Being vegetarian and traveling can be a challenging duo, especially when you don’t know the local language. But worry not! In a city as gastronomically diverse as Hanoi, you will find various non-meat dishes that cater to any preference. Keep on reading for our recommendations on vegetarian food in Hanoi and tips on going vegan in the city!
Vegetarian Food in Hanoi – An Introduction
1. Is being vegetarian in Vietnam easy? It’s no secret that Vietnamese cuisine incorporates lots of fresh herbs, and there’s a great variety of tropical fruits all year round. Moreover, many Vietnamese follow Buddhism, which encourages vegetarianism full-time or just on the 1st and 15th day of the Lunar month. Therefore, finding vegetarian food in Hanoi (and in Vietnam overall) isn’t a problem.
Mock meat is controversial, but it’s a common vegetarian ingredient you’ll find in Vietnam
2. For Vietnam’s traditional vegan dishes, tofus and mock meats (tofu shaped and spiced to resemble meat) are used sparingly. That’s why some vegan alternatives look just the same.
3. Tips:
- “(An) Chay” means vegetarian in Vietnamese.
- Look up the recipe carefully since the broth or sauce may use bones or fish sauce.
4. Vegetarian food in Hanoi to try: Pho Chay (vegan Pho), stir-fried morning glory, fried tofu with lemongrass, sticky rice, etc.
Where to Find Vegetarian Food in Hanoi?
Uu Dam
Address: 34 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: VND 50,000 – VND 300,000
The green and open space in Uu Dam makes you feel at ease
Uu Dam can be considered as the most famous place to get vegetarian food in Hanoi. The restaurant spans over three floors with a meticulously decorated space to give eaters a zen vibe. You can find different Asian and Western dishes here. The price is affordable and offers good value for money since the food is of good quality and well-decorated.
Buffet Chay An Lac
Address: 109 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem Street, Hanoi
Price: VND 70,000 – VND 300,000
Look at this many options for only VND 100,000
Vegetarian buffet? Sounds surprising, but that’s where you can see how varied vegetarian food in Hanoi is. This place is great to taste different kinds, eat until you’re full as a tick, and pay an inexpensive amount. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner services, but remember to book a table beforehand as it gets full quickly.
Quan Chay Bo De
Address: 65 Quan Su, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 200,000
Bo De serves a traditional Vietnamese meal: a bowl of rice eaten with side dishes
If you want to get vegetarian food in Hanoi in the most local way, give this restaurant a try. Bo De is a family-owned restaurant that serves only Vietnamese home meals. It has built a loyal “fan base” over the years thanks to the consistent quality and price that’s cheap as chips. Even though Bo De doesn’t pay much attention to decor, the place has a very homely and peaceful atmosphere.
Noodle & Roll
Address: 39C Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: VND 15,000 – VND 150,000
The price here is slightly higher, but you get a massive portion in return
Noodle & Roll has a convenient location – right in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The dishes aren’t decorated fancifully, and the seating area is not massive. Yet, diners keep coming in for the hospitality of the owners and the quality of the food. There are lots of options on the menu, mostly Vietnamese specialties.
Maison de Tet Decor
Address: 26 Quang Ba, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Price: VND 100,000 – VND 500,000
Maison de Tet Decor follows a rustic Vietnamese style
Maison de Tet Decor is mostly known as one of the most beautiful cafes in Hanoi with its vintage decorations and view of the West Lake. However, many people don’t know that the cafe serves tasty vegetarian food in Hanoi as well. The price is higher than average in Vietnam, but you’ll get a bigger selection of Western vegetarian dishes than most places.
Our Thoughts on Vegetarian Food in Hanoi
Though Vietnamese cuisine flourishes on meaty creations, it’s very easy to go vegan and commit to eating healthy in Vietnam and Hanoi. Many of the foods have vegetarian versions so you won’t miss out on our mouth-watering recipes.
For more local suggestions on places to eat and drink in Hanoi, give our other blogs a look!