The days when it was a challenge for vegans to find suitable dining options are long gone. The rising popularity of veganism over the last decade has led to an increase in restaurants catering to this trend due to higher demand.
Even in Vietnam, vegan-friendly restaurants are plentiful. Particularly in Hanoi, the country’s food capital, the restaurant scene is buzzing with choices for those seeking plant-based meals. Hanoi’s tropical climate allows a diverse range of vegetables to thrive, contributing to the vibrant vegan food scene.
Although I haven’t had the chance to personally visit all these establishments, their appeal to anyone who cherishes plant-based foods, like myself, is undeniable.
Here’s a guide to some of the best vegan restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam:
1. Sadhu Vegetarian Restaurant
The moniker ‘Sadhu’ embodies the essence of goodness, and based on descriptions, this name appears to be a perfect match for the restaurant. As soon as you step inside, the captivating interior is likely to catch your attention.
An ambiance resonating with a veggie vibe characterizes the establishment.
Comfortable seating is provided through the inviting wooden furniture. The decor and overall setting also carry a touch of Japanese influence.
One of the most lauded aspects of Sadhu is its expansive menu. Featuring a vegan buffet, it showcases hundreds of dishes for you to sample.
While I haven’t tasted the food personally, the standout dishes, according to reviews, include the creamy red pumpkin soup, sushi, fried aubergines, and a summer fig salad. The restaurant’s pizza also receives high praise, billed as one of the best vegan pizzas available.
Sadhu operates on an ‘all you can eat’ concept, offering patrons the chance to sample as much as they desire. Other delectable dishes to consider are the guise leaves with spicy sauce and steamed mushrooms. The dessert menu also features coconut ice cream.
The cuisine at Sadhu isn’t just delicious but also visually appealing. However, some reviews do mention that the portion sizes are on the smaller side.
That said, the ability to order more rounds out the dining experience. The staff at Sadhu is welcoming and patient. But, keep in mind that due to the smaller portion sizes, you might need to order more to satiate your appetite.
2. Chay Tinh Thuc Quan
Chay Tinh Thuc Quan stands out as a vegan buffet restaurant with its traditionally arranged main buffet table, accompanied by wooden tables and chairs.
Despite the ample seating, the restaurant tends to be quite busy, indicative of its popularity. Reviews suggest that the overall ambiance is soothing and comfortable, fostering a relaxed dining experience.
The restaurant’s appeal is enhanced by the extensive buffet offered at an affordable price. With over 200 delicious vegan dishes to pick from, it’s a haven for vegan food enthusiasts.
The chefs at Chay Tinh Thuc Quan reportedly take great care in selecting their ingredients, with their primary goal being to deliver quality food at an accessible price point.
While I haven’t personally tasted the food, standout dishes based on reviews include papaya dumplings, mushroom swamp, eggplant with beans, and stir-fried noodles. An assortment of nutritious and flavorful soups is also available, with the mushroom and vegetable soup often singled out for praise.
The coconut sticky rice comes highly recommended, and sweet treats like the molded cake and fruit roll are lauded by patrons. Marshmallow tea said to assist with digestion, also garners praise.
While the staff is described as friendly and polite, it’s worth noting that their English proficiency may not be very strong.
However, their patience and courtesy seem to offset this minor hurdle.
For Buddhists, the restaurant doubles as a serene space to listen to Dharma lessons and engage in related readings.
3. Uu Dam Chay
Uu Dam Chay is reportedly a well-regarded vegan restaurant in Hanoi, known for offering a wide variety of vegan foods from different continents.
From what I’ve heard, the restaurant showcases vegan dishes from diverse cuisines.
People have often praised its ambiance, describing it as a beautiful three-story building with a peaceful atmosphere. The Buddhist-inspired setting, complete with abundant greenery, is said to add to the charm. By all accounts, the interior and decor are very sophisticated and modern.
Some of the dishes often recommended are basil-fried rice, eggplant rolls, and coconut green curry. They’re known for their presentation skills, crafting dishes in creative and appealing ways.
Even meat-eaters seem to enjoy their time at Uu Dam Chay, often expressing their delight in the flavors they experience. Assorted fried vegetables and bun cha are other dishes frequently mentioned by patrons.
However, some complaints have been made about the presence of mosquitoes, potentially attributed to the lush greenery within the premises.
Regardless of this, the overall feedback remains overwhelmingly positive. The staff and the prompt service have received special mention in multiple reviews.
4. Veggie Castle
I’ve heard that The Veggie Castle is a standout destination for vegetarian cuisine in Hanoi as It’s said to have a bohemian ambiance that’s neat and calming.
This restaurant, it’s told, is carefully maintained with tidy layouts and excellent design elements, filling multiple floors with an array of seating options. It’s often suggested as an ideal spot for anyone seeking a tranquil dining experience.
They also seem to have an extensive menu, boasting a broad range of vegan dishes, offering everything from soups and appetizers to main courses, fresh juices, and even desserts, all of which are visually pleasing and appetizing.
However, Veggie Castle is better known for its lunch and dinner buffets, providing an all-you-can-eat experience focused on Vietnamese dishes.
Some dishes often mentioned in rave reviews include green papaya salad, roasted tofu, spring rolls, and steamed brown rice. I’ve been told that, despite the seemingly small portions, just a few dishes can be surprisingly filling.
Although some have commented on the staff not being overly friendly, they are nevertheless appreciated for their helpful guidance.
What really piques my interest about this restaurant is the frequency with which they refresh their buffet offerings – it seems to be a key reason many patrons find themselves returning again and again.
5. Vi Lay
If you’re going on a trip to the Hoa Lo prison, you must visit Vi Lai. The restaurant is located on Ly Thuong Kiet Street. If you love a tropical environment with lots of trees, water, fish, and decorative stones, this place is a must-visit.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated with lush green plantations. However, if you need a private, closed space, they have an arrangement for that too.
Vi Lai also offers a variety of seating arrangements. Whether you want to sit by the side of the koi pond or inside the lounge, you’ll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
The food quality is excellent; they offer fresh and nutritious foods. A few of the most recommended dishes are the forest mushroom soup, coconut rice with tofu, seaweed pho roll, and Vi Lai salad.
One thing to note is that the restaurant gets a bit too noisy sometimes. Some people complain about it being packed. But if you love a vibrant and lively place, this won’t annoy you. Also, there is often a violinist performing at the gate to cheer you up.
The staff at Vi Lai is attentive and provides excellent service. Another thing I liked about Vi Lai was its beautiful crockery.
They present the food in the nicest way, with cute and clean pots and plates. Oh, and don’t forget to try their best-seller, Tieu Dieu Hot Pot.
6. Thien Tra Dao
Thien Tra Dao is a hidden gem that offers a remarkable vegan dining experience.
Open from 9 am to 10 pm every day, this vegan restaurant offers a peaceful haven in the bustling city of Hanoi, complete with zen music played in the background and a staff that speaks pretty good English.
The place is small but charming, with a cozy atmosphere. So whether you’re looking to work, read a book, or enjoy a quiet meal, Thien Tra Dao provides you with a welcoming a peaceful environment.
In terms of food, Thien Tra Dao impresses with its delicious and diverse menu, which includes both traditional Vietnamese dishes and innovative vegan creations.
Favorites include the ‘bún chả hải ngÆ°’, ‘bun thang’, ‘cha ca’, and ‘nem lui’, all of which have been veganized without losing their authentic flavors.
The portions are generous, and the freshness and quality of the food have been consistently praised by customers. Even those who are not vegans have found the food enjoyable and were impressed by the clever use of protein substitutes.
However, it’s worth noting that some customers have mentioned that the restaurant has pivoted towards being a tea house, which resulted in a smaller menu.
Nonetheless, the best dishes, like the tasty bun chả and summer rolls, are still available, and the transition has added a unique charm to the place.
Conclusion
Now that you have a list of some lovely vegan restaurants in Hanoi, you can try them all. These eateries offer vegan meals that will fully satisfy your taste buds all year.
I was surprised during my stay in Vietnam by how many veggie places there are— and especially at how many of the locals frequent these places.
So if someone tells you it’s difficult to be vegan in the Vietnam (particularly in the major cities) that’s certainly not true.
