Before I arrived in Vietnam, I wasn’t sure what to expect as a vegan. I’d heard all the stories, dogs in cages, strange meats, fish sauce in everything. I braced myself for a challenge. But honestly? Vegan travel in Vietnam turned out to be one of the easiest experiences I’ve had while travelling.
There’s a general understanding of veganism, or at least a willingness to adapt. The language barrier exists, of course, but the concept of leaving out animal products wasn’t met with confusion the way it often can be elsewhere.
Tofu on Everything, Please
The tofu in Vietnam deserves its own section. It’s everywhere: fried, grilled, tossed in lemongrass, mixed into bolognese-style sauces. It is also served with pineapple, which sounds weird but absolutely works. It’s not a struggle to find protein here. You almost start to take tofu for granted.
Fried rice was another staple for me, once I figured out how to say “no egg.” It took a few misunderstandings. Once you know they almost always add egg to fried rice, it’s easy to ask for it without.
Noodles, however, were trickier. A lot of them are egg-based, especially the yellow or chewy ones. I mostly stuck to rice and tofu dishes to be on the safe side.
I also ate a frankly embarrassing number of fresh spring rolls and French fries. They became my go-to when I couldn’t be bothered navigating ingredients or just wanted something comforting and guaranteed vegan.
Surprising Vegan Support
One of the nicest surprises came when I was staying in a bungalow, hosted by a Buddhist vegan woman. She would turn up at the most random moments. Often, this was just after I’d eaten. She brought little vegan meals she’d cooked for me. Salads, soups, morning glory dishes, mysterious pancakes speckled with seeds, and always a warm smile. I never really knew what I was eating, but she promised it was vegan, and I believed her.
She also brought me fruit from her garden, the tiniest bananas I’ve ever seen, and even made fresh juices. These little moments made me feel truly looked after.
Banh Mi: Approach With Caution
Vietnam’s famous banh mi was a bit more complicated. Even if you manage to find one with tofu or vegetables, they almost always contain mayonnaise. You have to be really clear if you want it left out, and sometimes they’ll do it, sometimes they’ll stare blankly. It became a bit of a gamble, so I only had a few during my trip.
I also had some “vegan-style” baguettes that were slightly… mysterious. One had some pink stuff inside that definitely looked like meat, but might have been some kind of soy ham alternative. If you know what it was, please tell me in the comments because I still have no idea.
Fruit, Markets, and That Coffee
Fruit in Vietnam is on another level. I ate so much jackfruit I practically became one. Dragon’s eye fruit was another favourite, and I was always on the hunt for custard apple, though I never quite found it. I also tried durian, and unfortunately picked a slightly off one, which made it even more of an ordeal than usual.
Wet markets were hard for me. Seeing live chickens and fish crammed into cages and tanks was distressing, and I avoided those streets whenever I could. It’s the kind of thing that sticks in your mind, even if it’s no different than what happens in Western food production, just far less hidden.
On a more uplifting note, Vietnamese coffee is exceptional. It’s strong, rich, and widely available. Plant-based milk was easy to find, especially in the convenience stores. K-Mart (Vietnam’s quieter answer to 7-Eleven) always had soya milk or another alternative on the shelf. I’d often grab one and drink it straight from the carton.
And if you’re a beer person: Green Saigon Beer is the one. I drank a lot of it. It’s crisp, cold, and perfect for humid nights.
What I Learned
Being vegan in Vietnam isn’t only possible, it’s enjoyable. Sure, you’ll need to ask a few questions and learn a few phrases, but once you figure out what to avoid and what to lean into, it’s pretty smooth sailing.
Useful Tips
- Stick to tofu and rice-based dishes if you’re unsure.
- Learn how to say “no egg” and “no fish sauce.” Most people will try to accommodate.
- Skip the noodles unless you’re sure they’re rice-based.
- Always double-check the mayo situation with banh mi.
- If someone offers you homemade vegan food, accept it with gratitude and a smile.
- Happy Cow is a great tool for finding vegan places to eat world wide
Curious about travelling vegan in Vietnam? Let me know in the comments or share your own tips. I’d love to hear them.
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