Travelling as a vegetarian to Vietnam can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you’re not familiar with the local dining scene. But worry not! Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a haven for vegetarian food lovers, thanks to its sizeable Buddhist population. This bustling metropolis boasts a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that cater to all tastes. To make your culinary journey easier, we’ve curated a list of the top vegetarian restaurants in Saigon. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these spots are sure to satisfy your veggie cravings!
1. iVegan Supershop – Healthy Plant-Based Cafe
iVegan is a sanctuary for health-focused individuals, offering nutritious plant-based meals in an eco-friendly setting. Their approach to well-being encompasses physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. The menu includes delicious options like falafel bowls and unique smoothies. With a commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, iVegan ensures that each dish is both nutritious and flavorful. The cosy, industrial-style interior adds to the inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a healthy meal.
- Address: 123 Quoc Huong Street, An Khanh Ward (formerly Thao Dien, District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: Try the pumpkin soup and blueberry muffin smoothie. The fries are also a favourite among regulars. Valued members of Saigon Scene, enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases at iVegan Supershop!
2. Hum, Cafe & Restaurant
Hum, meaning lotus flower, offers a serene and eco-friendly dining experience. The menu features creative vegetarian dishes made from healthy, natural ingredients. The lush garden setting and wooden décor create a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a relaxing meal. Hum is known for its innovative vegetarian dishes, including mushroom “stew” in a coconut and passionfruit hotpot, which are highly recommended. The restaurant’s elegant and calming ambiance makes it an ideal spot for unwinding and enjoying a peaceful meal.
- Locations:
- 32 Street No. 10, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
- 32 Vo Van Tan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 6, District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: The mushroom “stew” in a coconut and the passionfruit hotpot are must-tries. Also, don’t miss out on their refreshing cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
3. Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House
Shamballa offers a peaceful dining experience with Vietnamese and Tibetan-style decorations. The restaurant emphasises organic, natural, and local ingredients, creating high gastronomy from plant-based dishes. The serene ambiance, coupled with professional and warm service, makes Shamballa a standout spot for vegetarians. The diverse menu includes a variety of unique dishes that cater to all tastes, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
- Locations:
- 17-19 Trinh Van Can Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 31 Ly Tu Trong Street, Sài Gòn Ward (formerly Bến Nghé), Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: Try the unique vegetarian dishes and enjoy the calm ambiance. The attentive service and high-quality ingredients make each visit a memorable experience.
4. Chay Garden – Vegetarian Restaurant & Coffee
Chay Garden is dedicated to vegetarian cuisine, presenting diverse dishes with fresh, organic ingredients. The serene ambiance and exquisite presentation make for a delightful dining experience. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to provide a balanced and flavorful meal. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in every aspect, from the ingredients to the service.
- Locations:
- 52 Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
- 52 Vo Van Tan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 6, District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: Enjoy the exquisite vegetarian cuisine in a tranquil environment. The beautifully presented dishes and attentive service enhance the overall dining experience.
5. Heal and Celeb Vegan Restaurant
Heal & Celeb focuses on delivering nutritious food to heal the body and spreading positive energy. The restaurant promotes well-being and healthy eating, with a friendly atmosphere and generous portions. The menu features a variety of vegan dishes that are both delicious and nourishing. The relaxing ambiance and attentive staff make it a great place to enjoy a healthy meal.
- Location: 27/1 Nguyen Van Nguyen Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: Try the large portions and enjoy the free cups of tea. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing meal with friends or family.
6. Bong Sung Vegetarian Restaurant
Bong Sung offers a cosy and peaceful dining space with a focus on natural, nutritious vegetarian dishes. The creative drinks and beautiful presentation add to the delightful experience. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the natural flavours of the ingredients. The restaurant’s tranquil setting and friendly service make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
- Location: 4 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 6, District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: The abalone mushroom cooked in coconut milk is a standout dish. The varied menu offers something for everyone, ensuring a satisfying meal.
7. Loving Hut Hoa Dang Vegetarian Restaurant
Loving Hut Hoa Dang caters to vegetarians with a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. The menu includes mock meats made from tofu, lentils, and beans. The bright and clean restaurant is popular among local Buddhists and vegetarians. The extensive menu features a variety of delicious and colourful dishes, making it a great spot for a healthy meal.
- Location: 63 Mai Thi Luu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: The extensive menu and delicious dishes make it a must-visit. The mock meats and tofu dishes are particularly popular.
8. Buddha Chay
Buddha Chay offers tasty vegetarian food at reasonable prices. The serene ambiance and friendly staff enhance the dining experience. The menu features a variety of vegetarian dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. The restaurant’s peaceful setting makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
- Locations:
- 31 Dang Tat Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- 5 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: Try the fried tofu and hot pot with various mushrooms and tofu. The generous portions and delicious flavours make it a favourite among diners.
9. Gujarat Indian Restaurant
Gujarat is one of the most popular Indian vegetarian restaurants in Saigon that brings the best authentic tastes. The diverse menu includes signature dishes like Dhokla, Paneer Tikka, and Masala Dosa. The restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a meal with family and friends. The high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes ensure a delightful dining experience.
- Locations:
- 179 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- 72B Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: The thali options are a great way to sample a variety of dishes. The authentic flavours and generous portions make it a must-visit.
10. Pi Vegetarian Bistro
Pi Vegetarian Bistro offers a range of Asian vegetarian dishes in a quiet and cozy setting. The healthy drinks and generous portions make it a popular choice. The menu features a variety of vegetarian dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. The restaurant’s relaxing atmosphere and friendly service add to the overall dining experience.
- Location: 187/15 Dien Bien Phu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Scene’s Recommendations: The Homemade Black Garlic Tempeh Salad is a must-try. The varied menu and cosy setting make it a great spot for a meal with friends or family.
Conclusion
Exploring vegetarian restaurants in Saigon for a dining scene is a delightful experience. Each restaurant on this list offers unique flavours and atmospheres, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect spot for any meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Saigon!
FAQs for Vegetarian Restaurants in Saigon
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply curious about plant-based dining, here are the answers to some common questions about navigating Saigon’s vegetarian food scene.
Are vegetarian restaurants busier at certain times of the month or year in Saigon?
Yes. Many Vietnamese people, following Buddhist tradition, eat vegetarian food on specific days of the lunar calendar, most commonly the 1st and 15th. The 7th lunar month (usually around August) is the Vu Lan season, a major period for vegetarian eating. At these times the best vegetarian restaurants in Saigon can be very busy, so book a table in advance.
What is the difference between ‘Chay’ (vegetarian) and ‘Thuần Chay’ (vegan) in Vietnam?
Chay is the general term for vegetarian food. Most “quán chay” are in practice vegan and avoid eggs and dairy, but some modern cafés and restaurants still use dairy or eggs in certain dishes or desserts. Thuần chay is the specific term for vegan: a restaurant advertising itself as thuần chay serves no animal products at all, including eggs, dairy and honey. If you are strictly vegan, look for the words “thuần chay” or ask the staff.
What kind of food can I expect at traditional Vietnamese vegetarian restaurants in Saigon?
Vietnamese vegetarian cooking goes far beyond salads. Traditional vegetarian restaurants in Saigon serve plant-based versions of the classics: noodle soups like bún bò Huế chay, broken rice platters (cơm tấm chay) with grilled tofu and mock meats, vegetarian hot pots (lẩu chay), and a wide range of dishes built on mushrooms, tofu and meat substitutes.
Is it expensive to eat at the best vegetarian restaurants in Saigon?
Not at all. At local eateries a full meal costs 40,000 to 80,000 VND. Mid-range restaurants and cafés charge 80,000 to 200,000 VND for a main dish, and upscale vegetarian restaurants start at around 250,000 VND a main.
