Traveling in Vietnam, many vegetarians and vegans often feel “lost” because of language barriers and hidden ingredients like fish sauce, shrimp paste, or bone broth. This guide helps you order the right dishes, eat more safely, and quickly choose from 9 trusted vegetarian spots near Hanoi Old Quarter - saving time and avoiding mistakes when exploring vegetarian food in Vietnam.
Is vegetarian food available in Vietnam?
Yes, you can eat vegetarian food almost everywhere in Vietnam if you know a few key words and local habits. Just remember the word “chay” and stay alert to common seasoning “traps.”
Vietnam is actually one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. Influenced strongly by Buddhism, vegetarian eating (especially on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month) is deeply rooted in local culture.
There are two main types of vegetarian places:
- Street-style vegetarian eateries (Com chay): Affordable, quick meals, often featuring mock meats made from tofu skin or gluten.
- Professional vegetarian restaurants: Focus on fresh vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, refined presentation, and calmer dining spaces.
Checklist: 3 essential tips before eating:
- Always confirm: “No fish sauce.”
- Ask about broth: make sure it’s vegetable-based, not bone broth.
- Use the keyword “chay”. It's your key to vegetarian menus in Vietnam.
Vegetarian - vegan - What does “Chay” really mean in Vietnam?
The word “chay” usually means “no meat or fish.” It can be close to vegan, but not always. Understanding local definitions helps you order correctly when exploring vegetarian food in Vietnam.
Common interpretations include:
- Vegetarian (with eggs/dairy): Most restaurants assume “chay” means this level. Eggs may appear in fried rice, and milk in desserts.
- Vegan (strict plant-based): Still relatively new in traditional eateries. Ingredients like honey or dairy-based margarine may be used unintentionally.
- Religious vegetarianism: Some Buddhists avoid the “five pungent vegetables” (onion, garlic, leek, shallot, chives). However, most vegetarian restaurants still use onion and garlic for flavor.
Top 9 vegetarian restaurants near Hanoi Old Quarter
If you are staying around the Old Quarter and want to eat vegetarian safely without spending time searching, the list below offers quick, convenient, and easy-to-reach options.
1. Vegetarian dishes at May Tre Dan Restaurant
Located close to Hanoi Old Quarter, each vegetarian dish here is a tribute to Vietnamese agriculture, featuring mixed mushrooms, handmade tofu, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Chefs meticulously craft every dish with careful precision almost like a form of meditation to preserve natural flavors and nutritional balance.
- Taste experience: Don’t miss the comforting Cooked Mixed Mushroom with Tofu, rich yet delicate in flavor, or the Braised Eggplant & Tofu simmered gently in a light tomato and herb sauce perfectly paired with hot steamed rice.
- Dining atmosphere: Soft yellow light from bamboo-and-rattan lanterns and a gentle incense aroma create a peaceful space away from the city’s chaos, an ideal setting for international travelers to experience the refined side of Vietnamese culture.
- Signature vegetarian menu: Cooked Mixed Mushroom with Tofu, Braised Eggplant & Tofu, Fried Tofu in Tomato, Mushroom Fried Rice, Spring roll.
Contact:
- Address: 153 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 11:30 - 22:00 (reference hours)
- Phone: +84 886 028 558
2. Uu Dam Chay | Michelin Guide level dining
Located at 34 Hang Bai, Uu Dam Chay is synonymous with elegance. The Michelin Guide describes it as an “oasis” where vegetarian cuisine harmonizes with Zen-inspired architecture.
Must-try dishes: Steamed Brussels sprouts with mushroom sauce, celtuce with truffle sauce inspired by Western flavors, and the signature green rice–crusted fried tofu - crispy outside, silky inside.
Refined vegetarian cuisine in a quiet setting, perfect for dates or business meals. Reservation recommended for the best seating.
3. Sadhu Vegetarian Restaurant | Unique table-served vegetarian buffet
Located at 87 Ly Thuong Kiet, Sadhu (meaning “wholesome” or “virtuous”) offers an à la carte buffet experience. Guests remain seated while small, freshly prepared dishes are served continuously at the table.
Taste highlight: The traditional countryside salad (Gỏi quê) combines figs, banana blossom, starfruit, and roasted peanuts a perfect balance of textures and flavors that reflects Vietnamese culinary philosophy.
Atmosphere: Warm wooden tones and bamboo partitions make Sadhu ideal for cozy dinners with friends after exploring the Old Quarter.
4. Vi Lai vegetarian restaurant | Art inspired by Lotus
Located at 177 Bui Thi Xuan, Vi Lai feels like a vegetarian culinary museum, with five floors representing different stages of life.
Signature dishes: Creamy soft tofu with mushroom sauce and royal vegetable stir-fried noodles are especially popular with international guests. For dessert lovers, finish with pandan-scented green rice sweet soup, a flavor closely associated with Hanoi’s autumn.
The menu is extensive, prices are transparent, and set menus work well for groups of 2-4 people.
5. An Lac vegetarian restaurant | Friendly & affordable vegetarian buffet
Located opposite Hanoi Railway Station (109 Tran Hung Dao), An Lac is a popular stop for travelers looking for a quick, nutritious vegetarian buffet at a reasonable price.
Features: A wide selection including salads, tofu dishes, braised vegetables, and sweet soups. Important note: holiday closures are often announced at short notice on their Facebook page, so check before visiting.
6. Veggie Castle | Youth-Friendly vegan buffet
The Yen Ninh branch (Ba Dinh) is just a short drive from the Old Quarter. Veggie Castle is a stylish, fully vegan buffet chain.
USP: The restaurant commits to non-GMO vegetables and avoids industrial additives. Dishes are prepared in a comforting “home-style” manner: simple, hearty, and familiar.
A vegan buffet with a “home-cooked meal” feeling, easy to enjoy for both vegans and first-time vegetarian diners.
7. The Veg - Organic Vego & Tea | A Peaceful Corner on Hang Be Street
Also located on Hang Be Street (No. 48), The Veg is an interesting fusion of Asian and European vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant is committed to using organic ingredients and says no to MSG, making it perfect for diners with sensitive palates.
- Highlights: Besides Vietnamese dishes, they also serve Veggie Burgers, Creamy Mushroom Pasta, and delicious herbal teas. The second-floor space features a balcony looking down on the Old Quarter, offering a very "chill" vibe.
8. Cai Mam Bistro (Signature Vegan) | Indochine Vibes in the Heart of Hang Be
Located at 9 Hang Be Street, Cai Mam offers a nostalgic atmosphere with rustic wooden furniture and signature yellow walls. This is a favorite stop for international tourists seeking the authentic taste of Northern "home-cooked" meals.
- Experience: The menu specializes in traditional dishes like Banana Flower Salad, Braised Tofu in Clay Pot, and Vegetarian Spring Rolls. Dishes are prepared with minimal oil to preserve the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
9. Katze Vegan & Vegetarian | A Hidden Gem on Hang Bac Street
Modestly located at 31 Hang Bac, Katze is often likened to a "hidden gem" known only to savvy travelers. Although the space isn't huge, the warmth of the owner and the flavor of the food keep customers coming back.
- Highlights: The Pumpkin Coconut Curry and Fresh Spring Rolls are highly rated on TripAdvisor. The small size creates a very friendly and cozy feeling, like eating at a local's home.
Hidden non-vegetarian ingredients to avoid
Many dishes may look vegetarian but still contain fish sauce, shrimp paste, or bone-based broth. Knowing these hidden ingredients in advance helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and digestive issues.
When eating at non-vegetarian restaurants, pay attention to the following high-risk keywords:
- Fish sauce: Found in about 90% of dipping sauces. Ask to replace it with soy sauce.
- Shrimp paste: Often hidden in noodle dishes or stir-fried sauces.
- Dried shrimp: Commonly sprinkled on salads (nộm) to add umami flavor.
- Broth: Street phở and noodle shops usually use pork or chicken bones for broth.
How to spot non-vegetarian ingredients
- If the dipping sauce has an amber color and a strong, pungent smell, it is likely fish sauce.
- If a stir-fried dish looks unusually glossy and thick, it may contain animal-based oyster sauce instead of vegetarian oyster sauce.
How to ask quickly and clearly:
- “Does this dish contain fish sauce?”
- Or show this sentence on your phone: “I am vegan. No fish sauce, no eggs, no milk.”
Frequently asked questions about vegetarian food in Vietnam?
Eating vegetarian in a foreign country often comes with many questions. Below are quick and practical answers to help you feel more confident when exploring vegetarian food in Vietnam.
What does “chay” mean in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, “chay” basically means meat-free. Most restaurants understand it as no meat, fish, or seafood. However, eggs and dairy may still be used, depending on the restaurant’s interpretation.
Do vegetarian dishes use fish sauce?
At professional vegetarian restaurants (such as May Tre Dan), fish sauce is replaced with plant-based alternatives made from pineapple or soybeans. However, at regular eateries, fish sauce may still be used unintentionally. Always ask clearly before ordering.
How do you say “I am vegan” in Vietnamese?
The easiest way is to say:
- “Tôi ăn chay trường” (I am strictly vegetarian), or
- “Tôi không ăn thịt, cá, trứng, sữa” (I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy).
Most Vietnamese people will understand that you are strictly vegan.
Is it easy to eat vegetarian in small towns?
It can be more challenging than in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s not impossible. You can often find “Cơm chay” near temples. If not, order “Mì xào rau” (noodles with vegetables) and clearly emphasize “No meat.”
Which Vietnamese vegetarian dishes are the safest choices?
Tomato tofu, stir-fried morning glory with garlic (remember to ask for no shrimp paste or oyster sauce), and vegetarian phở rolls are among the safest and most delicious options.
Vietnam is not only about bánh mì or beef phở. Its vegetarian cuisine is rich, diverse, and deeply cultural. From casual buffets to refined dining at May Tre Dan Restaurant, discovering vegetarian food in Vietnam can be a peaceful and rewarding part of your journey.