Da Nang is an absolute haven for plant-based eaters! Our vibrant food scene is strongly influenced by our deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, which means you will find an exceptional and diverse array of vegetarian eateries. From authentic, family-run quán chay (vegetarian shops) that have been perfecting their recipes for decades, to trendy, modern vegan cafés, Da Nang has something to delight every palate.
This guide from Vietnam Story is designed to help you navigate the very best meat-free spots in our city, ensuring that every meal you have on your customizable Vietnam Tour Package from India is a truly delightful and memorable one.
The best vegetarian restaurants in Da Nang
These restaurants are the heart and soul of vegetarian dining in Da Nang. They specialize in creating expertly crafted, meat-free versions of our most beloved Central Vietnamese classic dishes. In most cases, their food is entirely vegan by default.
Restaurant | Style & ambiance | Signature dishes | Price range | Highlight |
Ngoc Chi Vegetarian | Peaceful, traditional, and very welcoming. | You must try their Vegetarian Vermicelli Noodle Salad, crispy Bánh Xèo (pancakes), and the refreshing Lotus Root Salad. | Mid-Range | This restaurant is so good that it recently received a Michelin Guide Recognition (in the 2024 system), a huge honor! |
Tinh Quan | A famous and well-established local favorite. | Their Vietnamese Pancakes (Bánh Xèo Chay) are legendary. Also, don’t miss the flavourful Mushroom Hotpot and the hearty Vegan Phở. | Budget-Mid | They have a huge menu of 100% natural, preservative-free dishes, offering incredible variety. |
ANs Vegetarian Cuisine | Modern, beautifully decorated, and very photogenic. | They do a wonderful Vegetarian Cao Lầu (the famous Hoi An noodle dish) and have many delicious Asian-Western fusion dishes. | Mid-Range | With an extensive menu of over 50 items, this is a fantastic choice for families or groups with diverse tastes. |
Quán Chay Thu | A true local gem with incredible value for money. | The star here is the Vegetarian Rice (Cơm Chay). You get a plate of rice and can choose from a huge assortment of delicious cooked vegetables, tofu, and mock meats. | Budget (~30k VND) | This is the best value in the city. You get incredibly generous portions of authentic, home-style food for a very low price. |
Modern, healthy and fusion vegan dining
These spots cater to international tastes, with a focus on whole ingredients, healthy options, and a contemporary, stylish ambiance.
Restaurant | Cuisine style | Signature dishes | Best for | New option focus |
Roots Plant-Based Café | Western/Healthy | Delicious Smoothie Bowls, Buddha Bowls, and fresh, Cold-Pressed Juices. | A fantastic spot for a healthy, Western-style brunch and meals packed with superfoods. | Organic & Raw Options |
KHONG Vegan Kitchen | Fusion/Contemporary | You have to try their creative Crispy Mushroom Tacos, Chickpea Curry, and the delicious Vegan Bánh Mì. | A unique and exciting fusion menu with some of the best mock-meat options in the city. | Creative & Fusion |
Chickpea Eatery | Middle Eastern-Inspired | Authentic Falafel, creamy Hummus Plates, and fresh, vibrant Salads. | A wonderful break from Asian flavors, offering delicious and comforting international cuisine. | Unique Cuisine |
Tathata Vegan Restaurant | International/Health-focused | A great selection of both Vietnamese and international vegan dishes with a strong emphasis on healthy, plant-based ingredients. | A great choice for health-conscious diners. They often have good Gluten-Free options. | Allergy & Diet Focus |
iVegan Supershop | Modern Café/Fast Food | Veggie Burgers, Smoothies, and a great selection of Vegan Desserts. | Perfect for a quick, satisfying, and casual café-style meal or a sweet treat. | Desserts & Smoothies |
Essential Vietnamese dishes to try (Vegan style)
When you are dining at any chay restaurant, be sure to look for these classic Central Vietnamese dishes, which are expertly adapted to be completely vegan.
Vietnamese dish | Vegan description | Common locations |
Mi Quang chay | This is the iconic noodle dish of Da Nang. It features thick, wide rice noodles in a rich, turmeric-based vegetable broth, topped with tofu, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts. | Tinh Quan, Loving Vegan, Bao An Macrobiotic. |
Pho chay | This is the vegan version of our world-famous noodle soup. It is made with a savory, clear, and fragrant vegetable broth, and is filled with silky rice noodles, tofu, and a variety of delicious mushrooms. | Tinh Quan, Bao An Macrobiotic. |
Banh Xeo chay | This is a crispy and savory Vietnamese pancake filled with bean sprouts, mushrooms, and tofu. It is served with a basket of fresh herbs and a flavourful vegan dipping sauce. | Tinh Quan, Ngoc Chi. |
Goi Hoa Chuoi | A vibrant, light, and uniquely Vietnamese salad made from shredded banana flower, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a tangy dressing. It is a wonderfully refreshing appetizer. | Ngoc Chi Vegetarian. |
Health, culture, and practical tips
Health & special diets
- Macrobiotic dining: For those who are particularly health-conscious, Vietnamstory.in recommends a visit to Bao An Macrobiotic. They serve incredibly nutritious and wholesome food, including healthy brown rice plates and local dishes that are prepared following healthy, macrobiotic principles.
- Juices & Smoothies: Most of the modern, healthy cafés like Roots, iVegan, and KURUMI offer a fantastic selection of fresh, cold-pressed juices, immunity-boosting shots, and delicious dairy-free lattes.
- Gluten-free & allergy concerns: While many restaurants can cater to these needs, it is always a good idea to be prepared. We suggest using a translation card or an app like Google Translate to confirm ingredients and clearly communicate your needs. Key words to know are “egg” (trứng) and “dairy/milk” (sữa).
Local culture and affordability
- The “Chay” system: The most important word for you to know is “Chay” (pronounced like “chigh”). This word means “vegetarian” or “fasting” in Vietnamese. The reason you will find so many quán chay (vegetarian shops) is because of our strong Buddhist traditions, where people often eat vegetarian on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month.
- Affordability: The local quán chay are incredibly affordable. You can often enjoy a full, delicious, and satisfying meal for just 20,000–50,000 VND (which is around ₹65–₹170).
- Vegan cooking classes: For a deeper culinary experience, Vietnamstory.in highly recommends a vegan cooking class. Many are offered in the nearby town of Hoi An, where you can learn to make these incredible plant-based Vietnamese recipes yourself.
Conclusion
Ultimately, traveling as a vegetarian in Da Nang is an experience filled with ease and confidence. With the magic word “Chay” as your guide and a wonderful, welcoming community of restaurants dedicated to plant-based cooking, you never have to feel anxious about finding a meal that is safe, delicious, and authentic. The city’s vibrant vegetarian landscape empowers you to explore freely, to be adventurous, and to simply relax and enjoy every moment of your culinary journey.
Let Vietnam Story extend that feeling of ease and confidence to your entire holiday. We handle all the planning and logistics, from your hotels and private transfers to your guided tours, so you can immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine without a worry. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and get ready to discover just how easy and joyful it is to be a vegetarian traveler in Da Nang.