Vietnamese cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes packed with flavor—including a surprising number of vegetarian options. That’s why it appeals not only to dedicated vegetarians but also to non-vegetarians looking to eat lighter or try something new. Whether you follow a plant-based diet, enjoy meat-free meals occasionally, or simply want to detox after a few heavier meals, Vietnam has something to satisfy every taste and need.

From aromatic noodle soups and hearty rice plates to humble street eats, the vegetarian side of Vietnamese cuisine is both delicious and culturally rich. Below are 10 must-try vegetarian dishes you should experience while traveling in Vietnam—whether you’re seeking balance, exploring new flavors, or just looking for a satisfying bite.

Why Vietnam Is A Vegetarian Paradise

A Deep-Rooted Tradition of Buddhist Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism in Vietnam is more than a health trend—it’s deeply connected to spiritual practice, especially in Mahayana Buddhism. Many Vietnamese follow a plant-based diet on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar, believing that abstaining from meat brings peace and compassion. This long-standing custom makes vegetarian food widely accepted and appreciated across generations.

A Rich Palette of Fresh, Local Ingredients

Vietnamese cuisine benefits from the country’s tropical climate and agricultural abundance. Vegetarian dishes here are full of texture and flavor, crafted from ingredients like tofu, jackfruit, mushrooms, banana blossom, morning glory, lotus root, and a variety of local herbs. These natural elements are the building blocks of meals that are not only healthy but also beautifully presented.

Easy Access to Vegetarian Food Anywhere

One of the best things about being a vegetarian in Vietnam is how easy it is to find meat-free meals. From bustling street food stalls and small family-run eateries to high-end restaurants and Buddhist temple kitchens, vegetarian options are everywhere. In fact, many “regular” restaurants will happily modify dishes to be vegetarian on request.

Regional Diversity: A Taste of Vietnam’s Three Culinary Zones

Each region of Vietnam brings its own flavor to vegetarian cuisine. In the North, dishes are light, seasonal, and often steamed or boiled. The Central region, particularly Hue, offers rich, spicy vegetarian meals influenced by royal traditions and Buddhist temples. In the South, the food is bolder in sweetness and features tropical ingredients like coconut milk and lemongrass. Exploring vegetarian food here is a journey through Vietnam’s geography and culture.

Top 20 Must-Try Vietnamese Vegetarian Dishes

Many of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes have been thoughtfully reimagined to suit a vegetarian lifestyle. While these plant-based versions may not replicate the original flavors exactly, they beautifully preserve the soul, texture, and essence of the dishes that have made Vietnamese cuisine beloved worldwide. 

Pho Chay

This plant-based version of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup features a clear, fragrant broth simmered for hours with roasted vegetables, charred onion, ginger, and warm spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and black cardamom. The result is a rich, umami depth with a gentle natural sweetness from the vegetables—a harmonious flavor that lingers on the palate and turns every spoonful into a memorable experience.

Typically served with rice noodles and fresh toppings like crispy tofu, tender mushrooms, scallions, Thai basil, and cilantro, vegetarian phở is finished with a sprinkle of aromatic herbs that give the dish its signature fragrance.

Bun Rieu Chay 

The highlight of vegetarian bún riêu lies in its rich, aromatic broth, colored by annatto seeds and deepened with slow-cooked tomatoes and mushrooms. Key ingredients include soft tofu puffs, a variety of mushrooms (such as enoki, shiitake, and oyster), and sometimes mock crab made from tofu or taro.

The broth has a signature light red hue and a subtle tanginess from tomatoes, often enhanced with pineapple or tamarind to create a naturally sweet and sour flavor. Instead of real crab, tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based riêu are added for texture and depth.

Banh Mi Chay (Vegetarian Banh Mi)

A crispy Vietnamese baguette filled with braised tofu, vegan cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

This is the perfect grab-and-go meal for travelers—light, flavorful, and packed with plant-based goodness. Whether you’re exploring city streets or catching a bus, vegetarian Banh mi offers a quick yet satisfying taste of Vietnam’s rich street food culture, without compromising your dietary choices.

Vegetarian Fresh Spring Rolls

Made with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, and tofu, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Typically served with a rich and creamy peanut dipping sauce, these light yet flavorful rolls are a refreshing and healthy option for any meal or snack.

Com Tam Chay (Vegetarian Broken Rice)

Both vegetarian com tam and the traditional version use gao tam (broken rice grains) as the base, but they differ in the accompanying dishes. While the regular version typically includes grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed pork loaf, fried egg, and Chinese sausage, the vegetarian version replaces these savory components with plant-based alternatives like tofu, mushrooms, and assorted vegetables. 

Bun Bo Hue Chay (Vegetarian Hue-style Noodles)

This spicy and flavorful Central Vietnamese dish proves just as captivating in its vegetarian form. Unlike the traditional version that relies on beef bones and pork hocks for the broth, the vegetarian rendition uses a fragrant base made from lemongrass, chili, mushrooms, and root vegetables like carrots and daikon. Plant-based toppings such as tofu, vegan “ham,” and mushrooms replace the usual beef slices and pork sausage, delivering the same bold, spicy essence of Hue cuisine—without any animal ingredients.

Mien Xao Chay (Stir-fried Glass Noodles)

This comforting vegetarian dish features soft yet chewy glass noodles stir-fried with a colorful mix of mushrooms, tofu, and seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Unlike the non-vegetarian version, which often includes beef, chicken, or shrimp, mien xao chay skips the meat entirely—yet still delivers rich umami flavors thanks to the use of soy sauce, sesame oil, and earthy mushrooms. It’s a wholesome, well-balanced favorite in Vietnamese home cooking, offering both nourishment and satisfaction without any animal products.

Canh Chua Chay (Vegetarian Sour Soup)

A light and refreshing Southern Vietnamese soup, canh chua chay combines sweet pineapple, tangy tomatoes, aromatic rice paddy herbs (ngo om), okra, and sometimes bean sprouts or tofu. Unlike the traditional version, which typically includes fish or shrimp for added richness, the vegetarian rendition relies solely on vegetables and tamarind-based broth to achieve its signature sweet-sour flavor. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that’s perfect for hot weather and a staple in plant-based Vietnamese meals.

Dau Hu Kho Nam (Braised Tofu with Mushrooms)

This savory dish features golden tofu cubes slowly braised with earthy mushrooms in a rich soy-based sauce, often enhanced with ginger, garlic, and a hint of pepper. The vegetarian version draws umami from mushrooms and fermented ingredients like soy sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce. Served with steamed white rice, it’s a comforting and protein-rich choice that works perfectly for both lunch and dinner.

Banh Xeo Chay (Vegetarian Crispy Pancake)

This plant-based version of Vietnam’s beloved sizzling pancake features a crispy turmeric-flavored rice flour shell filled with bean sprouts, mushrooms, and tofu. Unlike the traditional version that often includes shrimp and pork, the vegetarian Banh Xeo keeps things light yet satisfying with its savory veggie filling. It’s typically wrapped in fresh herbs and lettuce, then dipped into a tangy vegan “fish” sauce, offering a perfect balance of crisp, fresh, and umami-rich flavors.

Xoi chay (Vegetarian Sticky Rice)

A staple Vietnamese breakfast, xôi chay comes in many colorful, plant-based varieties, such as mung bean sticky rice, gac fruit sticky rice, peanut sticky rice, or magenta leaf sticky rice. Unlike versions topped with meat floss or sausage, vegetarian sticky rice relies on natural ingredients for flavor and color. Often sold by street vendors in the early morning, it’s a convenient and satisfying way to start the day—simple, hearty, and completely meat-free.

Cha Gio Chay (Vegetarian Fried Spring Rolls)

These golden, crispy spring rolls are filled with a savory mix of mushrooms, glass noodles, carrots, and taro. Unlike the traditional version that often includes ground pork or shrimp, the vegetarian filling offers a lighter yet still satisfying bite. Perfect as an appetizer, cha gio chay delivers the same crunch and flavor-packed experience—just in a completely plant-based form.

Lau Chay (Vegetarian Hot Pot)

This nourishing hot pot features a delightful mix of mushrooms, tofu, leafy greens, and noodles, all simmered in a light yet flavorful vegetable broth. Rather than relying on meat-based flavors, it highlights the natural sweetness and umami of plant-based ingredients. A perfect choice for group meals, where everyone gathers around the pot for a warm, shared experience.

Banh Beo Chay (Vegetarian Steamed Rice Cakes)

A beloved Central Vietnamese delicacy, these petite steamed rice cakes are topped with mashed mung beans, crispy shallots, and sometimes a drizzle of vegetarian scallion oil. Light and flavorful, they offer a satisfying bite without the traditional dried shrimp or pork toppings—making them both comforting and completely plant-based. Perfect as a snack or light meal.

Goi Du Du (Green Papaya Salad)

Green Papaya Salad is a refreshing Vietnamese vegetarian dish made from shredded unripe papaya, carrots, and herbs, tossed with roasted peanuts and a tangy vegan fish sauce dressing. The crisp texture of the papaya and the balance of sour, sweet, and savory flavors make it a perfect appetizer or light meal. It’s especially popular in southern Vietnam during hot days.

Dau Hu Sot Ca Chua (Vietnamese Tofu with Tomato Sauce) 

This comforting dish features crispy tofu cubes simmered in a rich, sweet-savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, scallions, and black pepper. It’s a beloved staple in Vietnamese home cooking, often served with steamed rice and vegetables. The tomato sauce enhances the tofu’s flavor, making it a satisfying and protein-rich option for vegetarians seeking authentic Vietnamese comfort food.

Rau Muong Xao Toi (Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic)

A simple yet flavorful classic, this dish consists of water spinach quickly stir-fried with minced garlic in hot oil. It retains its bright green color and slightly crunchy texture while absorbing the aroma of the garlic. Served as a side dish in both everyday meals and festive spreads, it’s light, nutritious, and a favorite among vegetable lovers in Vietnam.

Banh Cuon Chay

Vegetarian Rice Rolls are soft, steamed rice sheets filled with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, and wood ear mushrooms. They are topped with crispy shallots and served with a mild vegan dipping sauce. Delicate and savory, this dish is a popular breakfast or snack option, especially in northern Vietnam, offering a satisfying meat-free twist on the traditional banh cuon.

Goi Ngo Sen (Vegetarian Lotus Root Salad)

Made from crunchy lotus root slices, this vegetarian salad is mixed with shredded carrots, fresh herbs, and tofu or soy skin, then dressed in a tangy vegan fish sauce. Often topped with roasted peanuts and fried shallots, it delivers a refreshing blend of textures and flavors. It’s a light and elegant choice for those who enjoy healthy, plant-based Vietnamese cuisine.

Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)

This category of sweet treats includes mung bean pudding, banana coconut soup, and glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup. Lightly sweet and refreshingly cool, these plant-based desserts are ideal after a savory meal. Made without dairy or animal-based gelatin, che chay showcases the natural richness of coconut milk and the softness of beans and sticky rice.

Where To Find Vegetarian Food In Vietnam

Vegetarian food is widely available throughout Vietnam. You can easily find meat-free dishes at traditional markets, local “com chay” eateries, vegetarian buffets, or even affordable rice shops (“quan com binh dan chay”) that offer daily vegetable options.

Major cities like Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are especially vegetarian-friendly, with a wide variety of restaurants catering to both locals and tourists. In Hue, the former imperial capital, vegetarian cuisine is deeply rooted in Buddhist customs and temple offerings, making it one of the best places to try authentic Vietnamese vegetarian meals.

To find these places easily, try searching with Vietnamese keywords like “quán chay” or “cơm chay,” or use English terms like “vegetarian restaurant.” Apps such as HappyCow, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor are incredibly helpful for locating nearby plant-based options, complete with reviews and directions.

FAQs: Eating Vegetarian In Vietnam

1. How do I order vegetarian food in Vietnam?

You can say “Toi an chay” (I’m vegetarian) or “Cho toi mon chay” (Please give me a vegetarian dish). To be safe, clarify by saying “Khong thit, khong ca, khong nuoc mam” (No meat, no fish, no fish sauce).

2. Is vegetarian food expensive in Vietnam?

No, vegetarian meals are generally affordable. A local vegetarian rice meal (“com chay”) usually costs between 20,000–50,000 VND ($1–2 USD). Upscale vegetarian restaurants or buffets may charge more, but they remain reasonably priced.

3. Which types of restaurants serve vegetarian food?

You can find vegetarian dishes at dedicated vegetarian restaurants (“quan chay”), Buddhist temples, local rice shops, and even some street food stalls. Many regular restaurants also offer a vegetarian section on the menu.

4. What should foreign travelers know when eating vegetarian in Vietnam?

Be cautious of fish sauce (nuoc mam) which is common in many dishes—even some labeled as vegetarian. Also, verify if eggs or dairy are used, as some “chay” meals still include them. It’s best to confirm ingredients with the staff before ordering.

Vietnamese Vegetarian Dishes—Savor The Soul Of Vietnam

Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine is both rich in flavor and easy to access, offering a fulfilling experience for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or just curious, exploring these plant-based dishes is a delightful way to connect with Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Each meal tells a story—of regional culture, spiritual values, and local ingredients. So don’t hesitate to dive in and discover the diverse world of Vietnamese vegetarian food—it’s more than a meal, it’s a meaningful cultural journey.