With a strong history and tradition of vegetarianism, Hue is one of the easiest places in Vietnam to follow a plant-based diet. Even to this day, many of its residents eat vegetarian at least twice a month. As you explore the city, you will find many of the classic Vietnamese dishes adapted into veggie-friendly options, which we recommend you try out. It’s never been as easy to be vegan in Vietnam than in Hue!
Vegetarianism in Hue
Hue is often considered the centre for plant-based cuisine in Vietnam due to its strong Buddhist roots. This goes all the way back to the last ruling Nguyen dynasty, who were based in the city during their rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. Apparently the temple monks, and also some of the aristocracy followed a vegetarian diet during this period.
Consequently, you can now find pretty much any famous Vietnamese dish made vegetarian or even vegan here.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the more famous local delicacies for you to try in our Vegan in Vietnam: Hue Guide below.
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How to Find Local Vegan Dishes in Hue
Finding local vegan dishes in Hue is surprisingly easy. This is because a large number of Buddhist families in the country still spend at least two days a month following a vegetarian diet. Consequently, there are a number of chay (vegetarian) restaurants in town.
When searching for a vegan/vegetarian eatery, look for the words ‘quán chay’ or ‘cơm chay’, which are often printed on the side of food stalls. Chay is pronounced as a very monotone chai.
Challenges of Being Vegan in Vietnam
There is very little distinction between vegan and vegetarian in Vietnam. Apart from the occasional egg or dairy in your food, most dishes that are classified as “vegetarian” are also likely to be vegan. But be sure to check with whoever is making your food if you are unsure.
The main vegetarian ingredients to look out for are butter, egg and cheeses such as Laughing Cow soft cheese (which is huge in Vietnam!) Depending on your level of strictness, be wary of fake meats and noodles as they can contain whey or egg.
Language can often be a barrier as Vietnamese is a difficult language to master. You should always remain prepared to deal with some unwanted dinner companions. Shrimp paste and fish sauces in particular can easily sneak into your food without realising.
5 Delicious Hue Specialities
If you are visiting Hue on your Vietnam tour, there are a few plant-based local dishes that you absolutely must try! These are either regional delicacies or popular street food snacks from all over the country.
You can find many of these foods in Hue. However, we had to add a couple of eateries from Da Nang as well, as we found some of the tastiest vegan food in Vietnam in this beachside city.
1. Banh Beo
This popular street food snack is made from tapioca and rice flour.
Banh Beo is usually served with dried shrimp and pork skin, but for the vegan version, expect to find peanuts. But the sauce is what makes the dish. It’s traditionally made with fish sauce, so expect similar flavours of sweet and sour. We really wish we knew what ours was made from as it was so delicious!
Where?
Quan Chay Tue Tam (58 Ly Van To, Phuoc My, Son Tra, Da Nang)
2. Banh Nam
We had no idea what we were getting when we ordered these, but my goodness were they tasty!
Banh Nam essentially is a flat-steamed rice pudding. To get the glutinous filling, you cook rice into a glue-like consistency, to which you mix ground shrimp, pork and scallions. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Judging by the amused look on the lady’s face who brought us our food, there’s skill and technique to eating these – and we were failing pretty miserably.
Where?
Quan Chay Tinh (19, 1 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hue)
3. Banh Xeo
This savoury Vietnamese fried pancake is made from rice flour, water and turmeric powder. It’s one of the few local dishes that can easily be made vegetarian as you add your filling after the pancake has been cooked.
Common fillings for Banh Xeo include pork, shrimp, green onion, mung bean and bean sprouts. In addition, lettuce, mint and Thai basil are served on the side for fragrancy.
It’s a fresh and tasty snack, perfectly accompanied by a cold beer.
4. Bun Bo (or Bun Bo Hue)
Pretty much as non-vegetarian as they come, and made famous in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown Hue episode. This noodle soup is to die for. That is, if you can find a plant-based version. We did find it a couple of times, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for it.
The broth is traditionally made by simmering beef bones and beef shank with lemongrass, fermented shrimp sauce, sugar and chilli oil. It is then served with vermicelli noodles, beef shank, oxtail and pig’s knuckles and cubes of congealed pig’s blood.
Bun Bo is usually served with lime wedges, chilli, green onion, coriander sprigs, cabbage, mint, basil, mung bean sprouts and other herbs.
We promise you, this dish is a must-eat on any Vietnamese food tour. Its perfect harmonies of spicy, salty, sour and umami won’t leave you disappointed.
Our tip: We couldn’t find a vegetarian version of this dish in Hue, but found it in Da Nang instead!
Where?
Quan Chay Ngoc Chi (32 Thai Phien, Phuoc Ninh, Hai Chau, Da Nang)
5. Com Hen / Bun Hen
We love fresh noodle bowls with vegetables and herbs, so this was without a doubt our favourite lunch food. And at the bargain price of 10k, who wouldn’t love it?
This gorgeously refreshing dish requires a whole array of ingredients all mixed together in a bowl. Rice (or noodles), chilli, basil, roasted peanuts, garlic, fried onions, spices, roasted sesame seeds, taro, bean sprout, banana flower, apples, Vietnamese coriander. You get the drift.
The non-vegetarian ingredients of basket clams, pork skin, shrimp paste and fish sauce were replaced with some plant-based alternatives.
Where?
Quan Chay Tinh (19, 1 Nguyen Thai Hoc)
The Best Veggie-Friendly Restaurants in Hue
When we visited Hue, many of the vegetarian restaurants we found on Google were closed. Thankfully, we discovered a few by accident, which we really enjoyed and frequented several times.
Below is a list of our favourite plant-based eateries in Hue, which we found one of the easiest places to be vegan in Vietnam. There are dozens of more places to choose from when you get to the city though.
Local Spots
1. Quan Chay Tinh
This was our favourite spot in Hue! It’s hidden deep inside one of the alleyways off the main tourist area. You will find a calm oasis in an inner courtyard – with a cute dog to entertain you whilst you wait for your food.
We managed to try many Vietnamese dishes here that we’d been hoping to find somewhere during our time in Vietnam. Most notably, banh nan, banh loc and banh goi. None of which are normally vegan-friendly.
2. Quan Chay Tam Thien
This is a large, vibrant, open-space eatery, very popular with locals. There’s a menu just behind the counter as you walk in. But they might give you an English menu, with what seemed higher prices.
The food was simple, good, fast and cheap. Paying your bill might get tricky due to the different pricing. We only noticed this after we ordered, but when it came down to leaving, they only asked us for the local price. Maybe the menu was just out of date.
3. Thanh Lieu Store
This is where we tried to go instead of Quan Chay Tam Thien, but it was total madness. The place was heaving around noon – literally every stool taken – and there was a guy outside controlling the motorbike parking. We have never on our travels so far come across a vegetarian spot as busy with locals as this one. It surely says something about the food on offer here!
Unfortunately we couldn’t get in. We recommend you try outside the normal lunch/dinner hours, bear in mind that the Vietnamese eat early.
4. Banh Mi Stand
You can get a delicious vegetarian banh mi for about 10k from the lady working the stall opposite the Thanh An Homestay. She didn’t seem to have tofu, but if you are ok with eggs this is the spot for the tastiest and cheapest banh mi in town.
Opening hours are very random, but in general, she is open from late afternoon to late evening.
Where?
Chu Van An, opposite Thanh An Homestay
Tourist Hotspots
1. Madam THU Restaurant: Taste of Hue
Just off the main tourist square, you will find a small restaurant that specialises in local cuisine. Madam THU is very popular with tourists, but you probably won’t find a single local in there. We think this is more to do with the pricing of the dishes, rather than quality or authenticity. The food here is excellent. It’s not a vegetarian restaurant, but they have a veggie section on the menu.
Expect to pay closer to 40k rather than 10-20k for a dish. However, the extra efforts made to allow the international tourist feel more comfortable, is worth the extra money charged we reckon.
Sometimes you just want to have a glass of wine with your meal! The food is fresh, tasty and comes with excellent service. We highly recommend this spot.
2. CocoSnack CocoClub
When you just need a break from noodles, rice and soups, head down to this 1950’s themed all-American diner. Whether you are after vegetarian pizza, burgers, or pasta, they have you covered. Prices are very reasonable for Western food and the portions are huge.
Aside from the super tasty pizza, the owner is a joy to chat to, with some great stories to tell!
They also have a happy hour for drinks.
Shops & Markets
1. Big C Hue
For other various supplies – toiletries, snacks, drinks, fruit, veg, bakery – this is the biggest in Hue. Selection is quite extensive for Vietnam. Expect to find exported goods from around the world and local fresh fruit and vegetables, and a big bakery constantly producing new baguettes. Delish!
2. Co. opmart Hue
A bit smaller than the Big C, but closer to the touristy area.
3. Dong Ba Market
This is the spot for fresh vegetables and fruit on the cheap – if you know how to haggle. Otherwise you might just end up paying more than in the supermarket. It’s an exciting place to walk around in if nothing else.
Our tip: If you are new to Vietnam, price compare at the supermarkets for produce before shopping at Dong Ba Market.
Hue really is one of the most vegan-friendly places in Vietnam. We recommend visiting this city even if just for the food. It really is that good!
read more: for another vegan-friendly city in Vietnam!
