Around the world, more and more people are removing animal products from their diets, adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. Some go even further by becoming vegan — either in the dietary sense (excluding all animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy, honey, etc.) or in the full ethical sense (excluding all animal-derived products in food, clothing, cosmetics, and more).
The reasons for this shift in eating habits in recent years, especially in Western countries, are twofold. First, people are beginning to understand that consuming meat has a negative impact on their health. Indeed, a vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, excess cholesterol, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Second, meat consumption has a negative effect on the environment, contributing to pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Today, around 5% of the world’s population identifies as vegetarian. Although this number is still low, the rate of “conversions” has been rising sharply in recent years. For example, in 2018 in France, the vegetarian and vegan market grew by nearly 25% in just one year.
A poster in France by the Vegetarian Association promoting vegetarian meals at school
It is therefore a global trend that is also prompting the tourism sector to adapt by offering and developing vegetarian options (in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and more).
What about Vietnam? In this article, we discuss the origins of vegetarianism in Vietnam and provide a list of the best places in Hanoi to eat vegetarian.
Vegetarian Eating in Vietnam
A Healthy and Balanced Diet
Whether vegetarian or not, Vietnamese cuisine is known for being balanced and healthy. Indeed, the ingredients used cover all of the body’s nutritional needs, and their variety ensures excellent nutrition. Fresh vegetables accompany every dish, while sauces and chili are used sparingly. Don’t hesitate to eat at street boui-boui stalls — that’s where you’ll find the best food! These dishes are prepared in the traditional, homemade way rather than industrially.
The result? A lean, energetic population proud of its cuisine!
Traditional cuisine, as balanced as it may be, still heavily features animal products (pork, chicken, beef, etc.). Another tradition, however, helps counterbalance this meat-heavy diet: Buddhism.
Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), a typical dish from Northern Vietnam
Vegetarianism Advocated in Buddhist Tradition
Vietnamese Buddhist tradition follows the Mahayana (Great Vehicle) school. In the Mahayana sutras (religious texts), there are repeated admonitions against eating meat. For example, in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, the Buddha says: “Eating meat destroys great compassion” and advises his disciples to abstain from consuming meat (see Les larmes du bodhisattva: Enseignements bouddhistes sur la consommation de chair animale, Padmakara Editions, 2005, p. 68). According to Matthieu Ricard, “for Buddhists in general, being vegetarian is a way to express compassion toward animals.”
Vietnamese Buddhist monks are therefore strictly vegetarian. Devotees can also come and share meals with the monks on the 1st and 15th lunar days of each month.
In Vietnam, according to the 2019 census, around 5 million people identify as Buddhists and thus follow the teachings of Mahayana.
Vegetarianism on the Rise
Changes in eating habits are a global trend, and Vietnam is no exception. Buddhism provides strong legitimacy for those advocating a vegetarian diet. As a result, the figure of the Buddha is prominently displayed in many vegetarian restaurants. Vegetarian eating is often accompanied by a shift in lifestyle, supported by practices such as yoga and meditation.
As the vegetarian diet becomes increasingly popular, vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, are growing in number.
The Buddha statue at Uu Dam Chay restaurant in Hanoi
Let’s now take a look at the best vegetarian spots in the Vietnamese capital.
The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Hanoi
Hanoi now boasts many excellent vegetarian restaurants. Some are renowned for the quality of their dishes as well as the decor of their establishments. Others are perfect for everyday lunches.
Upscale Restaurants to Try During Your Stay
Here are three spots we recommend trying during your visit to Hanoi. These establishments are perfect for a dinner with a partner or family. The quality of the food and the charm of the venues are at their peak!
Uu Dam Chay
Adresse: 34 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday (7:30 AM – 10:00 PM) and Friday to Sunday (7:30 AM – 10:30 PM)
Price: around 15 – 20 USD/per
Website: http://uudamchay.com/en/
Definitely one of the most beautiful restaurants in Hanoi!
Uu Dam (Udumbara) is a Sanskrit term meaning “sacred flower descending from the sky to the earth.” According to Buddhist scriptures, Udumbara flowers are extremely rare, blooming only once every three millennia. The blossoming of Udumbara signals the appearance of a Buddha in the world. After thousands of years absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, Udumbara blooms peacefully, a pure and precious sign of a new prosperous era.
Inspired by this story, Uu Dam Chay was created with the aim of spreading this positive spirit. The restaurant offers a warm and calm atmosphere, with exquisite, nutritious, and healthy cuisine in a peaceful and relaxing environment for all guests.
One of the dining rooms at Uu Dam Chay restaurant in Hanoi
Sadhu
Adress : 87 Ly Thuong Kiet
Opening hours: 10h30 – 22h00
Price : around 10 – 15 euros per person
Check out their Tripadvisor page and official website.
Here’s the little sibling of Ưu Đàm Chay! Sadhu has the same owner and follows the same Zen Buddhist tradition. The word “Sadhu” comes from the Pali language, in which the earliest Buddhist texts were written. In this language, “Sadhu” means “praise of goodness.” The restaurant aims to encourage making peace with oneself and sharing that peace with others. The owner invites us to a moment of communion and reflection!
That’s likely why this restaurant offers a buffet—but a buffet served at the table. You can choose any of the dishes listed on the menu that you like. The portions are small, so ordering more than ten dishes is no problem!
A stunning setting for a business lunch or a romantic dinner.
Interior of Sadhu restaurant in Hanoi
Aummee Vegetarian Restaurant
Adress: 26 Chau Long street
Opening hours: 10h – 21h
Price: around 10 – 15 euros per person
Check out their Tripadvisor page and Facebook page
Founded in 2014, Aummee restaurant is located near the small Truc Bach Lake, north of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Its mission is to promote vegetarian culture to preserve all living beings.
Modestly decorated and less striking than the first two restaurants mentioned, Aummee’s design is nonetheless full of meaning: the color yellow creates a sense of lightness and tranquility. The restaurant aims to be a place where guests can enjoy good food and relax.
The restaurant can accommodate up to 135 guests across two floors and five separate rooms. If you’re traveling in a group, it’s possible to reserve a private room, with the largest room seating up to 45 people.
Regarding the dishes, Aummee pays special attention to both presentation and flavor. The names of the dishes also reflect Buddhist spirituality, with titles like “Reunion,” “Compassion,” and so on.
Here’s a short but enthusiastic Tripadvisor review:
“We started our trip with this restaurant, and it was truly delicious. Full of flavor, with charming staff and very Zen decor” (February 2019)
Interior of Aummee restaurant in Hanoi
Everyday Vegetarian Restaurants to Choose
Here are a few restaurant addresses we recommend for everyday meals. Most also offer a buffet option at lunchtime.
V’s Home
Adress: 40 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 10h – 22h everyday
Price: around 10 euros
Check out their Tripadvisor page and Facebook page
V’s Home is a charming little vegetarian restaurant located in the city center. It’s a bit hidden, tucked on the upper floor of an old building at the end of a narrow, low alley. But the discovery is well worth the adventure!
You can choose from a menu of vegetarian dishes prepared with organic ingredients. There are traditional Vietnamese dishes as well as more Western options, such as pumpkin pizza.
The restaurant also sells some organic products, such as noodles and rice.
V’s Home is a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities, including those who are deaf.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to visit this charming spot.
Here’s a review from their Tripadvisor page that will encourage you even more:
“Words can’t describe how delicious the food is! If only all vegan food were this good everywhere! We had the carbonara, the sweet potato pizza, and a beet noodle soup. Everything was excellent, and the place is so cozy and beautifully decorated. The prices are more than reasonable for organic, vegan, and delicious food” (February 2020).
Le charmant intérieur du restaurant V’s Home
Tue Linh Chay
Adress: no 27 Nguyen Van Loc, Ha Dong district
Opening hours: 8h00 – 22h00 everyday
Price: 3 – 5 euros per person
Here is the restaurant founded by Ms. Huong, director of Parfum d’Automne! Ms. Huong became a vegetarian a few years ago and, together with friends, established Tue Linh Chay in 2018.
The restaurant is located in the southern part of Hanoi, in Ha Dong district. We recommend visiting it, for example, when exploring the Van Phuc silk village, as it is only a few meters from the village entrance.
Like the first restaurants mentioned in this article, Tue Linh follows the Buddhist tradition. The restaurant offers a buffet for 90,000 VND at lunchtime.
The restaurant also sells the products used in its cuisine: clean and organic!
Ms. Huong plans to open a new restaurant in central Hanoi, closer to the Old Quarter and Parfum d’Automne travelers!
The buffet at Tue Linh Chay restaurant
The beautiful presentations at Tue Linh Chay restaurant
Minh Chay Vegan restaurant
Adress: 30 Ma May, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem
Opening hours: 10h00 – 22h30 everyday
Price: around 5 euros per person
Check out their TripAdvisor page
Let’s return to the Old Quarter with one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants: Minh Chay Vegan! Here’s a little corner of peace amidst the bustle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The furniture is all wood, and the decor highlights greenery… The air is fresh, and the food is excellent at Minh Chay!
There’s a lot of foot traffic in the Old Quarter, and the restaurant offers vegetarian dishes to suit all tastes, both Vietnamese and more Western. While it may not have the finesse of the other restaurants on this list, it’s perfect for an everyday lunch!
Here’s a Tripadvisor review that might reassure you:
“The food is delicious! I’ve been here several times in Hanoi. Never disappointed. Reasonable prices. Good atmosphere. Good service. Centrally located in the Old Quarter. The tofu pho was my favorite, along with the vegetable spring rolls. I highly recommend this place even if you’re not vegan/vegetarian” (February 2020).
Interior of the Minh Chay restaurant in the Hanoi Old Quarter
Veggie Castle – Nha Hang Chay Vegan
Adress 1: 7 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh district
Adress 2: 38 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh district
Adress 3: 19/275, Au Co, Tay Ho district
Opening hours: 11h – 14h and 18h – 21h30 everyday
Price: around 3-4 euros per person
Découvrez leur page Tripadvisor et leur page Facebook
Here is a vegetarian restaurant chain that is becoming increasingly popular. The restaurant operates on an all-you-can-eat buffet basis: the price is 80,000 VND (around €3.5) per person. You can then serve yourself to your heart’s content!
Two restaurants are located not far from Ba Dinh Square and the Mausoleum. The third is much further out, near West Lake. This last restaurant is a favorite among young expatriates living in Tay Ho.
Here’s a Tripadvisor review of this restaurant:
“You pay 80k at the start and can eat as much as you want. There are soups, salads, white and brown rice, and about 6 to 8 different vegan dishes. Tea is also free. Everything tasted good, and they refill frequently. The place is also nicely decorated. Definitely can recommend!”
Interior one of the Veggie Castle restaurant in Hanoi
Restaurants and Shops Selling Vegan Products in Hanoi
We have seen that some restaurants also sell organic and healthy products. Let’s now take a look at stores that specialize in retailing vegan products.
Homefood
Adress 1: 26 Tran Binh Trong, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Adress 2: 19 rue Truc Khe, Lang Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7h30 – 20h everyday and 9h – 17h Sunday
Check out their Facebook page
Homefood is a vegan grocery store that sells clean, organic products (both food and cosmetics) made in Vietnam (mostly, though some items are also imported).
The store positions itself as a promoter of producers with good practices, and we can only encourage them in this endeavor! If you live in Hanoi, don’t hesitate to go shopping there.
Homefood’s vegan grocery store in Hanoi
Lovegan
Adress: 12, ngo 186, Ngoc Ha
Check out their Tripadvisor page and Facebook page
Let’s end this list with a favorite: Lovegan. A young couple (now with their newborn) runs this vegan café tucked away in a quiet little alley. They make all their vegan products themselves, and it’s absolutely delicious!
Here’s what an enthusiastic traveler said a little over a year ago:
“Yesterday, we discovered Lovegan, and we repeat it today. A small, quiet, and cozy place. Here, you feel at home. In the distance, the noise fades away. You’ll only hear relaxing music and pleasant kitchen sounds. The food is excellent—the best we’ve tried in Hanoi. Don’t miss it!”
Feel free to visit—they speak English!
The storefront of Lovegan in Hanoi
You now know all of our top recommendations for vegetarian dining.
All that remains is for us to wish you… ENJOY YOUR MEAL!!!
