Vegetarian street food in Vietnam: Top 5 the best you must-try

Why Vegetarian street food in Vietnam became popular?

Traveling to Vietnam has become increasingly popular among food lovers, especially those seeking vibrant vegetarian street food experiences. Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage, influenced by Buddhist culture and local ingredients, offers a diverse range of plant-based dishes that appeal to both vegetarians and health-conscious travelers. The bustling street food scene, filled with fresh herbs, vegetables, and traditional flavors, presents an array of delicious vegetarian options such as bánh mì chay, pho chay, and gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls).

What makes Vietnam unique is the freshness and simplicity of its dishes, often prepared right in front of you, creating an authentic, immersive experience. Travelers are also drawn to Vietnam’s affordability, allowing them to sample a wide variety of vegetarian street foods without breaking the bank. As plant-based eating gains global popularity, Vietnam’s reputation as a top destination for vegetarian street food continues to grow, attracting tourists seeking flavorful, healthy culinary adventures.

Vegetarian street food in Vietnam

Banh Mi Chay (Banh Mi Vegan) – the most famous Vietnamese vegetarian street food

Banh Mi Chay is the vegetarian version of Vietnam’s famous sandwich, filled with tofu, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cucumber, and vegan pâté, all inside a crispy baguette. It’s flavorful and satisfying. You can find the best Banh Mi Chay at street vendors and local eateries in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Suggest location: Banh Mi VEGAN – 64 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi I (+84) 0378 233 113

Goi Cuon Chay (Vegetarian Fresh Spring Rolls)

Goi Cuon Chay (Vegetarian Fresh Spring Rolls) is a light and healthy street food made with rice paper, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, lettuce, tofu, and carrots. It’s often served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. Popular street vendors offering this dish can be found in Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, perfect for a quick, refreshing bite.

Suggest location: MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian – 29 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi I (+84) 0985 627 976

Bun Rieu Cua (Vegetarian Crab Noodle Soup)

Bun Rieu Cua is a vegetarian twist on the traditional Vietnamese crab noodle soup. Instead of crab, it features a rich broth made from tomatoes, tofu, mushrooms, and plant-based seasonings. Rice noodles are served with fresh herbs and vegetables, offering a light yet flavorful dish. You can find Bun Rieu Chay at vegetarian street food stalls in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Suggest location: Bun Rieu Cua – 11 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi I (+84) 0339 902 531

Banh Xeo Chay (Vegetarian Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh Xeo Chay is a crispy, turmeric-infused rice pancake filled with bean sprouts, tofu, and mushrooms, making it a delicious vegetarian option. What makes it unique is the combination of textures, crispy outside and soft inside, served with fresh herbs and wrapped in rice paper, then dipped in a tangy, vegetarian sauce.

Suggest location: Amitabha Restaurant – 40 Nguyen Thai Hoc, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City I (+84) 0903 387 705

Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho)

Pho Chay, the vegetarian version of Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, replaces the traditional beef broth with a fragrant vegetable-based broth, infused with star anise, cinnamon, and herbs. Served with rice noodles, tofu, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, it offers a lighter yet flavorful twist, perfect for vegetarian and health-conscious eaters alike.

Suggest location: Pho Chay An Bình – 5 Phan Huy Chu Street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

Vietnam’s vegetarian street food in 2025 offers a flavorful and exciting culinary experience, blending traditional flavors with plant-based ingredients. From the crispy Banh Xeo Chay to the savory Pho Chay, these top 5 must-try dishes are perfect for any food lover. Whether you’re vegetarian or just curious, exploring Vietnam’s vibrant street food scene is an unforgettable adventure.

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