The Best Vegetarian Food in Hội An
A fresh vegetable and tofu salad is among Hội An's many vegetarian options | © thesomegirl / Getty Images
Vegetarian and vegan food is on the rise in Vietnam – partly as a result of demand by travellers, but also because many locals avoid meat at the new moon and full moon. As a result, Hội An has a number of meat-free restaurants for vegetarians and vegans to take their pick from.
When eating out as a vegetarian in Vietnam, be aware that staff often confuse ‘vegetarian’ for ‘vegetables’, and that many Vietnamese vegetarian dishes contain fish sauce. But that shouldn’t be a problem at the following meat-free restaurants.
Fresh spring rolls are among Vietnam’s veggie delicacies © intek1 / Getty Images
Many veggie options are available in Hội An © Anne-Marie Palmer / Alamy Stock Photo
Vegan Zone Hội An
Cafe, Vietnamese
Focused on local organic produce, this cosy little venue run by a couple dedicated to playing their part in saving the Earth wows diners with dishes including mustard rolls, potato cakes, eggplant crêpes and lemongrass tofu. The healthy juices are a revelation, too – after the zingy likes of Green Glow or Vitality, you might never look at alcohol again (although beer and cider are served).
The Fisherman Vegan Restaurant
Restaurant, Vietnamese
On one of Hội An’s few stretches of relatively unspoilt beach, this hip venue overlooking the sand is a sweet spot for global vegan dining ranging from smoothie bowls to the likes of braised eggplant hotpot or noodles with falafel and tofu. By day, chill out on giant beanbags and loungers, or make a night of it by coming for one of the house and techno parties.
Karma Waters
Restaurant, Vietnamese
With its own charitable association using restaurant proceeds to feed vegan meals to the less fortunate, whether that be in nearby hospitals or on the streets, and an avoidance of single-use plastic, this alcohol-free vegan venue warms the heart as well as the belly. Free of refined sugar and MSG, the globally inspired food comes in hearty portions – standouts include tom yum soup, Indian curries, and tofu and mushroom patties. Most of the produce comes from Tra Que organic vegetable village.
Cookery classes let you in on the restaurant’s secrets, so you can replicate some of the dishes at home.
Annen
Restaurant, Vegetarian
From daily (except Sunday) Sivananda
yoga classes overlooking the delightful garden with its tranquil pools to weekend open-mic and karaoke nights attracting local singers, songwriters and poets, plus a monthly ‘starving artists’ show for local creatives to display and sell their works of art, this charming family-run spot is a lively, community-focused space. The all-organic vegetarian and vegan dishes include burritos and wraps made from home-made tortillas.
Quan Chay Dam – Co Dam
Restaurant, Vietnamese
Situated in a small alley between Lê Lợi and Hai Bà Trưng lies Quan Chay Dam, a family-run restaurant serving tasty vegetarian dishes. Regulars have described Quan Chay Dam as serving gourmet vegan food. Here, the staff are incredibly friendly, and the food is more than reasonably priced.
This is an updated version in an article by Margarita Milne.
