How To Manage Vegetarian or Vegan Food for Vietnam Trip

Vietnam is famous for its meat-based dishes. As a vegetarian, I wondered if I could find vegetarian food to eat in Vietnam for more than 2-3 days. I had concerns about whether there were enough restaurants that catered to vegetarians. My partner is also quite particular about his food choices, which added to my worries. However, after experiencing it firsthand, I want to share my reassuring experience with you so that you don’t have to worry. Let’s dive in!

We have visited Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Danang, and Hoi An, and in each of these places, we found vegetarian restaurants. Here’s a list of all the restaurants where we dined during our trip.

• Hanoi – Ram Krishna Vegetarian Indian Cuisine ( pure veg )
• Ninh Binh – Curry King Indian restaurant (veg + non veg)
• Danang – Gujarat Indian Restaurant ( Pure veg but service is slow ) and Maharaja Indian Restaurant,Da nang. There are so many vegan restaurants also. One option is Roots Plant-based Cafe – Healthy Vegan Restaurant.
• Hoi An – Rasoi Indian Restaurant, Maharaja Indian restaurant, and vegan restaurants.
• Halong Bay – One or two options for vegetarians.

Vietnam has many restaurants that specialise in vegetarian food, particularly dishes combining tofu and vegetables. If you enjoy such food, you’ll have a great time in Vietnam.

How will I manage food while traveling off the beaten path in Vietnam?

Reach out to the hotel manager or the owner of a homestay.

We met a Russian traveler who lives in Europe and was going to Vietnam. He had trouble finding vegetarian food in Sapa. He only had rice for 2-3 days. We were worried too before going from Hanoi to Gia Vein because we couldn’t find any vegetarian restaurants online. It’s even harder when you’re traveling with family.

In such situations, the first step you should take is to inquire with the host well in advance about your food preferences. Before leaving Hanoi, I texted Anna, the owner of Ninh Binh Palm Homestay, and asked about the food situation. To my surprise, she was already aware of Indian travellers and their food preferences. She assured me that I could visit the place without any worries.

Buy fresh fruits and veggies for salad

When exploring the main cities of Vietnam, it’s easy to balance meals. However, if you’re planning to visit Halong Bay where finding fresh fruits and salads is difficult, it’s a good idea to buy them from street vendors beforehand. Despite suggestions from some vloggers and blogs that there’s a variety of vegetarian food available, our experience differed. We only found one option, pasta, and I was skeptical about whether they used fish oil or the same oil for frying other foods. Additionally, they provided only a small fruit plate for every two people, which was insufficient after a day of hiking, exploring caves, and other physical activities. It’s important to stay energised so carry some fruits and veggies like cucumber.

I enjoy buying from local vendors, and while exploring Hanoi, I bought raw mango slices. Unfortunately, I couldn’t eat them because they contained shrimp powder. Lesson learned: try to buy whole fruits instead!

Bringing your own snacks from India

Bringing your own snacks from India is a smart idea. It can be time-consuming to search for an Indian store in Vietnam. By avoiding this hassle, you can travel more freely. Consider preparing or buying homemade nutritious snacks like laddoos, dry fruits, chivda, namkeens, khakra, and shakarpara.

At some places where we didn’t enjoy the taste of the food, we sprinkled some namkeen sev on it, and we were good to go 🙂 When we were too late to go out for breakfast or couldn’t visit a restaurant for snacks, we shared a laddoo and cucumber.

Get your food packed for early morning adventures

When day trips to Halong Bay and Bana Hills start early in the morning, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM, but restaurants typically open later, around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, it’s wise to plan ahead. In such situations, we got our breakfast packed the day before when having dinner at some restaurants. With access to a fridge, we stored it there, knowing that theplas wouldn’t spoil.

Coffee

Many people love Vietnamese egg coffee in Hanoi. Did I hear that right? Yes, it’s egg coffee! It’s called ca phe trung and you can find it in different cities across Vietnam. If you don’t eat eggs, be careful with your coffee. Always read the ingredients and ask questions.

Buy water from a local grocery store

Tap water in Vietnam isn’t safe for direct consumption. Locals either boil the water before drinking it or use filters at home. While strolling the streets of Hanoi in the evening, we bought a 350ml water bottle, which was priced higher than a 1-liter bottle. Later, we opted to purchase a 5-litres bottle of water from a grocery store near our hotel room. It was less expensive and lasted longer.

This will be particularly helpful when going for day trips to places like Halong Bay or Bana Hills. While they do provide water, it’s usually just 350 or 500ml per person. To avoid such situations, it’s best to carry your own water bottles.

Respecting Vietnam’s local food and Traditions

Vietnam is celebrated for its lively streets and diverse cuisine. Even if you’re a vegetarian or vegan and don’t indulge in street food, it’s crucial to respect their local culinary traditions. When street vendors invite you to their shops, a simple act of courtesy goes a long way. Instead of showing annoyance, greet them with a smile and politely decline. This shows appreciation for their offerings while maintaining your dietary choices.

As a vegetarian or vegan, how do you handle your meals in such situations? Share with me in comment section.

Happy Travels 🙂 🙂