For many Indian vegetarians, Vietnam often triggers one immediate concern: What will I eat? Well, most people are very particular about their food choices, and there is nothing wrong about that. But, it’s always better to prepare yourself in case you are planning a trip abroad. Vietnam is one of those countries that is globally known for fish sauce, seafood broths, pork-based dishes, and street grills. It might not necessarily sound ‘vegetarian-friendly’ at first glance. So naturally, many travellers land in Hanoi mentally prepared to survive on plain rice, fruits, and maybe a few French fries. So, is it just anxiety or is there any truth in it? Largely unnecessary, and you see it how.Several Indian travellers have recently shared a surprising discovery: Vietnam is far kinder to vegetarians, and especially vegans, than people expect.
The magic word – Chay
The breakthrough comes down to one word: chay (pronounced like chai). In Vietnam, ‘chay’ refers to vegetarian food. Once you know this term, navigating menus becomes dramatically easier.Unlike some countries where vegetarian options are modern add-ons, Vietnam’s vegetarian tradition is rooted in Buddhism. Many Buddhists follow plant-based diets on certain days of the month or year, which has led to the existence of dedicated vegetarian restaurants across cities.Search for ‘chay’ on Google Maps in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An, and you’ll find entire restaurants serving only vegetarian dishes, often fully vegan by default. Read more: France announces visa-free transit and aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030
From fear to feast
Travellers who expected limited options report the opposite. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, pho chay (vegetarian pho) is widely available. The broth is made without meat, often flavoured with mushrooms, spices, and vegetables.Tofu and mushroom stir-fries appear frequently on menus. Jackfruit is used creatively in curries and savoury dishes that mimic the texture of meat. Some restaurants even serve plant-based meals designed to look like traditional Vietnamese meat dishes, but made entirely from soy or mushroom protein.One of our editors who spent a month across Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and Hanoi described vegan food in Vietnam as ‘insanely creative.’
Street food isn’t off-limits
Street food, usually the biggest concern, is manageable too. Many vegetarians rely on a simple phrase: “Không thịt, không cá” (no meat, no fish).However, there’s one crucial follow-up: always ask about fish sauce. It’s a staple in Vietnamese cooking and can ‘sneak into everything,’ from noodles to dipping sauces.Being specific helps. Some travellers also show the phrase written on their phone to avoid confusion. Tofu bánh mì, vegetable spring rolls, and fresh herb-packed rice dishes are commonly available. While you may need to double-check ingredients, it’s far from impossible.
Dedicated vegetarian restaurants
Vietnam’s chay restaurants aren’t hidden niche cafés. Many are spacious, well-designed, and popular with locals. Because the vegetarian culture is linked to Buddhist practices, the food often goes beyond basic salads and instead features full-flavoured, carefully prepared meals.Apps like HappyCow are also widely recommended for locating vegan-friendly spots, especially in larger cities. Read more: Indian traveller tries to smuggle two endangered monkeys worth INR 2.9 lakh from Bangkok: Here’s what happened
Surprisingly underrated
What surprises many Indian vegetarians isn’t just the availability, it’s the quality. Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine relies heavily on fresh herbs, lemongrass, chilli, lime, tamarind, and mushroom-based broths. The flavours are bold, layered, and far from bland.For Indian travellers accustomed to worrying about limited vegetarian options in certain parts of Southeast Asia, Vietnam often feels unexpectedly comfortable.
So, should vegetarians avoid Vietnam?
Quite the opposite. If food anxiety is the only thing holding you back from visiting Vietnam, seasoned travellers say it shouldn’t be. Between chay restaurants, tofu-rich dishes, creative vegan menus, and a strong Buddhist vegetarian tradition, the country may actually feel easier than many Western destinations.Vietnam might be famous for its street meats and seafood, but for vegetarians willing to learn one word and ask one extra question, it turns out to be one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated plant-based destinations.
