As a UNESCO World Heritage site and the culinary heart of Central Vietnam, Hoi An has a thriving and incredibly diverse vegetarian food scene. For our Indian travelers, navigating food choices here is not a challenge; it is a delightful adventure. Thanks to our strong Buddhist traditions, you will find dedicated vegetarian restaurants (quán chay) and stalls everywhere, serving up creative and authentic plant-based versions of our most famous dishes. This guide, brought to you by Vietnam Story, is your ultimate resource for discovering the best vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An. We will cover the top-rated spots, the must-try meat-free dishes, and essential dining tips to make your culinary journey seamless, safe, and absolutely delicious.

Top-rated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Hoi An
Hoi An is blessed with a wonderful variety of vegetarian and vegan eateries, from authentic, family-run spots to modern, international cafes. Here are our top recommendations:
| Restaurant | Type & Ambiance | Key features & Signature dishes |
| Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant | Authentic Vietnamese. The ambiance is casual, very affordable, and it’s a place beloved by both locals and travelers. It’s wonderfully family-friendly. | This is the most famous vegetarian spot in Hoi An, known for its huge menu of traditional and inventive dishes. You absolutely must try their Vegetarian Bánh Xèo (crispy pancake), Vegetarian Cao Lầu, and their flavourful Bún Chay (vermicelli noodle salad). |
| Sua Vegan Eatery / V Vegan | Dedicated vegan cafés. These spots have a modern, clean, and bright atmosphere. | They are known for their diverse and creative vegan menus. This is where you can find delicious Vegan Burgers, healthy smoothies, and a great selection of international plant-based meals. They are also fantastic spots for breakfast. |
| ROM Vegetarian Bistro | Vietnamese & Fusion. A cozy and intimate bistro setting, perfect for a quiet and relaxed meal. | This restaurant offers traditional Vietnamese flavors with a creative, modern twist. They are known for their incredible Mushroom Phở and a delicious Turmeric Rice with Tofu. |
| Chickpea Eatery | Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fusion. A casual dining spot that focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients. | This offers a unique and welcome change of pace from Vietnamese cuisine. You must try their authentic Falafel, creamy Hummus, and hearty, healthy Power Bowls. |
| MẸT Hội An | Vietnamese cuisine with strong vegetarian/vegan options. An elegant and stylish bistro setting. | This is a great choice if some members of your group eat meat but you want high-quality vegetarian options. They do an excellent Vegetarian Bánh Mì and wonderful Fresh Spring Rolls. The quality control here is fantastic. |
Signature vegetarian dishes you must try

You do not have to miss out on Hoi An’s most famous culinary masterpieces! The vegetarian versions are just as delicious and authentic.
| Vietnamese dish | Vegetarian adaptation | Expert tip & authenticity |
| Cao Lau Chay | This is the essential Hoi An noodle dish. The vegetarian version masterfully replaces the pork with seasoned tofu and a variety of flavorful mushrooms, all served in a rich, mushroom-based broth. The unique, chewy noodles remain the star. | This is a must-try! Look for this at a traditional quán chay like Minh Hien for the most authentic and delicious flavor. |
| Mi Quang Chay | This is the signature turmeric noodle dish of our region. The vegetarian version features a rich and savory peanut-and-vegetable broth, served with mushrooms, tofu, fresh herbs, and a crunchy sesame rice cracker on top. | This dish has a wonderfully complex and savory flavor profile that truly represents the heart of Central Vietnamese cooking. |
| Banh Mi Chay | Vietnam’s world-famous sandwich has a fantastic vegetarian version. The crispy baguette is stuffed with marinated tofu, a savory mushroom-based pâté, fresh herbs, and tangy pickled vegetables. | This is the ultimate affordable vegan street food! It’s widely available and perfect for a quick, delicious, and satisfying snack or lunch. |
| Banh Xeo Chay | This crispy, savory Vietnamese pancake is so much fun to eat. The vegetarian version is filled with bean sprouts, mushrooms, and sometimes mock shrimp made from tofu skin. | This dish is wonderfully family-friendly—kids love the crispy texture! Be sure to eat it the authentic way: take a piece of the pancake, wrap it in a fresh lettuce leaf with other herbs, and dip it in the special sauce. |
| Mushroom Pho (Pho Nam) | This is the vegetarian take on our classic national noodle soup. It uses a clean yet intensely flavorful vegetable and mushroom broth, and is filled with various types of mushrooms, tofu, and silky rice noodles. | This is a comforting, globally recognized Vietnamese staple that is naturally and beautifully vegetarian. |
Vegetarian food experiences and tours

To truly immerse yourself in Hoi An’s culinary culture, I highly recommend going beyond just dining.
- Vegan cooking classes: These are widely available and are a fantastic, hands-on cultural experience. You will typically start with a visit to a local market to learn about the fresh ingredients, and then a skilled chef will teach you how to prepare delicious vegetarian versions of traditional dishes like Phở, fresh spring rolls, and green papaya salad.
- Vegetarian food tours: A guided food tour is the best way to discover the hidden gems. An expert local guide will take you through the winding alleys to find the best local quán chay and street food vendors, allowing you to sample a wide variety of delicious local vegetarian snacks that you might not find on your own.
- Specialty cafes: For those with specific dietary needs, Hoi An has a growing number of specialty cafes that offer organic, gluten-free, and even raw food options. A great example is KURUMI, which focuses on healthy, macrobiotic-inspired meals.
READ MORE: Best Indian restaurants in Hoi An: A culinary guide for Indian travelers
Practical tips for the Indian vegetarian/Vegan traveler

Here is our most important advice to make your culinary journey smooth and worry-free.
Communication and dietary needs
- Look for the word “Chay”: This is the most important word you need to know! In Vietnamese, “chay” (pronounced like the “chai” you drink) means vegetarian or vegan. If you see this word on a restaurant sign or a menu item, you can be 100% sure that it is completely meat-free.
- Ask “Ăn chay không?”: This simple and polite phrase means, “Do you have vegetarian food?” It’s a great way to communicate your dietary preference clearly to street vendors or staff at a local restaurant.
- Gluten-free & allergies: Many of the dedicated vegetarian restaurants are very good at handling special dietary requests. It is often easy to find gluten-free options, as many of our most famous dishes are made with rice noodles and rice paper, not wheat.
Location, Ambiance and Value
The dining scene is wonderfully diverse. You can find everything from very casual, street-side eateries like Minh Hien to cozy, intimate cafes like ROM Vegetarian Bistro, and elegant, stylish bistros like MẸT. There are even some great beachfront vegetarian restaurants for a scenic meal.
Hoi An offers incredible value. At local eateries, you can find a delicious and filling main dish for as low as 30,000 VND. Even at the more mid-range dining spots, you can enjoy a fantastic, high-quality meal without breaking the bank.
While there are great, accessible options right in the Ancient Town, some of the best and most authentic dedicated vegetarian restaurants are often found just a short walk or bicycle ride away on the main roads, so don’t be afraid to explore a little.
READ MORE: Top 20 Things to Do in Hoi An for Indian Travelers
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best part about being a vegetarian traveler in Hoi An is the sheer ease and confidence with which you can explore the food scene. With the magic word “Chay” as your guide and a wonderful community of restaurants dedicated to plant-based cooking, you never have to worry about finding a delicious, safe, and authentic meal. The city welcomes you with open arms and a full menu of incredible options, allowing you to focus on the joy of discovery.
Let Vietnam Story take that sense of ease and confidence and apply it to your entire holiday. We handle all the planning and logistics, from your hotels to your tours, so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine. Reach out to us to plan your trip, and get ready to experience the best vegetarian food that Vietnam has to-offer.






