Hoi An, Vietnam: A Vegan & Vegetarian Paradise!
Hoi An, Vietnam, a World Heritage city illuminated by nostalgic lanterns. Did you know that this city is actually a culinary paradise for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions like halal?
In Vietnam, the culture of ‘Chay’ (vegetarian/vegan cuisine based on Buddhist teachings) is deeply rooted. Profound plant-based dishes, made without any meat or fish, utilizing ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and yuba (tofu skin), are eaten daily. This time, from the many vegan establishments in Hoi An, we’ve carefully selected five ‘truly delicious recommended spots’ frequented by short-term travelers, long-term residents, and even local patrons.
Chickpea Eatery: Vegan Restaurant & Vegan Cooking Class Hoi An
📍 Address: 86 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
This ‘Chickpea Eatery’ boasts immense popularity among health-conscious long-term residents and travelers looking for ‘a little something special’ in Hoi An. Not only is it an excellent restaurant, but the vegan cooking classes hosted by instructor Thu are also highly praised in reviews.
The cooking class starts with a tour of the local market. You’ll sample seasonal tropical fruits, interact with stall owners, and source Vietnamese-style meat alternatives and fresh vegetables. Thanks to Thu’s consideration, saying ‘You don’t have to buy anything right from the start,’ you can relax and enjoy the local atmosphere. Back at the restaurant, you can learn practical cooking techniques to recreate dishes at home, such as homemade tempeh using chickpeas and plant-based Cao Lầu (Hoi An’s famous noodle dish).
Of course, dining only is also very welcome. Their original fusion vegan dishes, such as creamy cauliflower and cashew pasta, and fresh spring rolls packed with vegetables, are all exquisite. It’s a warm, homey space that nourishes both body and soul.
Vegan food
📍 Address: 37 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
For those who prefer an unpretentious local eatery frequented by locals over a trendy, tourist-oriented cafe, ‘Vegan food’ is the perfect recommendation. While the menu isn’t extensive, every dish served is authentically ‘Vietnamese homemade vegan’ to an impressive degree.
The absolute must-order here is their ‘Vegan Pho’. The soup has a profound richness that makes it hard to believe no meat broth was used, and the generous vegetables and silky rice noodles are gentle on the stomach. Adding extra chili sauce or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking is also a local style.
Another charm of this establishment is the warm hospitality of the owner’s family and the friendly dogs and cats leisurely strolling through the restaurant. It’s an irresistible healing space for animal-loving travelers, and many fans keep coming back during their Hoi An stay. It’s an affordable, delicious, and heartwarming hidden gem.
Sua Vegan Restaurant Hoi An
📍 Address: Đường Lê Hồng Phong Nối Dài, Hội An, Đà Nẵng 560000, Vietnam
Located in a quiet area slightly away from the heart of the Old Town, ‘Sua Vegan Restaurant Hoi An’ captivates with its clean, sophisticated space and heartwarming hospitality. The first floor offers a casual cafe style, while the second floor provides an elegant and serene ambiance, perfect for long-term residents and digital nomads seeking a relaxed dining experience.
A must-try here is the ‘Bánh Xèo’ (Vietnamese savory pancake). No need to worry if you don’t know how to eat it; the friendly staff will come to your table and meticulously demonstrate the ‘most delicious way to wrap it’ – placing the crispy pancake and fresh vegetables onto rice paper, then dipping it in a special sauce. Other popular dishes include their flavorful yellow curry, rich with spices and broth, and agedashi tofu. Thoughtful touches like complimentary watermelon after your meal are also a highlight.
Furthermore, this restaurant operates under the philosophy of ‘We care, we share,’ providing a joyful working environment for people with disabilities and engaging in charitable activities by donating a portion of their profits to support children. It’s more than just a delicious restaurant; it’s a special place where simply visiting can warm your heart.
V Vegan
📍 Address: 108 Nguyễn Thái Học, Old Town, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Curated by Hoi An’s renowned chef, Ms. Vy, ‘Vvegan Cafe & Restaurant’ is an acclaimed upscale establishment, praised as ‘Michelin-level’ for significantly elevating the standards of vegan cuisine. Its distinctive three-story yellow building, in beautiful French-colonial style unique to Hoi An, is breathtakingly illuminated by colorful lanterns at night.
The menu is extensive, featuring refined adaptations that honor traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Particularly popular is the ‘Vegan Cao Lầu.’ It uses incredibly juicy and flavorful plant-based protein instead of real meat, a quality that is sure to satisfy even meat-lovers. Furthermore, the ‘Vegetarian Dumplings’ with their exquisite dipping sauce and the ‘Spicy Crispy Tofu’ with its burst of umami in the soup are not to be missed.
From the spacious terrace seating, you can observe the bustling Old Town and the glow of lanterns, enjoying an open-air, extraordinary dinner. This restaurant is highly recommended for those who want to savor a slightly luxurious and special meal that will be a highlight of their trip.
Lê Hội Bánh MÌ Chay (Le Hoi Vegan Banh Mi)
📍 Address: 3 Nguyễn Huệ, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
When in Vietnam, ‘Bánh Mì’ is an absolutely unmissable street food. Tucked away on the roadside of Hoi An’s Old Town, ‘Lê Hội Bánh MÌ Chay’ is an incredibly popular stall serving completely vegan Bánh Mì.
The price is incredibly reasonable at 15,000-20,000 VND per piece (around 100 JPY). Inside the crispy baguette, instead of meat, you’ll find a generous filling of textured soy meat, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and peanuts for a textural accent. The special spicy sauce, with its zesty kick, perfectly brings together all the flavors, making it so delicious that even non-vegetarian locals queue up for it.
Operating from around 6:30 AM, it’s also perfect for breakfast after an early morning stroll through the Old Town in the cool hours. Sitting on one of the small plastic chairs lined up beside the stall and savoring a freshly made Bánh Mì – this is truly a deep and authentic local experience unique to Vietnam.
Local Tips for Enjoying Vegan Cuisine in Hoi An
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, ‘Chay’ (vegetarian/vegan cuisine) is well-established as a common food culture in Vietnam. When walking around the city, look for signs with the word ‘Chay’ written on them. This is your indicator for vegan- and vegetarian-friendly establishments.
Also, for those staying long-term in Hoi An or planning their travel itinerary, remember the ‘1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar.’ On these days, many Buddhists in Vietnam abstain from meat and eat Chay, so vegan restaurants become more than twice as crowded as usual. If your visit coincides with these times, try to arrive slightly outside peak hours, such as around noon or 7 PM, to enjoy your meal more smoothly.
Vegan cuisine in Hoi An is not a meal of compromise or sacrifice; it is a complete and refined genre of gourmet food. Be sure to explore the diverse world of plant-based delights, from street stalls to high-end restaurants.
