Best Vegetarian Food In Ho Chi Minh City

Eating Your Way Through Saigon’s Vegetarian Scene

Traveling and eating vegetarian can be a challenge, especially in Southeast Asia where meat is a staple in many dishes. However, in Ho Chi Minh City, vegetarian options are becoming increasingly popular and offer an array of mouth-watering cuisines that cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions. This guide will take you on a culinary journey through the best vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City.

🍲 Pho Chay

No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without trying a steaming bowl of pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup normally made with beef broth, noodles and meat. But for vegetarians, there is a delicious meat-free version known as pho chay which is made using a vegetable broth and usually served with tofu, mushrooms and an assortment of herbs. You can find this dish at most vegetarian restaurants in the city.

🍜 Bun Bo Hue Chay

Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup that hails from central Vietnam but vegetarians can also enjoy this dish by trying out bun bo hue chay. The vegetarian version is made using a mushroom broth and served with seitan (wheat gluten) or tofu rather than beef. This spicy bowl of noodles is perfect for those looking for a hearty meal to warm them up on a rainy day in Saigon.

🍛 Com Chay

Com chay is a vegetarian version of the popular Vietnamese dish com tam, which is typically made with grilled pork and broken rice. Com chay, on the other hand, is made with vegetarian protein such as tofu, seitan or mushrooms. The dish is also served with pickled vegetables and a fried egg (for non-vegans) on top of the rice.

🍣 Sushi and Japanese Cuisine

If you’re craving something light and fresh, you can’t go wrong with sushi or Japanese cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City. There are plenty of vegetarian options available, including avocado rolls, tofu sushi, cucumber rolls and vegetable tempura. Many Japanese restaurants in the city also serve vegetarian ramen noodles and udon soup.

🍲 Banh Xeo

Banh xeo is a crispy and savoury pancake made with rice flour, turmeric powder and coconut milk. Traditionally, these pancakes are filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, but there is a vegetarian version available that is filled with tofu and mushrooms. This dish is also served with lettuce leaves and herbs that can be used to wrap around the pancakes.

🍜 Mi Quang Chay

Mi Quang is a Vietnamese noodle dish that originates from the central region of the country. The vegetarian version of mi quang is made using a vegetable broth and served with tofu, mushrooms, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. The dish is also topped with an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables.

🍛 Banh Mi Chay

Banh mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that typically contains meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and mayonnaise. However, vegetarians can enjoy this sandwich by asking for banh mi chay, which replaces the meat with tofu or seitan. Some vegetarian banh mi also use vegan mayonnaise or hummus as a spread.

🍲 Hu Tieu Chay

Hu Tieu is a type of Vietnamese noodle soup that is similar to pho. The vegetarian version, hu tieu chay, is usually made with a clear vegetable broth served with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables like bean sprouts and chives. Hu tieu can be found at most vegetarian restaurants in the city.

🍣 Vegetarian Sushi Buffet

If you’re a fan of sushi, then you’ll want to check out the vegetarian sushi buffet at the Phap Hoa Temple in Ho Chi Minh City. The buffet is held every Sunday and offers an assortment of vegetarian sushi, sashimi, and tempura along with other vegetarian dishes. The buffet is a great way to sample a wide variety of vegetarian foods in one sitting.

🍛 Vegetarian Pizza

If you’re craving something a bit more familiar, then you can always try out the vegetarian pizza at Pizza 4P’s in Ho Chi Minh City. This restaurant is known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas that are topped with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The vegetarian pizza comes with an assortment of vegetables and cheese.

🍜 Vegetarian Pho Cuon

Pho cuon is a Northern Vietnamese dish that consists of rice noodles wrapped around beef and herbs. But vegetarians can still enjoy this dish by trying out the vegetarian version that replaces the beef with tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetables. The dish is also served with a peanut dipping sauce.

🍣 Vegetarian Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Vietnamese spring rolls are a popular appetizer that can be found in most restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. The vegetarian version of these spring rolls is made using tofu, vermicelli noodles, and an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables. The spring rolls are also served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

🍲 Vegetarian Banh Cuon

Banh cuon is a Vietnamese rice noodle roll that is usually filled with pork and mushrooms. The vegetarian version is made using tofu and mushrooms and is served with a sweet and savoury dipping sauce. This dish is a popular breakfast food in Vietnam and can be found at most vegetarian restaurants in the city.

FAQs About Vegetarian Food in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, it is easy to find vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City with many vegetarian restaurants and options available in the city.

2. Are there any vegetarian street food options in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are vegetarian street food options available in Ho Chi Minh City, including vegetarian banh mi, vegetarian pho, and vegetarian spring rolls.

3. Are there any vegetarian options at non-vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, many non-vegetarian restaurants have vegetarian options available on their menus. It’s always a good idea to ask the staff for recommendations on vegetarian dishes.

4. Are there any vegetarian sushi options in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian sushi options available in Ho Chi Minh City, including avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and vegetable tempura.

5. Are there any vegetarian options available at food courts in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are vegetarian options available at food courts in Ho Chi Minh City. Just look out for stalls that offer vegetarian dishes or ask the staff for recommendations.

6. Are there any organic vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are several organic vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that serve locally sourced and sustainably grown ingredients.

7. Are there any vegan options available in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are many vegan options available in Ho Chi Minh City, including vegan pho, vegan banh mi, and vegan sushi. Many vegetarian restaurants also offer vegan options on their menus.

8. Are there any vegetarian cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are several vegetarian cooking classes available in Ho Chi Minh City where you can learn how to make traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes.

9. Can I find vegetarian options at local markets in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are vendors at local markets in Ho Chi Minh City who sell vegetarian options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms.

10. Are there any vegetarian options available at fast food chains in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, some fast food chains in Ho Chi Minh City have vegetarian options available on their menus. However, it’s always important to check with the staff to make sure the food is prepared without any meat or animal products.

11. Are there any vegetarian delivery services in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are several vegetarian delivery services available in Ho Chi Minh City that offer a range of vegetarian options from different restaurants.

12. Are there any vegetarian-friendly hotels in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, there are many vegetarian-friendly hotels in Ho Chi Minh City that offer vegetarian options on their room service menus and at their restaurants.

13. What are some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?

Some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City include Hum Vegetarian, Loving Hut, and the Tigon Vegetarian Restaurant.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City may be known for its meat-centric cuisine, but there are plenty of vegetarian options available for those who prefer a plant-based diet. From traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho chay and banh xeo to international options like vegetarian