Hanoi, Vietnam is a paradise for vegetarians/vegans with a wide range of meatless options. If you come to Vietnam, banh mi Hanoi is a must! Lucky for you, Hanoi's culinary scene is adapting, offering delightful plant-based takes on this iconic sandwich.

What’s inside vegetarian banh mi?

If you are a fan of Hanoi's diverse street food, you might have realized that their secret lies in the beauty of adaptability and balance. The vegetarian banh mi was born this way to adapt the ones who choose not to eat meat. Basically, you can put any kind of toppings into a crunchy baguette to make a banh mi adapting your appetite, and the same as making vegetarian banh mi. Normally, these are the main ingredients of vegetarian banh mi:

Vegan Protein

Meat is replaced with plant-based alternatives compared to traditional banh mi.

Marinated and pan-fried or baked tofu offers a satisfying protein sub.

Seitan or tempeh can be seasoned and cooked to mimic the texture of meat.

Portobello or shiitake mushrooms can be marinated and grilled for a meaty taste.

Made with lentils, mushrooms, or other vegetables for a creamy spread.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled Vegetables remain the same as the traditional version, offering a tangy and crunchy element.

Similar to traditional banh mi, these add freshness and contrasting textures.

Vegan mayonnaise or plant-based butter is used for a creamy base.

Vegan options are chosen, like vegan sriracha or hoisin sauce, to avoid animal products.

Hanoi's Top 5 Vegetarian Banh Mi

Let's start a day in Hanoi with a crunchy banh mi before taking a walking tour around Hanoi's Old Quarter. Here are the top 5 choices of banh mi for non-meat eaters:

1. Vegan Banh Mi - No 4, Alley 66B Tran Hung Dao

Nestled deep in a narrow Hanoi alleyway, this true vegan gem awaits discovery. Embrace the sense of adventure as you're rewarded with a variety of fresh, flavorful banh mi options at a fantastic value. The generous portions and the local, family-run atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Look for the blue plastic sign to guide you in!

Address: No 4, Alley 66B Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Price: 20.000 VND – 30.000 VND

2. Banh mi chay Tu Chau (Tu Chau Veggie)

Prepare for more than just a delicious banh mi at Tu Chau Veggie. The combination of fresh ingredients and their special cooking methods make this experience stick with you. Each bite is packed with flavor and satisfying enough to fill you up. Their eco-conscious packaging shows attention to detail that extends beyond the plate. Plus, they have other tempting veggie dishes to try!

Address: 21-23 Hang Bun, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi Opening hours: 8:00 am – 4 :00 pm Price: 20.000 VND – 50.000 VND

3. Chay Co Hong (Ez Veggie)

• Crunchy and Soft Delight:
  Experience the perfect interplay of textures in their banh mi – soft vegan Vietnamese sausage plays beautifully against crispy "meaty" bits, all balanced by tangy pickled vegetables and fresh bread. Their menu features other delectable veggie options too, making it a great spot for a full plant-based lunch.

Address: 189 Kim Hoa, Dong Da, Ha Noi Opening hours: 7:00 am – 9 :00 pm Price: 20.000 VND – 50.000 VND

4. Banh Mi 25

Banh Mi 25 caters to a diverse crowd, offering both traditional and vegetarian banh mi at unbeatable prices. A must-try for adventurous eaters is their "banh mi chao chay" – a unique spin on the sandwich, served in a sizzling pan brimming with egg, sauce, mushrooms, tofu, and other vegetarian goodies. Spacious and air-conditioned, it's a comfortable option for foreign visitors.

Address: 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Price: 25.000 VND – 60.000 VND

5. Banh Mi Vegan Mai Anh (Mai Anh Vegan Food)

• Banh Mi Paradise:
  With a whopping 20 types of banh mi and an abundance of toppings, Mai Anh is a haven for vegan sandwich enthusiasts. The flavorful fillings and perfectly crispy baguette will impress, all backed by the inspiring philosophy of the owner, a passionate advocate for plant-based eating. It's a small space, perfect for picking up a banh mi on the go right in the middle of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Don't miss this top-rated spot on Happy Cow!

Address: 64 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM Price: 25.000 VND – 60.000 VND

Tips for Vegetarian Travelers in Vietnam

While Vietnam offers delicious plant-based options, navigating the food scene as a vegetarian/ vegan can present some challenges. Here are a few tips:

Being able to communicate your dietary needs is essential. Here are some useful Vietnamese phrases:

"Tôi ăn chay" (Toi an chay) - I eat vegetarian/vegan.

"Không thịt" (Khong thit) - No meat.

"Không trứng" (Khong trung) - No eggs.

"Không sữa" (Khong sua) - No milk/dairy.

"Không nước mắm" (Khong nuoc mam) - No fish sauce.

It is important to differentiate between vegetarian and vegan, and specify your requirements to the vendors because both of them in Vietnamese are called “chay”.

"Chay" means vegetarian/vegan in Vietnamese. Look for restaurants with "Quán Chay" in their name, which signifies a vegetarian establishment. They'll often have a wide variety of tasty vegan dishes.

Many Buddhist temples in Vietnam offer delicious and affordable vegan meals as part of their practice, often on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar month or special festival during the year

Fish sauce and shrimp paste are common in many Vietnamese dishes, even seemingly vegetarian ones. Always clarify with the vendor what's in the food.

Vietnam has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Hit up local markets to stock up on delicious snacks.

Apps like Happy Cow and Vegman can help you locate vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in your area.

5 Best French Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter

Wanna dive deeper into the local culture where banh mi was born? Tubudd's Local Buddies in Vietnam will be your guide, taking you off the beaten track to hidden banh mi gems, and sharing the stories that make each sandwich unique. But it doesn’t stop there, our Buddy will customize your food adventure based on your dietary preferences and explore local neighborhoods, ensuring you have a memorable experience during your time in Vietnam.

Book a Local Buddy now to explore the most authentic Hanoi from the local point of view!

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