Traveling to Vietnam was super exciting for me! However, I was a bit worried about the food since I’m a vegetarian (but I do eat eggs). I wasn’t sure if I’d find any Indian food there, and my internet research didn’t help much—everything looked less than appetizing (no offense!). But, as they say, sometimes you just must go with the flow.
To my surprise, I couldn’t believe how amazing the food was! More than Animesh, I fell in love with Vietnamese cuisine menu. As I write this, I can still taste the delicious bánh mì and even remember trying egg beer—the weirdest food in Vietnam we had! Oh! don’t get me started on the herbal tea—it’s honestly the most delightful brew you’ll ever have!
Before diving into dishes, I’ve got a few tips to make sure you have a smooth ride through the Vietnamese menu!
Practical tips on finding Vegetarian food in Vietnam:
- First things first- learning a couple of Vietnamese phrases can go a long way. I learned “Tôi ăn chay” (pronounced “toy an chai”), which means “I’m vegetarian”.
- Many traditional dishes like pho, banh mi can easily be made vegetarian, especially if you ask for tofu or just vegetables instead of meat.
- There are actually quite a few vegetarian and vegan restaurants (even good Indian restaurants) in bigger cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Download the ‘HappyCow‘ app! It’s an amazing resource for finding vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots wherever you are. Honestly, I hardly used it myself because I got so into the local food scene.
- There may be moments when you’re on the go, and you don’t have time to search for a restaurant. So, I always kept a few snacks on hand—nuts, fruit, or some veggie chips.
Overall, being a vegetarian in Vietnam turned out to be a delicious surprise! In this blog, I’m excited to share with you 12 must-try vegetarian food in Vietnam (including a few non-vegetarian options), so you can thank me later!😋
Roti
When you land in Hanoi, the first thing you should do is grab a Vietnamese roti. Now, don’t get confused—this isn’t the regular roti you’re used to in India. It’s more like a fluffy bun stuffed with delicious fillings like chocolate, vanilla, and other flavors. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this treat!
The best place to get this Vietnamese roti is at King’s Roti, which you can only find in Hanoi. It’s super popular, so my pro tip is to head there by 5 PM at the latest to make sure you don’t miss out! The cost is around $1, which is way economical for such a sweet experience.
Bánh Mì: Our Go-To Dish in Vietnam
Bánh mì quickly became our go-to dish in Vietnam! It’s incredibly popular and for good reason. Think of it as a Vietnamese baguette filled with a variety of tasty options. You can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, so there’s something for everyone!
One of the most famous spots for bánh mì in Hanoi is Bánh Mì 25. I absolutely loved the egg, cheese, and avocado combination, while Animesh couldn’t get enough of the honey grilled chicken with avocado. It was delicious!
We also discovered a fantastic place in Hoi An called Bánh Mì Phượng. If you find yourself there, make sure to try their cheese and onion bánh mì—it’s a total must-try! Yummm!
Coffee Culture
Vietnam is an absolute paradise for coffee lovers! The variety here is huge, and there are so many unique options to try. Ever heard of egg coffee? Neither had we, but we were instantly curious. And I have to say, it did not disappoint! It’s a rich, creamy burst of flavors that you won’t forget.
A great spot to try egg coffee is Note Café in Hanoi. Just keep in mind that making it requires a lot of egg beating to get that perfect creamy texture, so it’s not available everywhere.
Another coffee delight we loved was coconut coffee. It’s just as flavorful, with a tropical twist. If you’re a coffee fan, these are two must-tries in Vietnam!
Pho
Phở is a must-try when in Vietnam! This traditional soup is packed with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and usually meat or chicken. And the best part? The portions are quite generous—perfect for a hearty meal.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is filled with spots where you can enjoy a steaming bowl of phở alongside a local beer, like Bia Viet, for the perfect dinner combo. Animesh tried a place called ZO 26, and his experience was fantastic Although there were vegetarian versions available, I didn’t get a chance to try one myself.
Rice Paper Rolls
Vegetarians, you’ll absolutely love this dish: vegetables wrapped in rice paper! It might sound a bit simple but trust me—it’s a must-try. Fresh veggies are finely chopped, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, and then wrapped in thin rice paper rolls. The taste is so fresh, and it’s a wonderfully healthy option too!
We were lucky to try this dish at Buddha Belly Vegetarian & Vegan restaurant Ninh Binh, and it was so good that we ended up going back there both days we stayed!
Mót
Would you try herbal tea on vacation? I know, it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but this isn’t just any herbal tea—it’s Mót, and it might just steal your heart! Only found in Hoi An ancient town, it’s one of those local secrets you’ll want to remember.
If you spot people holding a white disposable cup decorated with lotus petals, you’re looking at this delicious detox drink! Mót is a cool, refreshing tea made with a blend of lemongrass, chamomile, lemon, ginger, chrysanthemum flowers, dried lotus leaves, and green tea. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also beautifully presented—something you’ll fall in love with at first sip and sight!
Cơm cháy
Cơm cháy, or “burned rice,” is a unique Vietnamese snack you must try! Don’t let the name fool you—it’s a delicious, crispy treat made from rice that’s cooked until it’s golden and crunchy. Often topped with a savory mix of green onions, shredded pork (or a vegetarian topping if you prefer), and sometimes a bit of chili, it’s packed with flavor and texture.
It’s especially popular in Ninh Binh, so if you’re exploring that area, definitely keep an eye out for this crunchy delight!
Egg Beer: Would You Dare to Try It?
Egg beer—yes, you read that right! When I first heard of egg beer, I was both intrigued and a little hesitant. Beer with egg? But hey, when in Vietnam, why not go all out, right?
So, Animesh and I found a local spot that served it and decided to take the plunge. They poured a rich, frothy layer of beaten egg yolk over a cold beer, creating a creamy, foamy texture on top. I braced myself for the first sip, not sure what to expect. And to my surprise…it was delicious!
The egg added a subtle sweetness and creaminess that balanced with the bitterness of the beer in a surprisingly tasty way. It was like dessert and a drink all in one.
If you’re up for the challenge, head to Gia Bao in Ninh Binh, where you can give this unique drink a try. Who knows? It might just become your new favourite!
Cao Lau
Next on the list is Cao Lau, a dish that wasn’t served at a restaurant, but was made and served to us by our wonderful host at our homestay in Hoi An. Now, that made it even more special!
Cao Lau is a unique mix of thick, chewy noodles, fresh herbs, crispy croutons, and a rich broth, usually made with pork (but you can also get it vegetarian). What makes it stand out is the noodles.
They’re made from a special kind of water that comes from a secret well in Hoi An, which gives them a distinct texture and color. The dish is served with fresh greens, sometimes bean sprouts, and always with crispy pork skin on top for that perfect crunch.
Animesh went for the non-vegetarian version, and he absolutely loved it. He felt like he was getting a true taste of Hoi An’s culinary traditions.
If you ever find yourself in Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to try Cao Lau—whether it’s at a restaurant or, better yet, at a homestay!
Rice Paper Crepes
One of my favourite discoveries in Vietnam was the rice paper crepe. I had the chance to try these delicious crepes at Hoi An night market. The crepe is cooked on a grill and filled with a mix of fresh ingredients like green onions, bean sprouts, herbs, and sometimes a hint of chili for a little kick, perfect for vegetarians like me!
One of the best parts? Watching the vendors expertly grill the crepe right in front of you. It’s a quick, street-style snack, and light at pocket too!
If you find yourself in Hoi An or even in Ho Chi Minh, don’t miss out on trying these crispy, flavourful rice paper crepes.
Grilled Banana Wrapped in Sweet Rice
When we visited the Hoi An Night Market, I stumbled upon a treat that immediately caught my attention—grilled banana wrapped in sweet rice. If you’ve had mango sticky rice in Thailand, this is similar but with a delightful twist! The simplicity of the ingredients made it even more enticing: sweet bananas, soft white sticky rice, rich coconut milk, and a few spices, all wrapped up in banana leaves.
The best part? As it’s grilled, the banana caramelizes slightly, and when you take a bite, you get that perfect mix of warm, sticky rice and gooey banana with a hint of coconut. Topped with crushed peanuts and shredded coconut, it was a sweet, comforting bite that I couldn’t stop enjoying
It was one of those snacks that surprised me in the best way possible—simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’re in Hoi An, make sure you give it a try!
Glass fried noodles
I’d seen glass fried noodles in videos before, but I never thought I’d get to try them myself. But luck was on my side during this trip to Vietnam, and I found myself in Ninh Binh, where I finally got to taste these transparent noodles!
The noodles themselves are so unique—they’re made from mung beans, which give them their see-through appearance.
We decided to go for the vegetarian version, which was topped with fresh veggies like crunchy carrots, cabbage, and peppers, along with tofu for that perfect protein boost.
If you’re ever in Ninh Binh, hunt down this dish at Buddha Belly Vegetarian and Vegan restaurant Ninh Binh menu. It’s a vegetarian’s dream—light, healthy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s something a little different from the usual noodle dishes you’ll find around Vietnam!
Looking back on our food journey through Vietnam, I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the local cuisine, even as a vegetarian.
And while I could go on about these incredible meals forever, the best part was experiencing them firsthand- at local spots, in cozy homestays, and on the bustling streets of Hoi An and Hanoi. So, if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to treat your taste buds to these must-try dishes! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be craving more.
If you’re looking for more travel tips and a detailed itinerary to help plan your trip, check out : How To Spend 2 Weeks in Vietnam- Your Perfect Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Guide
Have you tried any of these dishes, or is there something else you loved during your travels?
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favourite Vietnamese food experiences!😋
