Vegetarian Travel

Being a vegetarian in Vietnam has become increasingly accessible in recent years, especially as more people embrace vegetarianism and veganism. While traditional Vietnamese cuisine often incorporates animal products, the growth of vegetarian dining options has significantly improved for both locals and travelers. For instance, dishes such as vermicelli with tofu may be traditionally served with a broth made from pork bones, but many restaurants now offer purely plant-based alternatives.
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The answer to the concern about finding vegetarian options in Vietnam is a resounding yes! Vegetarianism is flourishing, with numerous vegetarian and vegan restaurants now prevalent in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Hue, and Hoi An. Diners can explore diverse culinary styles, including strict vegan (no animal products), Buddhist vegetarian (includes dairy and honey but avoids causing harm to living beings), and ovo-vegetarian options that include eggs.

If you consume eggs, you can enjoy meals at Indian restaurants known for their vegetarian specialties. In Hanoi, notable options include Dakshin (94 Hang Trong Street), Khazaana (1C Tong Dan Street), and Tamarind (80 Ma May Street).

The Loving Hut restaurant chain remains a top choice for strictly vegan and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, as all staff are committed to a vegan lifestyle. You can find various Loving Hut locations in Hanoi, including The Gioi Chay (4/192 Quan Thanh Street), Ha Thanh (116/166 Kim Ma Street), Au Lac (318 Lang Street), An Lac (8/2/40 Ta Quang Buu – Bach Khoa area), and Thien Phuc (18/71 Nguyen Hong Street).
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In Ho Chi Minh City, vegetarian dining is also vibrant, especially among those who participate in vegetarian practices on specific lunar calendar days. Popular Loving Hut outlets include Hoa Dang (38 Huynh Khuong Ninh Street), Au Lac (60 Tan Vinh, Ward 6, District 4), Bo De (36B 2nd Street, Ward 15, District 11), and Long Hoa (69 Thich Quang Duc Street).

Across Vietnam, from Hai Phong and Hai Duong to Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang, you can find at least one Loving Hut location in each area. The pricing is generally reasonable, given the low cost of vegetables in Vietnam, although some special dishes may be slightly more expensive. Customers are often charmed by the creative naming of dishes, which avoids any direct reference to animals. For example, a beef salad may be named “The Hill of Love,” while a seafood spring roll could be called “Loving Ocean.” Similarly, fried chicken might be whimsically titled “Tranquility Moment.” A host of delightful dishes await your discovery.

Therefore, if you are vegetarian and planning a trip to Vietnam, simply seek out a Loving Hut, Dakshin, Au Lac, or any other reputable vegan restaurant, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the food available.