Vegetarian Food in Vietnam

Vegetarian, vegan, or simply diet restricted? You’re probably all too familiar with the struggle of finding food to keep you sustained when holidaying in new, exotic locations. Not so with Vietnam. Vietnamese cuisine is largely misconstrued to be a meat lovers’ paradise, with no comfort for the vegetarians. It is instead a paradise for both, with plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, peanut-free and vegan options to indulge in. Read up our comprehensive guide to vegetarian food in Vietnam and get those taste buds a-tingling.

Vietnam is an absolute paradise for fresh fruit, with an unbelievable variety to pick from.

Lingo for a Vegetarian in Vietnam

Worried the language barrier will get in the way of you ordering vegetarian food in Vietnam? Put aside those worries; there’s no need to master the language. Instead, just keep these words in mind and you’re good to go. “Vegetarian” in Vietnamese is “chay.” Super simple to pronounce and remember, you say it flat and even, with no intonation necessary. Vegetarian food and restaurants are easily found across Vietnam. This is mainly due to two reasons- the widespread use of fresh veggies and herbs, and the vegetarian Buddhist population.

Additionally, you can memorize the following words and phrases as well: Tôi không ăn means “I don’t eat” in Vietnamese. Accordingly, follow it up with sua (milk), bo (butter), trung (eggs), nuoc mam (fish sauce) or pho mai (cheese). We also recommend carrying around a translation card to show to locals, especially in the case of severe allergies. Better safe than sorry!

Veggies, herbs and fresh fruits can be found in markets all across Vietnam.

Vegetarian food in Vietnam: Originals and remixes

Several Vietnamese dishes contain either pork, beef or fish, and stews are often made with beef stock. However, you can find vegetarian versions (what we’re calling ‘remixes’) of most dishes quite easily. Additionally, there are several dishes that are vegetarian by nature.

Banh Mi is the popular French-inspired snack that is available across Vietnam. You will find small carts with an assortment of meats, greens and fresh herbs, that will all go into a fresh baguette. However, just ask for bánh mi hai trứng, a bánh mi with two eggs, and you’re good to go. Not an egg eater? Tôi không ăn trứng- I don’t eat eggs. You’ll likely dig into tofu pieces. Add in không thịt, meaning ‘No meat’, to ensure you get a fulfilling snack that’s all veg. 

Similarly, the world-famous pho also has a pho chay version. Tofu chunks and fresh herbs further complement the delicious vegetarian stock. Just remember to add the ‘chay’ when asking for anything you’d like to eat, and you’re set with vegetarian food in Vietnam. One vegetarian must-have is papaya salad, that while completely veg, is served with a generous helping of peanuts. Those with allergies, take note. 

Banh Mi, easily found across Vietnam, has vegetarian and eggless versions as well.

Gluten-free in Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine ensures everyone gets to experience its wholesomeness, including those who are gluten-free. Rice, inherently gluten-free, is a staple in Vietnam. The noodles are also made of rice, and along with the meats and veggies constitutes most meals. Just keep an eye out for those condiments. Though the traditional soy sauce is gluten-free, restaurants and larger establishments may serve imported soy sauce that contains gluten. If you are severely allergic, ensure you have a translation card to show wherever you go.

Vietnamese noodles is made out of rice, thus making it enjoyable for those who are gluten-free.

Fruity paradise

The sheer variety of fruits in Vietnam is insurmountable. The topical weather and hilly terrain make for great conditions for fruits and vegetables to flourish. Additionally, they’re easily available, and cheap as well. So if you find yourself tiring of the vegetarian food in Vietnam (which we highly doubt), you can always turn to the fruits. 

Stick to the more familiar banana and watermelon, or try your hand at exotic fruits previously unheard of, like mangosteen and the sweet pomelo. If you feel particularly adventurous, try the equally loved and despised durian! And, when in Da Lat and the central highlands, head to one of the fruit orchards to witness the abundance of nature yourself!

Vietnam has a breathtaking variety of familiar and exotic fruits.

Things to look out for

There’s a few things to pay attention to if you’re a vegetarian in Vietnam. While street food in Vietnam, including the likes of banh mi and pho, have vegetarian versions, they can often be served with a dash of fish sauce. Condiments are generally tricky; you must also watch out for the use of soy, and peanut dipping sauces as well. 

If you’re a strict vegetarian or vegan, we recommend translation cards. Make it as evident as possible that you cannot eat certain foods. You can always turn to the restaurants; veganism and vegetarianism are becoming slightly more popular ways of life in Vietnam so you’re sure to find restaurants where you can dine without a worry. 

While vegetables are easily available across Vietnam, we recommend translation cards for when you’re looking for something specific.

We can go on all day about vegetarian food in Vietnam, but honestly, nothing beats trying it out yourself. If you find yourself craving a fulfilling bowl of pho chay or some veggie summer rolls with a beer on the side, just let us know. Click on Plan Your Trip so that together we can customize your ideal itinerary for dreamy Vietnam.