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Foodies find Vietnam a heaven because it is a land of immense flavors and colorful dishes. While most people know the country for its meaty dishes, such as pho bo and banh mi thit, it also has a great variety for vegetarians and vegans. Whether one is a staunch vegetarian, curious about meat-free meals, or would like to balance their diet, then Vietnam's vegetarian dishes have something extra.
Vegetarian dishes in VietNam (Source: VietNamTourism)
Yes, vegetarian food is available everywhere and deep-rooted in Vietnamese culture. Buddhism, being a main religion in Vietnam, allows for a vegetarian way of life, hence steeping it into a rich tradition of dishes with no meats involved. Many locals follow vegetarian diets on particular days of the month as part of their religious practice, which contributes to the flourishing vegetarian food scene in Vietnam.
Additionally, the country is rich in fresh vegetables, herbs, tofu, and rice-the ideal ingredients for a great plant-based meal. Most restaurants in Vietnam have vegetarian options, but in the cities, there are a lot of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. From noodle soups to stir-fries, options for vegetarians are endless in Vietnam.
Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup (Source: VeggieAnh)
Vegetarianism has been in vogue in Vietnam, especially because it has to do with Buddhism. Most Buddhists avoid eating meat as a spiritual practice on specific days of the lunar calendar and other festivals, thus managing to pass down generations of delicious vegetarian dishes to their tradition. These dishes are not only delicious but also prepared with care to avoid ingredients like onion and garlic, which some Buddhists avoid because of their stimulating effects.
One of the Buddhist meat-free meals (Source: Wikipedia)
While there is little problem finding vegetarian food in cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, you might have to work a little harder in rural areas. Then again, Vietnamese hospitality often translates into family-run restaurants doing their best to whip up vegetarian dishes upon request. Learn to say basic phrases such as "Tôi ăn chay" (I am vegetarian), and you're set.
Rural areas in VietNam (Source: AsiaTrails)
Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho)
Pho Chay is a wholesome, comforting vegetarian take on Vietnam's iconic noodle soup. A delicate infusion of vegetables, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves in the broth makes for deep umami flavors to define pho without the use of meat.
Served with flat rice noodles, fried tofu, mushrooms, and an abundance of fresh Thai basil and cilantro, it's a nourishing bowl for any time of day. The lime juice with a dash of chili pulls in a zest that rises to an altogether new different level of yumminess.
Delicious Vegetarian Pho (Source: HelenRecipes)
Banh Mi Chay (Vegetarian Banh Mi)
A vegetarian take on Vietnam's most loved sandwich is a blend of textures and flavors: marinated tofu or mock meats, pickled carrots, daikon, slices of cucumber, and fresh cilantro-all on a crusty baguette.
Vegan mayonnaise or avocado adds creaminess to the sourness of the pickles, while a stroke of soy sauce or chili paste ties everything together. Street food just doesn't get any better than this portable and customizable treat.
Tofu Meatball Banh Mi (Source: VeggieAnh)
Goi Cuon Chay (Vegetarian Fresh Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon Chay is a light and healthy snack, the freshness of which epitomizes the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine. Filled with a mixture of rice vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, basil, and tofu or mushrooms, this rice paper roll tastes delightfully good with a mix of flavors and textures. They are usually served with a savory dipping sauce, made from hoisin and peanut, having a rich, creamy, and nutty finish in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a quick snack, these will be as pretty as they are delicious.
Fresh Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Source: PhoSaigon8)
Bun Rieu Chay (Vegetarian Crab Noodle Soup)
Bun Rieu Chay is the vegetarian version of this traditional crab noodle soup, where the crab is replaced by tofu and mushrooms. The broth is sour and a little sweet, made with tomatoes, tamarind, and aromatic herbs. Served over thin rice noodles and topped with fried tofu, the dish is finished off with shredded herbs, lime wedges, and chili for that unforgettable burst of flavor.
Delicious Vegetarian Crab Noodle Soup (Source: CindyLamCuisine)
Mi Xao Chay (Vegetarian Stir-Fried Noodles)
This is a quick and substantial stir-fry of noodles, vegetables, and tofu in a savory sauce. The sauce is prepared with soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, coating the noodles with a savory umami flavor. This is a well-rounded meal because of the crunchy vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli added into it.
Vegetarian Stir-Fried Noodles (Source: MonChay-VNCooking)
Ca Tim Kho To (Braised Eggplant in Clay Pot)
Ca Tim Kho To is a vegetarian delicacy that features eggplant as the main attraction. Braised in a clay pot with a soy-based sauce, the eggplant turns tender and soft with the aroma of caramelized garlic, chili, and black pepper. Steaming hot rice served along with this course provides the perfect paradigm of comfort food that is synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine, where the simplicity of ingredients shines through expert cooking techniques.
Braised Eggplant in Clay Pot (Source: Kitchen (Mis)Adventures)
Che Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup)
Che Dau Xanh is the traditional sweet dessert made with mung beans, coconut milk, and sugar. It has a creamy texture with subtle sweetness that can be comforting. Adding pandan leaves or vanilla enhances the aroma, while coconut milk adds richness and silkiness in the finish. This dessert is often served warm but can also be enjoyed chilled, which could make it versatile for any season.
Mung Bean Sweet Soup (Source: SouthChina MorningPost)
Nem Chay (Vegetarian Fried Spring Rolls)
Nem Chay is the vegetarian version of the Vietnamese fried spring rolls. A mixture of finely chopped taro, mushrooms, carrots, and mung bean noodles is wrapped in rice paper, deep-fried to perfection. They have a crispy outside, and inside, they are filled with flavor from the savory mixture. It is best enjoyed with dipping sauce like a vegetarian sauce made with lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar.
Vegetarian Fried Spring Rolls (Source: Epicurious)
Canh Chua Chay (Vegetarian Sour Soup)
The flavors of this soup strike a great balance between the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It is made on a broth base infused with tamarind, simmered with tomatoes, pineapple, okra, and bean sprouts. To add freshness, the soup is brightened up with fresh cilantro and Thai basil, making it refreshing and hearty. This is often paired with rice, a favorite comfort food for vegetarians in Vietnam.
Traditional Vegetarian Sour Soup (Source: VegKit)
Com Tam Chay (Vegetarian Broken Rice)
Com Tam Chay is the vegetarian version of the popular broken rice dish, mainly replacing grilled pork with marinated tofu or mock meat. Served with pickled vegetables and sliced cucumbers, this version provides a vegan alternative to the traditional fish sauce. With the slightly nutty and chewy nature of the broken rice, it provides a great base for the medley of flavors and textures across the plate. It is perfect, quite satisfying, for a non-carnivorous meal.
Vegetarian Broken Rice (Source: capichiapp)
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Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi
One of the vegetarian restaurant in VietNam (Source: NhahangchayVilai)
The vegetarian dishes of Vietnam are only as varied and mouthwatering in their diversity as the more renowned meaty brethren. In the search for an explanation behind the top meat-free options, a whole new side to Vietnamese food culture opens up-nourishing, delightful. Experience the amazing cultural-filled experience with traditional meat-free cuisine in VietNam with Asia King Travel.
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