support, and optional car pick-up. Perfect for skipping the long lines and getting to your hotel or restaurant quickly.
Are there fully vegan restaurants in Vietnam?
Absolutely. Major cities offer fully vegan restaurants with international menus, while traditional eateries serve authentic Vietnamese vegan dishes.
Is Vietnam’s Veggie Food usually made with fish sauce?
Yes, but many places offer alternatives. Always ask for “không nước mắm” to avoid fish sauce.
Should I book airport assistance when traveling in Vietnam?
Yes, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Booking Vietnam Airport Assistance or a VIP Meet & Greet Arrival Service in Vietnam ensures less stress and faster transit.
Do Buddhist temples in Vietnam serve food to travelers?
Yes, many do. Meals are often free or donation-based and fully vegan. Be respectful of customs when dining at temples.
Can I take a vegan cooking class in Vietnam?
Yes! Hoi An and Hanoi offer vegan-specific cooking classes that are hands-on and delicious.
Is the Vietnam Airport Car Pick-Up Service reliable?
Yes, pre-booked car pick-ups are punctual, safe, and comfortable. It’s especially helpful if you have specific dietary needs and want to head directly to a vegan-friendly location.
Are there vegan grocery stores or markets?
Yes, especially in big cities. Look for organic markets and international grocery stores carrying plant-based products.
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