Travelling as a vegan can be tough at times. Depending on which country you’re exploring, you might find that the local cuisine is very meat-heavy with only plain rice or chips being the plant-based options. Understandably, many vegans turn to supermarkets and end up leaving a country without having tried anything authentic. Luckily, there are some countries that excel when it comes to vegan cooking. One such country is Vietnam which has numerous vegan dishes in the national recipe book. Whether it’s tofu-based or features plenty of locally grown, fresh vegetables, a Vietnam tour is a foodie paradise for all.
Travelling in Vietnam As a Vegan
Vietnam crops up on people’s travel bucket list time and time again, and it’s not hard to see why. A country shaped by centuries-old traditions and still bearing characteristics from the French colonial rule, it has a unique history that travellers can’t get enough of. As well as huge metropolises like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam has heaps of countryside to be explored. In the far north, one can motorcycle through endless rice terraces, go on multi-day hikes in cooler temperatures and enjoy a cuisine distinctly different from that in the south.
Local Vietnamese Dishes to Try as a Vegan
And then there’s the food. Incredibly cheap by Western standards, travellers of all budgets can dine at food stalls for every meal of the day. Prepare to eat like never before! Fortunately for vegans, even though the cuisine relies heavily on meat, you’ll find plenty of delicious alternatives:
- Phở Chay: a delicious noodle soup that can be enjoyed any time of the day or year, this national dish can be enjoyed a multitude of different ways. They also have plenty of vegan options that substitute meat for tofu and extra veggies. When ordering, make sure that the broth itself is vegan, so always look out for Phở Chay specifically or go to a specialist vegan restaurant.
- Rau muống: you can find this flavoursome dish just about anywhere and it absolutely transforms water spinach from a somewhat flavourless vegetable to something mouthwatering with the help of soy sauce, plenty of garlic and chilli. Just make sure it isn’t cooked with fish sauce; some eateries do this for extra flavour!
- Đậu sốt cà chua: it means ‘tofu in tomato sauce’ and can be found at every second street stall. They fry tofu so it’s gorgeously crispy on the outside and squidgy in the middle before immersing it in a spiced tomato gravy. It’s simply to die for.
- Bánh Mi: the nation's favourite fast food, Bánh Mis are representative of the French colonial rule when they brought over their famous white baguettes. Now, the Vietnamese have put their own spin on it with luscious sandwiches that can be filled with marinated veggies and tofu which make for a delectable vegan treat.
What about you, have you ever tried vegan food in Vietnam? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
