Saigon is one of the easiest cities in Asia to eat vegetarian. Look for the word chay on signs and menus: it means Buddhist vegetarian food, and many Vietnamese eat chay on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month. A dedicated quán chay (vegetarian eatery) is the safest choice. Elsewhere, ask about fish sauce, egg, butter and condensed milk.
What does chay mean, and is it vegan?
Chay food is made without meat or fish, and proper vegetarian eateries also leave out fish sauce, using soy sauce or a vegetarian dipping sauce instead. It is not always fully vegan: egg can appear in some dishes, bánh mì often comes with butter or mayonnaise, and coffee is usually made with condensed milk. If you are vegan, ask once about egg and milk and you will be fine.
What phrases should I use to order?
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tôi ăn chay | I eat vegetarian |
| Không trứng, không sữa | No egg, no milk |
| Không nước mắm | No fish sauce |
| Có món chay không? | Do you have vegetarian dishes? |
| Cà phê đen | Black coffee (no condensed milk) |
Show the words on your phone if pronunciation is tricky. Vendors are used to vegetarian customers, especially around temples and markets.
Which vegetarian dishes should I try in Saigon?
- Phở chay: noodle soup with a mushroom and vegetable broth, tofu and herbs.
- Bánh mì chay: tofu or mock meat with pickles and herbs. Ask for no butter and no mayonnaise if vegan.
- Cơm chay: rice with several vegetable, tofu and mushroom dishes, often served buffet style at lunch.
- Gỏi cuốn chay: fresh rice paper rolls with tofu, herbs and noodles.
- Bánh xèo chay: the crispy pancake filled with mushrooms, tofu and bean sprouts.
- Bánh giò chay: a soft rice dumpling in banana leaf. The everyday version has pork, so check for the word chay.
- Desserts: tàu hũ nước đường (silken tofu in ginger syrup) and chuối nướng (grilled banana in sticky rice with coconut sauce) are usually vegan.
Where do I find vegetarian food in Saigon?
| Where | Good for | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Quán chay (vegetarian eatery) | Rice plates, noodle soups, buffets at lunch | Usually fully vegetarian; ask about egg if vegan |
| Ordinary street stall | Bánh mì, bánh xèo, fresh rolls | No fish sauce, no meat broth, no butter |
| Modern vegan café | Coffee, bowls, Western dishes, clear menus | Usually labelled; prices are higher |
Vegetarian eateries cluster near pagodas and markets. Many get busiest at lunch and around the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, which is a good sign of fresh food.
What mistakes do vegetarians make in Saigon?
- Assuming a vegetable dish is vegetarian. Stir-fried greens are often cooked with fish sauce or oyster sauce.
- Forgetting the broth. A noodle soup with tofu can still use a pork or beef stock unless it is labelled chay.
- Ordering coffee without checking. Cà phê sữa đá is made with condensed milk.
- Missing breakfast. Some of the best phở chay is sold in the morning only.
Can vegetarians join a Saigon food tour?
Yes. Tell us when you book and your guide plans the stops around vegetarian, vegan or allergy needs, ordering the chay versions for you. Saigon Must-Eats and Saigon by Day work especially well. See all Saigon food tours, or read what to eat in Saigon by time of day to plan the rest of your meals.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to be vegetarian in Saigon?
Yes. Vegetarian (chay) eateries are common, and most street dishes have a meat-free version if you ask.
Does chay food contain fish sauce?
Proper vegetarian eateries use soy sauce or a vegetarian dipping sauce instead. At ordinary stalls, ask for không nước mắm.
Is Vietnamese coffee vegan?
Cà phê sữa đá contains condensed milk, and coconut coffee usually does too. Order cà phê đen (black coffee).
Can vegans join a food tour in Vietnam?
Yes. Tell the tour company when you book so the guide can choose suitable stalls and dishes.