The Nuances Between “Vegetarian” and “Vegan” in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the word for vegetarian is chay. Due to the country's prominent Buddhist population, vegetarian dining is a long-standing tradition, with many observing meat-free days, especially on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. This has resulted in a widespread network of vegetarian restaurants (quán chay or cơm chay) offering delicious, creative plant-based dishes. However, the term chay does not always mean strictly vegan. Many Vietnamese people who eat chay still consume eggs and dairy products, and fish sauce (nước mắm) is a ubiquitous condiment used in countless savory dishes. Therefore, a vegan must be specific when ordering, using phrases to clarify that no animal products at all, including eggs, dairy, and fish sauce, should be used.
Common Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch Out For
To ensure your meal is truly vegan, it's crucial to be aware of the common animal-derived ingredients that can appear in otherwise plant-based dishes. Being prepared with a clear understanding and communication strategy will prevent any accidental consumption.
- Fish Sauce (
nước mắm): Used extensively in marinades, dipping sauces, and broths, this fermented fish product is the most common hidden ingredient. - Shrimp Paste (
mắm tôm): This pungent paste, made from fermented shrimp, is a key flavoring in some regional specialties and dipping sauces. - Bone Broth (
nước dùng): Traditional broths for iconic noodle soups likephởare made by simmering meat and bones, not vegetables. - Condensed Milk (
sữa đặc): Found in Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá), desserts, and some breads, condensed milk contains dairy. - Eggs (
trứng): Although less common than in some other cuisines, eggs can appear inbánh mì, fried rice, and certain pancakes.
Easily Veganized Traditional Vietnamese Dishes
Despite the potential pitfalls, many Vietnamese dishes are either naturally vegan or can be easily adapted by requesting specific substitutions. In cities, you can often find dedicated vegan versions (chay) of these classics.
Vegan Pho (Phở Chay)
An aromatic noodle soup, the vegan version features a flavorful broth made from simmering vegetables and mushrooms with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. It is topped with rice noodles, tofu, and fresh herbs like cilantro and basil.
Vegan Banh Mi (Bánh Mì Chay)
This iconic sandwich uses a light, crispy baguette filled with marinated and fried tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and chili. Vegan mayo or a soy sauce-based marinade replaces the traditional pâté and meats.
Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn Chay)
Also known as summer rolls, these are made from rice paper wrappers filled with rice vermicelli noodles, lettuce, fresh herbs, and tofu. Crucially, ask for the accompanying peanut dipping sauce rather than the traditional fish sauce-based one.
Crispy Pancakes (Bánh Xèo Chay)
The savory, crispy pancake is made from a turmeric-infused rice flour and coconut milk batter. The vegan filling consists of stir-fried vegetables, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.
Tofu with Tomato Sauce (Đậu Hũ Sốt Cà Chua)
A simple but comforting dish, it features fried tofu simmered in a savory, slightly sweet tomato sauce, often garnished with green onions. Always ensure a vegan version of the sauce is used.
A Vegan Dining Comparison: What to Order and What to Adjust
| Dish Name | Traditional Ingredients | Vegan Version (chay) |
Key Vegan Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phở (Noodle Soup) | Beef or chicken bone broth, meat | Vegetable or mushroom broth, tofu, mushrooms | Specify Phở chay, confirm vegetable broth, and no fish sauce |
| Bánh Mì (Baguette) | Meat, pâté, mayonnaise, eggs | Marinated tofu, pickled veggies, vegan mayo | Order Bánh mì chay, confirm no egg or dairy in bread or mayo |
| Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls) | Shrimp, pork, fish sauce dip | Tofu, veggies, vermicelli noodles | Order Gỏi cuốn chay, request peanut sauce instead of fish sauce |
| Bún Riêu (Crab Noodle Soup) | Crab, shrimp, pork | Tomato and mushroom broth, tofu, mushroom | Order Bún riêu chay, confirm no fish sauce or shrimp paste |
| Bún Chả (Noodle Salad) | Grilled pork patties, fish sauce | Grilled tofu or seitan patties, soy-based sauce | Order Bún chả chay, ensure sauce is soy-based |
Navigating a Non-Vegan Restaurant
When dining at a non-specialist restaurant, clear communication is crucial for a safe vegan meal. Remember these tips:
- Learn Key Phrases: Practice phrases like:
Tôi ăn chay thuần chay.(I eat strict vegan.)Không nước mắm, không sữa, không trứng.(No fish sauce, no milk, no eggs.)Xin nấu riêng.(Please cook separately.)
- Carry a Translation Card: A printed card explaining your strict vegan requirements in Vietnamese can be extremely helpful, especially in rural areas.
- Use the HappyCow App: This app is invaluable for finding vegan-friendly restaurants and stalls, particularly in larger cities.
- Look for
ChaySigns: Restaurants with the wordchayon their signage are a safe bet, as they cater specifically to vegetarian/vegan diets. - Be Cautious with Mock Meats: Some mock meats may contain egg or dairy, so it's safer to stick to tofu or fresh vegetables unless the restaurant is explicitly vegan.
The Thriving Vegan Food Scene in Vietnam
Thanks to the nation's profound Buddhist influence, Vietnam boasts a dynamic and accessible vegan food scene, especially in its bustling cities.
- Dedicated
ChayRestaurants: You can find hundreds of vegetarian (chay) restaurants across major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hoi An. These establishments often offer creative, high-quality plant-based versions of classic Vietnamese dishes. - Temple-Affiliated Dining: Many Buddhist temples have affiliated eateries or stalls, particularly in Hue, the former imperial capital. These spots are reliable sources for authentic, often budget-friendly vegan meals.
- Buddhist Holy Days: During the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, many non-chay restaurants offer expanded meat-free menus, and dedicated
chayrestaurants may serve large, affordable buffets.
Conclusion
For those on a vegan diet, Vietnamese cuisine is an adventure filled with diverse and vibrant flavors, rather than a minefield of restrictions. While not all traditional dishes are inherently vegan due to the prevalence of fish sauce and other animal products, the country's robust Buddhist traditions have ensured an abundance of creative, plant-based alternatives. By understanding the distinction between chay (vegetarian) and truly vegan, learning a few key phrases, and seeking out dedicated vegan establishments, you can enjoy a delicious and worry-free culinary experience in Vietnam. The key is to communicate clearly and confidently, allowing you to savor the rich tapestry of flavors this incredible cuisine has to offer.
