Vietnam is such an amazing place to visit, with its lively culture, bustling streets, and incredible food scene. If you’re a vegetarian, you’re in luck because Vietnam has a ton of delicious dishes that are not only good for you but also packed with flavor.
Check out this guide to discover the top options for vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh, so you can savor every bite without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Related read: Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide for Travelers
In a rush? Check out this awesome vegan street food tour!
Enjoy the most delicious vegan street food in Ho Chi Minh City:
➡ Delicious Vegan Food Motorbike Tour
Enjoy a fantastic array of mouthwatering vegan creations whipped up by skilled chefs. Zip through the lively streets on a motorcycle after dark for a one-of-a-kind thrill.
Get set for an unforgettable vegan culinary journey in Vietnam!
Here is an overview:
Discover Vegetarian Food in Ho Chi Minh
If you’re looking for veggie options, here’s your guide to vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh!
Related read: Not to Miss Traditional Food in Ho Chi Minh City
What to Expect Being Vegetarian in Ho Chi Minh City
Vegetarianism in Vietnam is often influenced by Buddhism, which encourages a plant-based diet to promote compassion and avoid harm to animals. Many Vietnamese, especially Buddhists, observe vegetarian days twice a month, and some follow a vegetarian diet year-round. This cultural aspect has led to a rich tradition of vegetarian cooking, making it easier for vegetarians and vegans to find delicious food.
Most Vietnamese restaurants offer a variety of salads and cooked vegetables, often featuring a dedicated section for vegetarian options.
A typical vegetarian breakfast in Ho Chi Minh might include a banh mi with egg or a bowl of mushroom congee. For lunch, you might savor a banana heart or lotus stem salad with rice crackers, or a bowl of rice noodles served with a hearty broth and fresh greens. Dinner is an ideal time to mix and match dishes such as garlicky water spinach, fresh spring rolls, grilled eggplants, tofu in lemongrass and chili, caramelized mushrooms in clay pots, five-color fried rice, and Vietnamese che for dessert.
There’s no risk of going hungry as a vegetarian in Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Vegetarian Dishes to Try
When seeking vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam, look for the terms ‘Quan Chay,‘ which indicate a vegetarian eatery, or ‘Quan Com Chay,’ which signal a vegetarian rice eatery. The word ‘chay‘ itself translates to ‘vegetarian’ and proves invaluable in your search. While I’m not strictly vegetarian, I am increasingly drawn to vegetarian cuisine.
Below are my top picks for vegetarian eateries in Saigon.
Pho Chay
A vegetarian version of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, made with fragrant broth, rice noodles, tofu, and fresh herbs.
Banh Mi Chay
A vegetarian twist on the famous Vietnamese sandwich, filled with crispy tofu, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce in a crusty baguette.
Goi Cuon Chay
Refreshing vegetarian spring rolls wrapped in rice paper with vermicelli noodles, tofu, and fresh herbs, served with a savory dipping sauce.
Com Chay
A satisfying rice plate topped with stir-fried vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and pickled vegetables, seasoned with aromatic herbs.
Xoi Chay
Sticky rice topped with vegetarian ingredients like mung bean paste, shredded coconut, or fried shallots, enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or snack.
Banh Xeo Chay
Crispy Vietnamese crepes filled with tofu, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, served with fresh herbs and lettuce for wrapping.
Canh Chua Chay
Tangy and aromatic sour soup made with tamarind broth, pineapple, tomatoes, vegetables, and tofu or mushrooms for protein.
Top-rated Vegetarian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
These are the top restaurants for vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh, even the locals frequently visit these spots.
Related read: Where to Get the Best Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: 99 Huynh Van Banh, Ward 17, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Măng’s Mania Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: 127 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 61 Ho Hao Hon, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Rau Ơi Vegetarian – Le Thi Hong Gam
Address: 304/21 Le Thi Hong Gam, Ward 1, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Bon’s Vegan – Bánh Mỳ vs Sữa Hạt Thuần Chay
Address: 7/5 Thanh Thai, Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Shamballa Vegetarian, Restaurant & Lounge – Sai Gon
Address: 17 Le Loi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- La Moi plant-based Restaurant
Address: 92/12 Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- MoMo Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: 1/4 Nguyen Van Trang, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Hủ tiếu chay Mỹ Tho Chị Ba
Address: 69 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips for Eating Vegetarian Food in Ho Chi Minh
- Translation Card: Have a card ready in Vietnamese that outlines your dietary requirements to easily communicate with restaurant staff.
- Temples for Vegetarian Options: Many Buddhist temples offer nearby vegetarian restaurants or stalls, catering to their vegetarian-following community.
- Pham Ngu Lao Street: This popular spot for foreigners boasts numerous Indian and Western vegan eateries, providing easy access to international vegetarian cuisine.
- Market Exploration: Local markets are treasure troves of fresh fruits, veggies, tofu, and other vegetarian ingredients, perfect for stocking up on essentials.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Master a few Vietnamese phrases related to vegetarianism to communicate your dietary preferences effectively.
Vietnamese Phrases for Vegetarians
Here is a breakdown of the Vietnamese phrases related to vegetarianism, along with their English translations and pronunciations:
- Tôi là người ăn chay. – I am a vegetarian.
Pronunciation: [Toy lah ngoo-ee ahn chai] - Tôi không ăn thịt. – I don’t eat meat.
Pronunciation: [Toy kohng ahn teet] - Bạn có món chay không? – Do you have vegetarian dishes?
Pronunciation: [Ban koh mon chai kohng?] - Tôi không ăn cá. – I don’t eat fish.
Pronunciation: [Toy kohng ahn kah] - Tôi chỉ ăn rau và trái cây. – I only eat vegetables and fruits.
Pronunciation: [Toy chee ahn zow vah chai kay] - Làm ơn không cho thịt vào món này. – Please don’t put meat in this dish.
Pronunciation: [Lahm uhn kohng chaw teet vow mon nay] - Tôi bị dị ứng với hải sản. – I am allergic to seafood.
Pronunciation: [Toy bee zee oong voy hai san] - Tôi có thể ăn món này không? – Can I eat this dish?
Pronunciation: [Toy koh the ahn mon nay kohng?] - Món này có trứng không? – Does this dish contain eggs?
Pronunciation: [Mon nay koh trung kohng?] - Tôi cần một bữa ăn chay. – I need a vegetarian meal.
Pronunciation: [Toy kuhn moht buh-ah ahn chai] - Tôi không ăn bơ sữa. – I don’t eat dairy products.
Pronunciation: [Toy kohng ahn buh soo-a] - Món này có pho mát không? – Does this dish contain cheese?
Pronunciation: [Mon nay koh fo mat kohng?] - Làm ơn cho tôi ít rau hơn. – Please give me more vegetables.
Pronunciation: [Lahm uhn chaw toy eet zow huhrn] - Làm ơn không dùng nước mắm. – Please do not use fish sauce.
Pronunciation: [Lahm uhn kohng yoong nook mum] - Tôi muốn mua thực phẩm chay. – I want to buy vegetarian food.
Pronunciation: [Toy moohn moo-ah thook fam chai] - Ở đâu có nhà hàng chay? – Where can I find a vegetarian restaurant?
Pronunciation: [Uh doh koh nya hang chai?] - Món này có đậu phụ không? – Does this dish contain tofu?
Pronunciation: [Mon nay koh dow foo kohng?] - Tôi ăn chay vì lý do sức khỏe. – I am vegetarian for health reasons.
Pronunciation: [Toy ahn chai vee lee yaw sook kwair] - Làm ơn chỉ cho tôi nhà hàng chay gần đây. – Please show me a nearby vegetarian restaurant.
Pronunciation: [Lahm uhn chee chaw toy nya hang chai guhn day] - Bạn có thức uống không chứa sữa không? – Do you have any drinks that don’t contain milk?
Pronunciation: [Ban koh thook oong kohng chew-ah soo-ah kohng?]
These phrases should help you effectively communicate your dietary preferences in Vietnamese. Enjoy your journey and delightful culinary discoveries!
Tasty Vegan Food Motorbike Tour
Attention all food enthusiasts! Get ready for an incredible vegan food adventure in Vietnam that will absolutely delight your taste buds! Immerse yourself in the lively culture of Ho Chi Minh City and have the time of your life.
Jump on a motorbike and cruise through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City by night. Make new friends and expand your social circle while exploring the city. Treat yourself to a mouthwatering selection of vegan dishes prepared by talented chefs in the city.
Pick your ideal starting time: 12PM, 1PM, 5:30PM, 6PM, or simply let us know your preferred time.
- Eight dishes, snacks, drinks & local beer included (no hidden cost)
- Friendly English-speaking tour guide
- Convenient pickup directly from your hotel
- Helmet
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Transportation by motorbike. One guest with one guide (separate motorbike)
- Hand sanitizer and face masks (if you require via message before the tour)
- Accident Insurance up to 5000$ per one case
- Photos from your tour guide
The food tour in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3 is a delightful journey filled with unique culinary experiences. We’ll start off with refreshing kumquat coconut or pineapple jam coconut drinks before heading to Le Van Tam Park for a taste of an exclusive vegan papaya or lotus salad specially prepared for our tour guests.
Next, we’ll visit the Thich Quang Duc Monument to learn about the historical significance of a monk’s self-immolation. Then, get ready to indulge in chuoi nuong, a delicious grilled banana with coconut milk that combines sweet and salty flavors.
Our exploration continues at Nguyen Thien Thuat’s oldest and largest apartment complex, offering a fascinating look at multi-generational living. Here, we’ll savor vegan bun bo hue, adding to our cultural experience.
Don’t miss the city’s largest flower market, where you can sample sweet grilled rice paper, vegan banh xeo, and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) at a bustling Cambodian street food market.
Our journey wraps up in District 10, part of Chinatown, where you can create your own banh mi and enjoy Vietnamese sweet soup.
With a variety of vegan options, historical site visits, and hands-on activities, this food tour promises a memorable and delicious adventure.
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