Northern Vietnam is a captivating region with endless attractions, from the vibrant capital of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, often called ‘Halong Bay on Land,’ and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay itself. In recent years, with increasing health consciousness and the adoption of diverse lifestyles, plant-based cuisine has garnered significant attention among local youth, long-term residents, and travelers with dietary restrictions.
This article highlights three carefully selected spots: a relaxing healthy cafe in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a delightful vegan restaurant in Ninh Binh you’ll want to visit daily, and a luxury cruise in Halong Bay where you can savor exquisite vegan-friendly meals amidst stunning natural beauty. Join us on a journey through Northern Vietnam, where beautiful scenery and delicious, healthy food will nourish your mind and body.
IVEGAN SUPERSHOP HANG DIEU- HEALTHY PLANT-BASED CAFE
📍 Address: 56 Hàng Điếu, Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Slightly removed from the bustle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, ‘IVEGAN SUPERSHOP HANG DIEU’ is a healthy cafe inspired by Bali’s vegan culture. It offers a menu meticulously calculated for calories and nutritional balance, free from refined sugars. The cafe is popular with long-term residents, students, and health-conscious locals who pay attention to their diet.
Must-try items here include their incredibly generous falafel bowls (such as the Saigon Bowl or Vedic Bowl) and smoothie bowls. Packed with so many vegetables and superfoods that one person might struggle to finish, they guarantee satisfaction. Their fresh acai bowls are also praised for being reasonably priced.
While orders are placed from outside on the first floor, the staff are constantly busy due to the cafe’s popularity. Sometimes, desserts like cake might arrive before your main dish – a charming quirk of ‘Southern’ operational pace unique to Vietnam. The second floor is well air-conditioned with good window views. With reliable Wi-Fi, it’s also a highly convenient spot for digital nomads to work or for travelers to take a break while exploring the city.
NGON Vegan Restaurant
📍 Address: Tam Coc Rd, Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
If you venture from Hanoi to explore the magnificent karst landscape of the Tam Coc area in Ninh Binh province, ‘NGON Vegan Restaurant’ is a must-visit. It’s a renowned establishment offering a wide variety of 100% vegan dishes, so popular that many travelers find themselves returning multiple times during their Tam Coc stay.
Its main characteristic is that it doesn’t rely on ‘fake meats’ made from soy gluten, instead featuring authentic healthy ingredients like tempeh and tofu. Highly recommended dishes include ‘Tempeh with Peanut Ginger Sauce,’ ‘Braised Tofu with Mushrooms (Claypot),’ and ‘Coconut Chickpea Curry.’ Each dish strikes a superb balance of flavors, with ingredients’ natural umami and spice notes perfectly highlighted without being overly salty. Another draw is the chance to discover unique local ingredients, such as purple sticky rice grown only in limited mountainous areas.
A point to note is that dinner time can get very crowded with tourists. The kitchen operates at full capacity, which can lead to longer waiting times for food, and popular tofu dishes may sell out later in the evening. To ensure you get to enjoy your desired dishes, it’s advisable to visit a bit earlier for dinner or during brunch, when you can enjoy smoothies and caramelized banana toast.
The Au Co Cruise – Halong Bay
📍 Address: Building 9, Tuan Chau Marina, Tuần Châu, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam
A highlight of any trip to Vietnam is the Halong Bay cruise experience. Among the many cruise ships, ‘The Au Co Cruise’ is one of the few luxury vessels offering an exclusive 3-day, 2-night journey, venturing from Halong Bay to the unspoiled nature of Lan Ha Bay. Guests with dietary restrictions (such as vegan or halal) can enjoy splendid plant-based course meals and buffets prepared by a dedicated chef by making a special request at the time of booking.
To make your stay on board truly special, cabin selection is key. We highly recommend the suite rooms like the ‘Long Quan Suite’ or ‘Au Co Suite.’ These boast spacious balconies and beautiful clawfoot bathtubs, offering a blissful experience of having Halong Bay’s breathtaking views all to yourself from your room. Other cabins lack bathtubs and have more compact balconies, so for a honeymoon or anniversary trip, it’s definitely worth splurging on a suite.
Time on board is never dull. A wealth of participatory activities (excursions) are offered, starting with early morning Tai Chi, exploring the enormous Sung Sot Cave, experiencing a tranquil bamboo boat ride through hidden grottoes, and even cycling through the eco-village (Viet Hai Village) on Cat Ba Island. While sipping a special cocktail under the starry night sky on the sundeck is a sublime experience, remember that it can get surprisingly chilly during winter and early spring, so bring warm clothing or ask the staff for a blanket to stay comfortable.
Preparing for a Vegan Trip in Halong Bay and Northern Vietnam
Vietnam has a long-standing ‘Chay’ (vegetarian/vegan Buddhist cuisine) culture rooted in Buddhist teachings, meaning numerous vegetarian and vegan-friendly establishments can be found throughout its cities. Consequently, in major tourist hubs like Hanoi and Ninh Binh, you’ll rarely struggle for dining options.
However, in isolated, unique environments like a Halong Bay cruise, ‘prior preparation and communication’ are vital. If you have allergies, religious dietary requirements, or follow a vegan diet, it’s crucial to clearly communicate your needs in English when booking your tour (or during check-in). Once your requests are communicated in advance, the friendly and hospitable Vietnamese staff will undoubtedly enhance your journey with exceptional service and delicious food.
