Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
With a plethora of establishments ranging from casual bistros to fine-dining restaurants, Saigon’s plant-based dining scene is as varied as it is scrumptious.
From vegetarian phở to meatless burgers, these are our picks of the most highly recommended vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
– Vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City –
1. Hum Vegetarian – among the world’s best places for vegetarian meals
Image adapted from: Hum Vegetarian
In 2021, Hum Vegetarian ranked 10 in the annual TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice’s list of the best 25 vegan spots across the world.
Image credit: Hum Vegetarian
Boasting ample outdoor and indoor dining space and soothing zen decor, this homegrown restaurant is a dream location for vegan-friendly dishes.
Aesthetics aside, this place also delivers when it comes to flavors.
Steamed mushroom in coconut, spinach braised gac fruit dressing, green curry
Image credit: Hum Vegetarian
For a hearty starter, order the young ivory bamboo soup (VND75,000, ~USD3.23). Light and savory, this vitamin A-packed dish is good for your blood pressure and makes an excellent brunch option.
Mushroom steamed in coconut (VND127,000,~USD5.47) is also an equally savory dish that goes well with both rice and rice noodles. Featuring tender lingzhi mushroom and button mushroom in thickened, creamy coconut broth, this soup dish has a sweet aroma with subtle hints of chili and ginger.
Address:
- No. 32, Võ Văn Tần, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- 2, Thi Sách, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: (28) 3930 3819 I (28) 3823 8920 I (028) 3519 0102
Website
2. Chay Garden – lush environs for comfortable dining
Image adapted from: Chay Garden – Vegetarian Restaurant & Coffee
Laid out in a garden setting with spacious dining space spanning two stories, Chay Garden has a serene vibe and is fit for large gatherings.
Image credit: Chay Garden – Vegetarian Restaurant & Coffee
Foodwise, the restaurant serves a wide array of vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired from different countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and China.
Fried rice in pineapples
Image adapted from: Chay Garden – Vegetarian Restaurant & Coffee
Boasting an appealing wok aroma accompanied by a golden color, the house’s pineapple fried rice (VND125,000,~USD5.38) features jasmine rice stir-fried with fresh pineapple, shiitake mushroom, carrots, and served in a grilled pineapple for extra flavors.
Group diners can check out the sukiyaki hotpot (VND175,000-VND235,000, ~USD7.53-USD10.11), a vegan version of traditional Japanese soy sauce-based hotpot. Packed with a hearty combination of tofu, tofu skin, lotus roots, vegetables, and served with lightly blanched bouncy udon noodles, this is an excellent dish to share.
Address: 52 Võ Văn Tần, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-2.30PM, 5.30-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 0931 109 093
Website
3. METTA Vegetarian – dine in the surrounds of a plant-draped greenhouse
Breadfruit (sake) fried with sesame seed
Image credit: METTA Vegetarian
At METTA Vegetarian, you’ll find a broad variety of healthy and organic plant-based dishes as well as a good selection of vegan dishes.
For a tasty appetizer, check out the house’s gluten-free and starchy deep-fried breadfruit (VND60,000, ~USD2.58). Wrapped in flour and fried to golden brown, the dish is rich with the flavors of potato and roasted sesame.
Those craving something loaded with nutrition and low in calories can chow down on the light and appetizing enokitake mushroom salad (VND80,000, ~USD3.44).
Image credit: METTA Vegetarian
Featuring a plant-filled dining space decked out with Buddhist-inspired decor, this place is a perfect spot to dine and chill at.
Address: No. 6, Road 19, An Phú Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 2253 6186
Website
4. Nhà Hàng Chay Diệu Hạnh – over 100 dishes to choose from
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Diệu Hạnh
Playing host to a roomy and sophisticated Buddhism-themed dining space, Nhà Hàng Chay Diệu Hạnh is suitable for both romantic dinner dates and group gatherings.
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Diệu Hạnh
What’s more, the joint offers over 100 vegetarian dishes to choose from.
A highly recommended dish here is phở áp chảo (VND90,000, ~USD3.87), which features crispy pan-fried phở served with tomatoes and bok choy.
Hue-style rice noodle, consisting of vermicelli, shimeji mushroom, vegan rolls, and fried tofu
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Diệu Hạnh
For a fulfilling noodle soup dish, give the steaming Cambodian noodle soup (VND70,000, ~USD3.01) a try. Cooked with lemongrass, turmeric, and fingerroot, this savory dish is flavored with the mild sweetness of ginger and balanced with the mild bitterness of pepper.
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Diệu Hạnh
Address: 21 Nguyễn Cơ Thạch, An Lợi Đông Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 2253 5655
Website
5. Nhà Hàng Chay Sen – serving meatless plates that carnivores will adore
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Sen
Even meat lovers will love Nhà Hàng Chay Sen, where you’ll find many meatless versions of crowd-pleasing Vietnamese meat dishes. Plus, they’re crafted to look just like real meat dishes.
Some of the highly recommended options include the classic dê xào sa tế (VND59,000, ~USD2.50), or goat meat stir-fried with sauteed chili pepper. Featuring shiitake mushrooms braised in savory and spicy satay paste, this dish makes a great accompaniment to rice.
Pork and eggs
Image credit: Srihari Raghavan
Thịt kho trứng (VND59,000, ~USD2.50), a Vietnamese iconic pork and braised egg dish, is also crafted to look like the real one using tofu rolls and rice flour.
Image credit: @aakash32017
Albeit compact, the joint is tastefully designed for comfort and convenience.
Address: 117 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9AM-2PM I 5PM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 6278 2186
Website
6. Nhà Hàng Chay Thiền Ý – affordable vegetarian dining from VND70,000
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Thiền Ý
Located in District 1 and in a spacious setting, Nhà Hàng Chay Thiền Ý serves up over 200 a la carte dishes and sumptuous weekend buffets. Plus, this is one of the most budget-friendly vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
Foodwise, grilled abalone mushrooms wrapped in bánh mì (VND25,000,~USD1.02) is a great option for breakfast or lunch. The creamy and buttery texture of the mushroom stands up perfectly with the crusty and fluffy texture of bánh mì.
Vegetarian pizza
Image credit: Nhà Hàng Chay Thiền Ý
For a healthy midday pick-me-up, check out the vegetable pizzas (VND120,000, ~USD5.16). Featuring a thick layer of vegetables and fruits atop a thin yet solid pizza base, this dish is packed with a decent amount of crunch and flavor.
Those looking for all-you-can-eat deals should come over every Sunday, where you can savor over 33 hearty plant-based dishes from only VND70,000 (~USD3.07).
Address: 36 Trần Quý Cáp, Ward 11, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 091 391 60 36
Website
7. Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House – Tibetan-inspired design and plentiful vegan Vietnamese cuisine
Image credit: Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House
A lush and serene getaway from the hubbub of District 1, Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House boasts a Tibetan-inspired dining space. Decked out with exposed bricks, earth-tone wood furniture, spiritual artifacts, and plenty of plants, this place is perfect for those looking to dine amidst lush environs.
Rice stir-fried with magenta leaf
Image credit: Tony Leung
The restaurant dishes out a myriad of gluten-free vegan dishes, such as stir-fried rice with magenta leaf (VND156,000, ~USD6.71). Featuring rice grains dyed in boiling magenta leaves for a mesmerizing purple color before being stir-fried with peas, carrots, and vegetables, this dish makes both an Instagrammable and fulfilling meal.
Address: 17-19 Trịnh Văn Cấn, Cầu Ông Lãnh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 091 787 67 88
Website
8. Baba’s Kitchen – Indian-style vegetarian food
Image credit: Huan Quang Nguyen
Baba’s Kitchen brings a taste of India to Ho Chi Minh City diners with a toothsome selection of Indian vegan and vegetarian dishes from curry to masala.
For a savory dinner dish, you can order the savory and spicy gobi tandoori (VND105,000, ~USD4.52), which consists of cauliflower flowerettes marinated in tandoori spices for a flavor boost and roasted in the tandoor oven until it becomes golden and crispy.
Creamy and nutritious, navratan korma curry (VND99,000,~USD4.26), a hot-tasting cashew-based dish packed with carrots, potatoes, and beans, makes a great pair with rice or roti.
For more Indian and South Asian food in Saigon, check out our guide here.
Image credit: Huan Quang Nguyen
Baba’s Kitchen boasts sophisticated outdoor and indoor dining space and is immensely popular among local Indians. It has been around for 9 years and was awarded a certificate of excellence by TripAdvisor, so you know it’s legit.
Address: 242 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-2PM, 5PM-9.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3744 6897
Website
9. Bếp Xanh An Duyên – Chinese-styled vegetarian restaurant
Image credit: Nhà hàng chay Bếp Xanh An Duyên
At Bếp Xanh An Duyên, you’ll find a wealth of Chinese vegetarian cuisines, from spicy and savory Sichuan-style mapo tofu (VND52,000, ~USD2.24) to buttery and aromatic Hakka-style steamed taro (VND65,000, ~USD2.80).
To cap your meal on a sweet note, order the eight treasure soup (VND65,000, ~USD2.80). Cooked with healthy and flavor-boosting ingredients such as lotus seeds, osmanthus, ginkgo, longan seeds, this soup helps stave off the cold and is good for your health.
Image credit: Nhà hàng chay Bếp Xanh An Duyên
Boasting ample dining space decked out with Chinese lanterns and calligraphy paintings, the restaurant is always buzzing with diners.
Address: 10 Nguyễn Tri Phương,Ward 6, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-2PM, 5PM-9.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 2212 9947
Website
10. PoKe Saigon – fulfilling Hawaian-inspired rice bowls
Image credit: Poke Saigon
Poke Saigon is a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant serving healthy foods from a wide range of fresh ingredients.
For the base, diners can choose from sushi white rice, brown rice, and salad. Instead of diced raw fish served as the main ingredients to top the base, plant-based eaters can choose tofu.
Selecting the right toppings can be difficult, since the list runs the gamut from radish to mango to corn. For an extra crisp on top, you can add shallots, sesame seeds, or sliced ginger.
Image credit: Poke Saigon
A vegetarian bowl of poke is priced at VND130,000 (~USD5.59). Consisting of sushi rice drizzled with shiso miso sauce, layered with tofu, cucumber, avocado, seaweed salad, mushrooms, and other vegetables, this sumptuous dish will keep you full for many hours.
The restaurant also offers a good selection of sugar-free cold pressed juices in different flavors, such as pineapple, watermelon, carrot, and oranges from VND60,000 (~USD2.58) per bottle.
Image credit: Poke Saigon
Poke Saigon has an elegant and airy dining space, suitable for a romantic dinner with your significant other or a hangout with your friends.
Address:
- 42 Bis Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 42 Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé Ward ,District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 0902 474 388
Website
11. Relish & Sons – finger-licking good vegan burgers
Herbivore burger
Image adapted from: Relish & Sons
Specializing in gourmet burgers and house-made relishes, Relish & Sons is a dream location for Western comfort food.
Those who don’t eat meat can check out the tasty and healthy herbivore burger (VND160,000, ~USD6.89), made with a savory blend of chickpea patty, feta cheese, avocado, jalapeno pepper yogurt, tomato, radicchio lettuce, and neatly presented in a multigrain bun. The patty is slightly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside with a lightly smoked hint.
For an equally appetizing option, order the tangy and flavorful pearl barley salad (VND120,000, ~USD5.16), which is made of roasted cauliflower, lentil beans, and dressed with beetroot, sultanas, capers, and toasted almonds.
Image credit: Relish & Sons
Roomy and elegant, Relish & Sons is perfect for rowdy getogethers.
Address: 44 Đông Du, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 0120 721 4294
Website
Vegan restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
12. PI Vegetarian Bistro – a 3-minute walk from the War Remnants Museum
Image credit: PI Vegetarian Bistro
A 3-minute walk from the War Remnants Museum, PI Vegetarian Bistro is a casual yet roomy eatery that churns out plenty of plant-based dishes.
This place is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, as you can tell whether the foods contain dairy or egg from the V mark on the menu.
Its dining space can host up to 120 diners
Image credit: PI Vegetarian Bistro
For a sumptuous whole-grain rice meal topped with seasoned vegetables, try the mixed rice (VND172,000, ~USD7.41). Drizzled with black sesame sauce for a touch of sweetness, this simple dish can fill up your belly very fast.
For a lighter dish, you can try the vegan-friendly tempeh salad (VND172,000, ~USD7.41), a dish made of fermented cooked soybeans, fried mushrooms, basil, and green mango. This flavorful mixture is packed with vitamin A and is good for your immune system.
Address: Level 1, 19 Võ Văn Tần, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city
Opening hours: 10AM-3PM I 5PM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 0916 414 133
Website
13. Prem Bistro & Café – free to adjust your order to vegan
Image credit: Prem Bistro & Cafe
Prem Bistro & Cafe serves up a gamut of light vegetarian and vegan fares, from burgers to pasta. What’s more, you can customize your orders to fit your diet, such as replacing dairy-based ingredients with fresh avocados for an equally buttery flavor if you’re a vegan.
If you need a recommendation, try the bistro’s signature vegan bowl of Prem (VND204,750, ~USD8.82), which is a lavish combination of boiled broccoli, black beans, roasted butternut squash, lemon zest falafel, cherry tomatoes, and homemade pickles steeped in homemade Greek yogurt.
Not only is this dish a symphony of tastes and textures, but it’s also packed with immunity-boosting vitamins.
Image credit: Prem Bistro & Cafe
Ornamented with patterned rugs and floor cushions, the bistro looks like a cozy nomadic shelter under muted lighting.
Address: 204 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 6279 9920
Website
14. Mãn Tự Vegan – pay as you will
Image credit: Mãn Tự Vegan
By pay as you will, Mãn Tự Vegan literally means that you can pay zero dong if it pleases you.There’s a box near the entrance, where you can drop in whatever amount of money you wish, be it VND5,000 (~USD0.22) or VND500,000 (~USD2.15).
Image credit: Mãn Tự Vegan
However, the restaurant by no means compromises quality over price. Specializing in vegan buffets, Mãn Tự Vegan dishes out a wide selection of delicious fares made from homegrown fresh ingredients, from fried tofu, fresh spring rolls, fried wontons, to pea soup.
Address: 14/2 Tôn Thất Đạm, Nguyễn Thái Bình Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-2PM, 5.30PM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 079 767 8333
Website
15. Nhà hàng chay Vĩnh Nghiêm – located inside Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda
Salad, Yangzhou fried rice, fried sake, deep-fried rice chapati
Image credit: @kelly.kk.nguyen
Located on the premises of Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda, the wood-bedecked Vĩnh Nghiêm Vegan Restaurant has an airy and spacious dining space that can host up to 500 guests. This is one of the most popular vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and is always crowded during weekends.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes from the richly flavored Yangzhou fried rice (VND55,000, ~USD2.37) to the warmly spiced vegetable curry (VND60,000, ~USD2.58).
Image credit: @yen_phann
The restaurant’s grilled tofu (VND65,000, ~USD2.80), made with tofu cubes that are crispy on the edge and moist on the inside, makes both a delicious appetizer or a light meal that pairs beautifully with rice.
After a fulfilling meal here, you can take a breezy walk around the pagoda to enjoy the place’s scenic surroundings.
Address: 339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 0838 481 829
Website
16. Bông Súng Vegetarian Restaurant – plenty of noodle soup dishes
Image credit: Bông Súng Vegetarian food – coffee
Specializing in vegan dishes, Bông Súng Vegetarian Restaurant dishes out plenty of noodle dishes from VND70,000 (~USD3.07).
For breakfast, you’ll find options such as spicy Thai noodle soup, noodles with crunchy spring rolls, slightly sweet Quang-style noodles, and richly flavored Hue-style noodles.
Those with a stomach for fried foods can check out the creamy and crispy fried silken tofu (VND86,000, ~USD3.78) or fried abalone mushrooms (VND86,000, ~USD3.78).
Image credit: Bông Súng Vegetarian food – coffee
Decked out with plants and sophisticated furniture, the restaurant is perfect for both family gatherings and formal business dates.
Address: 86 Nguyễn Du, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7.30AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3822 0377
Website
Guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Going meat-free has never been easy, but there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City serving flavorful plant-based meals without compromising on flavors and presentation.
With cuisines ranging from Vietnamese phở to Indian curry, vegans and vegetarians have plenty to choose from.
In case you’re not a vegan and can’t wait to explore Saigon’s vibrant and diverse food scene, check out our guide to what to eat during your 24 hours in the city.
Also check out:
- 17 top-rated places in Saigon for chicken dishes
- 8 Korean restaurants in Saigon for budget-friendly & authentic fare
- 9 Saigon bakeries & eateries for sweet & savory crepes
- 15 bars and pubs in Saigon for original cocktails and tasty wine
- Hum Vegetarian in Saigon is one of the world’s best vegetarian restaurants
- Guide to Saigon’s Japan Town: from omakase dining to onsen bath
Cover image adapted from: METTA Vegetarian
Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more stories like this. If you have a story to share, email us at pressvn@thesmartlocal.com.