Before coming to Vietnam, I had been told more than once that eating vegan would be difficult. A colleague who had already traveled here warned me that truly vegan options were limited, and I should be prepared to compromise.

That didn’t turn out to be the case for me. Sure, there were a couple of instances where it said “vegan menu” and it had items with eggs on it, but it was always clearly labeled and when I was in doubt, I just asked.

What to expect:

Vietnam isn’t as obviously vegan-friendly as somewhere like Bali, but once you understand what to look for, it becomes easy.

There’s a strong tradition of Buddhist vegetarian food (“chay”), and many dishes can be made vegan with small adjustments.

Things to watch out for:

Fish sauce (often used)
Egg
Non-vegan broths

That being said, there are many 100% restaurants to choose from, especially in cities, but also outside of Hanoi and HCMC.

Hanoi

Hanoi completely changed my expectations. There were so many vegan spots, from tiny local places to more modern cafés.

Some (or a lot) of my favorites:

iVegan Super Shop: one of my go-to places if I didn’t want to think - bagles, burgers, bowls, and great coffee. Easy, reliable and good.
Bep Chay Huê Nhiên: i had the pho xao huế nhien, it was this stew with noodles, broccoli and other vegetables which was one of the best meals of my life.
Katze Vegan Restaurant: I only planned to have a small snack, but the waitress kept bringing out food on the house. So kind :) and I left very full :D
Kiez Vegan: slightly out of the way, but recommended by the hotel staff. Comfort food mixed with local dishes, very flavorful.
Bao An Vegan: Tiny place in an alley with just a few tables. It looked a bit rundown (my mom would definitely not have eaten there :D), but I went twice for bánh mì and pho, and it was so good.
Sadhu: a more upscale, “date night” kind of place. the food was amazing, but the experience felt a bit rushed, so not my favorite vibe.
Bon Bagu Vegan: last night stop, only had room for a mini bánh mì, and it was incredible. Definitely a place I’d go back.

Sa Pa

Even in Sa Pa, I found great options, which I honestly didn’t expect given how small and remote it is.

Anh Ly Vegan: I had a simple rice dish with tofu and vegetables, really good
Thong Dong Vegan Restaurant: amazing name :D even better food (salad with tofu and summer rolls)
Yen Vegan Kitchen & Bar: I randomly had pesto spaghetti here, and it was surprisingly great

Cat Ba & Ha Long Bay

Cat Ba itself had some options (I had great summer rolls and tofu in tomato sauce at a local spot), but the real surprise was the cruise.

I was the only vegan on board, and they still prepared full meals for me for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And not just basic food, some of the best meals I had in Vietnam.

Definitely not something I expected.

Ninh Binh/Tam Coc

In Tam Coc, things were a bit more low-key, but still easy.

Daisy & Rosy Café: nice breakfast/lunch spot - I had a smoothie bowl + oat latte, perfect slow mid-morning after the boat ride
Ngon Vegan: completely plant-based - I had a veggie bowl with tofu, simple and easy, exactly what you need after a day out

Can Tho

Even with a short stay, finding good vegan food wasn’t an issue.

Ngon Vegan Bistro: very nice atmosphere and friendly staff - had my first mango sticky rice there and it was amazing, they also have many vegan versions of local dishes and an amazing selection of drinks
even on my boat tour to the floating market I had plenty of options, from coconut sweets, fruits & veg, coffee etc., even pho, but I wasn’t hungry yet at 6 a.m. :D

Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City, the variety opened up again.

iVegan Super Shop (yes, again - realized it’s a franchise with locations all over Vietnam)
Om Eatery: beautiful space, felt a bit more elevated - I had great pesto pasta, they also serve local dishes
Filthy Vegan: such a fun place, from the name to proper vegan comfort food (pizza, burgers, fish & chips). I went twice. Also had the funniest conversation with the British owner who moved there 20 years ago
Vegan Banh Mi: small takeaway spot, a couple of outdoor tables, really good
La Moi: plant based restaurant, calm atmosphere - I had amazing spring rolls, the main dish had way too many mushrooms for me… I tried, but I just can’t do mushrooms, I physically can’t 😅

My Takeaway

Vietnam might not seem like the easiest vegan destination at first, but it really isn’t difficult.

You just need a bit more awareness than in places like Bali.

And sometimes, the best meals come from the most unexpected places, whether it’s a tiny alley restaurant, a random spot in Sa Pa, or a boat in the middle of Ha Long Bay.

Vegan Food in Vietnam