Bếp Chay Nhà An | VEGETARIAN BISTRO
📍 Address: 29 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Khu 1, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam
‘Bếp Chay Nhà An’ is often praised by many vegan travelers and long-term visitors as ‘the best restaurant during their stay in Vietnam.’ Its charm lies in its warm, family-run atmosphere. Located in the central area of Phu Quoc Island and beloved by locals, this bistro offers authentic Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine (Chay) at affordable prices. The biggest appeal is that most dishes are vegan, allowing you to order with peace of mind without worrying about animal products, except for some drinks and dishes where eggs can be added.
Must-try local dishes here are the ‘Fermented Tofu Hotpot’ and ‘Phở áp chảo’ (pan-fried pho / sauced pho). The fermented tofu hotpot, in particular, can be made with a homemade oat milk base, offering a mild and rich soup that gently soothes a tired stomach. The banana blossom salad and ‘Xôi mặn’ (savory sticky rice), with its irresistible chewy texture, are also exquisite. Even with summer rolls (fresh spring rolls) for sharing, the total for two people stays around 250,000-400,000 VND (approx. 10-16 USD), a high cost-performance that explains why repeat customers are endless.
Nhà Hàng Chay NẤM (Vegan Restaurant)
📍 Address: 13 Đường Nguyễn Trãi, Khu 1, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam
‘Nhà Hàng Chay NẤM’ is located right next to the vibrant night market, yet stepping inside, you are greeted by silence and meditative music. It’s like an oasis for travelers who want to enjoy a meal away from the hustle and bustle of street stalls, in a clean and tranquil environment. The interior is divided into a cool indoor area and an open-air rooftop terrace (without fans), allowing you to choose according to your mood.
The menu is rich in variety, showcasing ingenuity that reflects the long tradition of vegan cuisine. Particularly recommended are the ‘Hong Kong-style baked tofu,’ ‘braised mushrooms,’ and the ‘crispy tofu,’ which is perfectly fried to a crunch on the outside. The seasoning quality is exceptionally high, providing deep satisfaction despite being vegetable-focused. The drinks are also a must-try: an ‘iced tea’ with a hojicha-like flavor available for just 5,000 VND (approx. 0.20 USD), and a rich ‘ginger tea’ packed with ingredients, perfect for a post-meal refreshment. While some say certain dishes have a unique flavor, it’s a profound gem where you can enjoy discovering your favorite hidden gems.
Nora’s Cafe – Restaurant
📍 Address: Hem Chua Ong, Cửa Lấp, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam
Tucked away in an alley one street back from the main road, ‘Nora’s Cafe’ is a charming cafe that perfectly blends a tropical resort vibe with a local atmosphere. Although there is no air conditioning, only fans, its breezy open-air space is bustling with Western digital nomads and long-term visitors. The best way to enjoy it is to visit during the cooler morning hours and leisurely have breakfast while soaking in the tropical air.
Their signature items are the visually vibrant ‘smoothie bowls’ and the extra-thick ‘summer rolls’ (fresh spring rolls), which are about three times the usual size. They use an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, earning immense support from health-conscious travelers. Their Banh Mi with exquisite stir-fried mushrooms and avocado toast are also popular. The staff consists mostly of young women who are always smiling and friendly, making it a comfortable place to drop by even if you’re alone. Payment is cash only, so remember to have enough Vietnamese Dong before your visit.
CASEPiA Kitchen & Lounge
📍 Address: 302-304, Sorrento, Sunset Town, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam
Located in ‘Sunset Town,’ a new hotspot in southern Phu Quoc Island, ‘CASEPiA Kitchen & Lounge’ is a lounge restaurant where you can enjoy dining in a sophisticated setting with breathtaking views. While not exclusively vegan, it offers vegetarian options like avocado toast and salads, and even has halal-certified dishes, making it a valuable spot where travelers from diverse backgrounds can dine together.
Securing a terrace seat at sunset and enjoying dinner with the cool sea breeze is truly special. The quality of Western dishes, such as aromatic truffle pasta, perfectly grilled burgers, and crispy French fries, is among the best on the island. Despite its luxurious atmosphere, the fact that canned beer is offered for 30,000 VND (approx. 1.20 USD) is a delightful surprise for beer lovers. It’s an essential spot for a luxurious final dinner of your stay or as the perfect conclusion to your Sunset Town exploration.
Maharaja Lounge – Authentic Indian 100% Veg Restaurant
📍 Address: 107 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Street, Phú Quốc, An Giang 925000, Vietnam
For long-term visitors who might be a bit tired of Vietnamese cuisine, or for those craving spicy, flavorful dishes, ‘Maharaja Lounge’ comes highly recommended. This is an authentic 100% vegetarian (vegan-friendly) Indian restaurant, and since it does not serve alcohol, it can be confidently recommended to Muslim travelers seeking halal options. The restaurant is vibrant, often visited by Indian families, and its authentic flavors are highly praised locally.
With a quality that sets it apart from typical Indian restaurants in Southeast Asia, you can’t go wrong with any dish: the fluffy ‘Biryani’ fragrant with saffron and traditional spices, the irresistible North Indian specialty ‘Chole Puri,’ or the rich ‘Dal Makhani.’ Even without meat, the satisfaction is immense. What’s even more impressive is the personalized hospitality from the staff and owner. If you request a specific spice level (heat) when ordering, they offer a thorough consideration, letting you taste the sauce before cooking. While the prices are a bit higher, considering the authentic taste with abundant imported spices and exceptional service, it’s a renowned restaurant that offers excellent value for money.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Vegan and Halal-Friendly Restaurants
Here are some tips for those with dietary restrictions (such as vegan or halal) to comfortably enjoy their stay on Phu Quoc Island. First, when looking for local eateries, it’s essential to spot signs that say ‘Chay’ (vegetarian/devotional cuisine). However, Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine is often based on Buddhist teachings, so it’s not uncommon for eggs, dairy products, or even a small amount of fish sauce (nuoc mam) to be included. Strict vegans will find it safest to choose establishments like ‘Bếp Chay Nhà An’ or ‘Nhà Hàng Chay NẤM’ introduced in this article, which allow English communication and advertise themselves as ‘100% Vegan.’
For halal options, choosing specialized Indian or Middle Eastern restaurants is a sure bet. An entirely vegetarian Indian restaurant like ‘Maharaja Lounge,’ featured here, which serves no alcohol, allows everyone in a group to share a table without worrying about dietary restrictions. If you choose to dine at Western-style restaurants in resort areas (like CASEPiA), it’s advisable to inquire with the staff beforehand about the availability of halal meat and separate cooking utensils for greater peace of mind.
Finally, many local cafes and vegan restaurants on Phu Quoc Island are small, family-run establishments, and credit cards are often not accepted (cash only). When going out to eat, always remember to carry plenty of small denominations of cash, such as 100,000 VND and 50,000 VND notes. Immerse yourself in the island’s relaxed pace and warm hospitality, and discover the best culinary experiences that satisfy both body and soul.
