Must-Try Vegetarian Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City: A Foodie's Guide

Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis in Vietnam, is a food lover's paradise. While the city is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and delicious meat-based dishes, it also offers a wide variety of vegetarian options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From simple yet satisfying street food to elegant fine dining experiences, Saigon has something to offer every plant-based eater.

How to recognize vegetarian food in Vietnam?

1. Look for the word "Chay":

• This word means "vegetarian" in Vietnamese.  
• Look for it on menus, signs, or labels.
• Many restaurants, especially those specializing in vegetarian food, will clearly label their dishes as "chay."  

2.  Ask the Waiter or Staff:

• Use the phrase "Tôi ăn chay" (pronounced "Toy an chay") to inform them you are vegetarian.  
• Point to dishes on the menu and ask if they are vegetarian or if they can be made vegetarian.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions about ingredients.

3. Be Aware of Common Ingredients:

• Many Vietnamese dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be easily made vegetarian.  
• Look for dishes that include vegetables, tofu, noodles, and rice.
• Avoid dishes with names like "thịt" (meat), "cá" (fish), or "tôm" (shrimp).

4. Be Cautious of Hidden Ingredients:

• Some dishes may contain fish sauce (nước mắm), which is derived from fermented fish.  
• If you are strictly vegan, be sure to specify that you don't eat any animal products, including eggs and dairy.

5. Consider Eating at Vegetarian Restaurants:

• Many cities in Vietnam have dedicated vegetarian restaurants.  
• These restaurants offer a wide variety of delicious vegetarian dishes.  
• Look for restaurants with signs that say "quán chay" or "cơm chay."

By following these tips, you can easily find and enjoy delicious vegetarian food in 

Vegetarian dishes you must try when visiting Ho Chi Minh City

1. Chuối nếp nướng (Grilled banana in sticky rice)

A delightful Vietnamese dessert consisting of ripe bananas wrapped in a fragrant, sticky rice mixture and grilled to perfection. The sweet banana pairs beautifully with the slightly salty and chewy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures

2. Phở Chay (Vegetarian Noodle Soup)

Pho chay is a popular vegetarian version of the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, pho. It's a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for vegetarians and those looking for a healthier option. The broth is typically made from a combination of vegetables, creating a flavorful and nourishing soup.

3. Bánh xèo chay (Vietnamese Vegetarian Rice Pancake)

Banh xeo chay is a delightful vegetarian treat featuring a crispy, golden-brown pancake filled with a savory mixture of mung beans, vegetables, and tofu. It's often served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and food lovers.

4. Gỏi cuốn chay (Vegetarian Spring Roll)

Goi cuon chay, a refreshing Vietnamese vegetarian appetizer, is a light and healthy dish made with rice paper wrappers filled with various fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and tofu. The rice paper wrappers are soaked in warm water until soft and pliable, then filled with colorful ingredients such as lettuce, cucumber, mint, carrots, and bean sprouts. A block of firm tofu is often grilled or pan-fried and added to the rolls for a satisfyingly chewy texture. The rolls are then tightly rolled and cut into bite-sized pieces. Served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili, goi cuon chay is a perfect light meal or snack

5. Lẩu nấm chay (Vegetarian Mushroom Hotpot)

Lau nam chay, a beloved Vietnamese vegetarian hot pot, is a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for chilly days. A simmering pot of flavorful broth, made from a combination of dried shiitake mushrooms, dried oyster mushrooms, and other aromatic vegetables, serves as the base for this hearty meal. The broth is then filled with an assortment of fresh mushrooms, such as enoki, shimeji, and oyster mushrooms, along with tender tofu and a variety of colorful vegetables. Diners can customize their bowls with a choice of noodles, such as rice noodles, udon noodles, or vermicelli, and add additional toppings like bean sprouts and cilantro. The combination of warm, flavorful broth and fresh, crunchy vegetables makes lau nam chay a truly satisfying and healthy meal

6. Bánh mì chay (Vietnamese Vegetarian Sandwich)

Bánh mì chay is a crispy French baguette filled with a savory mixture of marinated tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Combining textures and flavors creates a truly unique and enjoyable eating experience. Often served with a side of pickled chili peppers and a squeeze of lime, bánh mì chay is a popular choice for vegetarians and those looking for a light and healthy meal.

Delicious vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Ngân Bakery

• Address: 107 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, District 1.
• Established in 1991, Ngân Bakery is a long-standing institution renowned for its delectable vegetarian baguettes. The unique combination of mushroom, tofu, and a rich vegan butter sauce, encased in a crispy and fragrant crust, is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. A must-try for any visitor to Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Banh Xeo Ngoc Son

• Address: 103 Ngo Quyen Street, District 5.
• Renowned for its crispy crust and savory vegetarian fillings such as bean sprouts, mung beans, and mushrooms, Ngoc Son Banh Xeo is a must-try for vegetarians and food enthusiasts alike. Served with a delectable vegan fish sauce and an array of fresh local greens, this dish offers a truly authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.

3. The Tching Vegetarian Pho & Coffee

• Address: 646A Nguyen Trai Street, District 5.
• Renowned for its delectable vegetarian phở, The Tching offers a truly authentic Vietnamese culinary experience. The sweet and clear broth, carefully crafted from a blend of carrots, daikon radishes, corn, mushrooms, and lemongrass, is paired with delicate rice noodles. Beyond phở, the restaurant also serves a variety of other vegetarian dishes, such as broken rice and stir-fried noodles. A must-visit for vegetarians seeking a taste of Vietnam.

4. Bà Xã Vegan Restaurant

• Address:
  • 107K Truong Dinh Street, District 1
  • 178/4 Pasteur Street, District 1
  • 21G Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan District
• Experience the elegance of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine at Bà Xã Vegan Restaurant. Offering a wide variety of dishes, from refreshing vegetarian salads to savory spring rolls, rice noodle soups, and more, Bà Xã provides a delightful culinary journey for vegetarians. Enjoy the exquisite flavors of Vietnam without breaking the bank.

5. Hum Vegetarian, Café & Restaurant

• Address: 32 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3
• Looking for a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant? Look no further than Hum! This stylish and cozy spot offers a delightful culinary journey with beautifully presented vegetarian dishes. Experience the best of Vietnamese plant-based cuisine in a sophisticated setting.

6. Vo Van Tan Grilled Banana Sticky Rice

• Address: 378 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3
• Looking for a delicious and authentic Vietnamese dessert? You've got to try grilled banana with sticky rice! This popular street food combines sweet bananas wrapped in sticky rice and grilled to perfection. Served with creamy coconut milk, it's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

VEGETARIAN FOOD TOUR BY JEEP AND VESPA

If you're a vegetarian looking to savor the authentic flavors of Ho Chi Minh City, Viup Travel's vegetarian food tour is the perfect choice. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, you'll embark on a culinary adventure, discovering the most delicious vegetarian dishes Vietnam has to offer. Our customized tour itineraries cater to your specific preferences, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience. Vietnam is a vegetarian's paradise, and Viup Travel will help you uncover its hidden gems