Vegetarian, vegan, or simply diet restricted? You’re probably all too familiar with the struggle of finding food to keep you sustained when holidaying in new, exotic locations. Not so with Vietnam. Vietnamese cuisine is largely misconstrued to be a meat lovers’ paradise, with no comfort for the vegetarians. It is instead a paradise for both, with plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, peanut-free and vegan options to indulge in. Read up our comprehensive guide to vegetarian food in Vietnam and get those taste buds a-tingling.
LINGO FOR A VEGETARIAN IN VIETNAM
Worried the language barrier will get in the way of you ordering vegetarian food in Vietnam? Put aside those worries; there’s no need to master the language. Instead, just keep these words in mind and you’re good to go.“Vegetarian” in Vietnamese is “chay.” Super simple to pronounce and remember, you say it flat and even, with no intonation necessary. Vegetarian food and restaurants are easily found across Vietnam. This is mainly due to two reasons- the widespread use of fresh veggies and herbs, and the vegetarian Buddhist population.
VEGETARIAN FOOD IN VIETNAM: ORIGINALS AND REMIXES
Several Vietnamese dishes contain either pork, beef or fish, and stews are often made with beef stock. However, you can find vegetarian versions (what we’re calling ‘remixes’) of most dishes quite easily. Additionally, there are several dishes that are vegetarian by nature.
Banh Mi is the popular French-inspired snack that is available across Vietnam. You will find small carts with an assortment of meats, greens and fresh herbs, that will all go into a fresh baguette. However, just ask for banh mi hai trung, a banh mi with two eggs, and you’re good to go. Not an egg eater? Toi khong an trung- I don’t eat eggs.You’ll likely dig into tofu pieces. Add in “khong thit”, meaning ‘No meat’, to ensure you get a fulfilling snack that’s all veg.
Similarly, the world-famous pho also has a pho chay version. Tofu chunks and fresh herbs further complement the delicious vegetarian stock. Just remember to add the ‘chay’ when asking for anything you’d like to eat, and you’re set with vegetarian food in Vietnam. One vegetarian must-have is papaya salad, that while completely veg, is served with a generous helping of peanuts. Those with allergies, take note.
GLUTEN-FREE IN VIETNAM
Vietnamese cuisine ensures everyone gets to experience its wholesomeness, including those who are gluten-free. Rice, inherently gluten-free, is a staple in Vietnam. The noodles are also made of rice, and along with the meats and veggies constitutes most meals.Just keep an eye out for those condiments.Though the traditional soy sauce is gluten-free, restaurants and larger establishments may serve imported soy sauce that contains gluten. If you are severely allergic, ensure you have a translation card to show wherever you go.
FRUITY PARADISE
The sheer variety of fruits in Vietnam is insurmountable. The topical weather and hilly terrain make for great conditions for fruits and vegetables to flourish. Additionally, they’re easily available, and cheap as well. So if you find yourself tiring of the vegetarian food in Vietnam (which we highly doubt), you can always turn to the fruits.
Stick to the more familiar banana and watermelon, or try your hand at exotic fruits previously unheard of, like mangosteen and the sweet pomelo. If you feel particularly adventurous, try the equally loved and despised durian! And, when in Da Lat and the central highlands, head to one of the fruit orchards to witness the abundance of nature yourself!
Vietnam’s vegetarian food scene is a delightful celebration of both tradition and innovation. The original dishes embrace the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, drawing from nature’s bounty to create nourishing and flavorful meals. Meanwhile, the remixes showcase the creativity and adaptability of Vietnamese chefs and home cooks, reimagining classic dishes to cater to a growing interest in plant-based options. Whether you’re a vegetarian traveler exploring the diverse flavors of Vietnam or a local embracing a compassionate lifestyle, the original and remixed vegetarian dishes in Vietnam are sure to leave you with a culinary experience that is both satisfying and unforgettable.
