Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean compromising on delicious food when enjoying a Vietnam and Cambodia tour. From flavorful curries to refreshing salads and delectable street snacks, you’ll discover a culinary adventure when embarking on these charming countries. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top 20 best vegetarian dishes in Vietnam and Cambodia, along with tips to help you navigate the local food scene.
10 Vegetarian Foods in Vietnam
1. Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho)
- Type of food: Main dish.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho) is a vegetarian version of Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, typically made with tofu, vegetables, and vegetarian broth. It features flat rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth that is simmered with spices.
The dish is garnished with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking. The combination of fragrant broth, tender tofu, and fresh herbs creates a harmonious and comforting taste.
2. Vegetarian Vietnamese Pancake
- Type of food: Main dish.
- Suitable for: All ages.
This is a vegetarian pancake filled with bean sprouts, mushrooms, and various herbs. The pancake batter is made from rice flour and turmeric, giving it a yellow hue. The filling is stir-fried until crispy and then wrapped in lettuce leaves along with fresh herbs.
The dish is often enjoyed by wrapping it in rice paper and dipping it in a savory sauce, creating a combination of textures and flavors that are both satisfying and refreshing.
3. Goi Cuon (Vegetarian Fresh Spring Rolls)
- Type of food: Appetizer.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Here are light and healthy appetizers filled with tofu, rice noodles, and vegetables. The translucent rice paper is wrapped around the filling, creating a fresh and vibrant roll. Gỏi Cuốn is often served with a peanut dipping sauce that adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. The combination of crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and rich peanut sauce makes this dish a delightful treat for your taste buds.
4. Banh mi chay
- Where to savor: Look for vegetarian-friendly street food stalls or bakeries that offer Bánh Mì Chay.
- Type of food: Sandwich.
- Suitable for: All ages.
is a vegetarian version of the popular Vietnamese baguette sandwich. The crusty baguette is filled with tofu, pickled vegetables, herbs, and vegetarian sauces such as soy sauce or chili sauce. The combination of textures, from the crunchy bread to the soft tofu and tangy pickled vegetables, creates a satisfying and flavorsome sandwich that will leave you wanting more.
5. Vegetarian Curry
- Where to savor: Look for vegetarian restaurants or local eateries that serve Cà Ri Chay.
- Type of food: Main dish.
- Suitable for: All ages.
This dish is a vegetarian curry made with an assortment of vegetables, tofu, and fragrant spices. The curry paste is typically made from lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and other aromatic spices. It is then simmered with coconut milk to create a creamy and flavorful curry. Served with steamed rice or baguette, Cà Ri Chay offers a delightful combination of rich flavors and hearty textures.
6. Xoi Chay (Vegetarian Vietnamese Sticky Rice)
- Where to savor: Look for street food vendors or vegetarian restaurants that serve Xôi Chay.
- Type of food: Main dish.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Xôi Chay is a popular sticky rice dish topped with stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and soy sauce. The sticky rice is steamed until tender and then stir-fried with a medley of vegetables and tofu. The dish is often garnished with fried shallots, adding a crispy texture and savory flavor. Xôi Chay is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the richness of sticky rice with the freshness of vegetables.
7. Bun Cha Gio Chay
- Where to savor: Look for vegetarian-friendly restaurants or street food stalls that offer Bún Chả Giò Chay.
- Type of food: Main dish.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Bún Chả Giò Chay consists of vermicelli noodles topped with crispy fried vegetarian spring rolls, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. The dish offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the crispy spring rolls complementing the soft and chewy noodles. The combination of flavors, from the fragrant herbs to the savory sauce, creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
8. Nem Chay (Vegetarian Spring Rolls)
- Where to savor: Look for vegetarian restaurants or street food vendors that serve Nem Chay.
- Type of food: Appetizer.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Nem Chay are vegetarian spring rolls filled with tofu, taro, mushrooms, and glass noodles. The filling is wrapped in rice paper and then deep-fried until crispy. Nem Chay is often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce that enhances the flavors of the rolls. The crunchy texture and savory filling make Nem Chay a popular and tasty vegetarian snack.
9. Canh Chua Chay (Vegetarian Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup)
- Where to savor: Canh Chua Chay is available in vegetarian-friendly restaurants across Vietnam.
- Type of food: Soup.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Canh Chua Chay is a vegetarian sour soup made with tamarind broth, tomatoes, pineapple, and assorted vegetables. The soup is typically flavored with herbs and spices, creating a tangy and refreshing taste. It is often served with steamed rice, allowing you to enjoy the contrast of flavors between the sour broth and the subtle sweetness of the vegetables.
10. Banh Bao Chay (Vegetarian Dumpling)
- Where to savor: Look for vegetarian-friendly bakeries or street food stalls that offer Bánh Bao Chay.
- Type of food: Snack.
- Suitable for: All ages.
Here are steamed vegetarian dumplings filled with mushrooms, vegetables, and sometimes tofu. The dumpling dough is soft and fluffy, encasing the flavorful filling. Bánh Bao Chay is often served with soy sauce for dipping, adding a savory element to the dish. The combination of soft dough and savory filling creates a delightful snack that is perfect for a quick bite.
5 Vegetarian Food in Cambodia
1. Num Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
- Where to savor: Local markets, street food stalls, and some restaurants
- Type of food: Main
- Suitable for: Vegetarians, families, those seeking a flavorful, authentic Cambodian dish
Num Banh Chok is a beloved Cambodian noodle dish that can be easily adapted for vegetarians. The rice noodles are served with a rich, aromatic curry-based sauce, made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and an array of fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and fresh herbs. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal.
2. Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Tofu or Mushrooms)
- Where to savor: Cambodian restaurants, some street food vendors
- Type of food: Main
- Suitable for: Vegetarians, those who enjoy savory, flavorful dishes
Lok Lak is a classic Cambodian dish that can be easily adapted for vegetarians by substituting the traditional beef with marinated and stir-fried tofu or mushrooms. The dish features the protein of choice, onions, tomatoes, and a tangy, peppery dipping sauce on the side, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
3. Bok L’hong (Papaya Salad)
- Where to savor: Local markets, street food stalls, and some restaurants
- Type of food: Main
- Suitable for: Vegetarians, vegans, those who enjoy bright, refreshing salads
Bok L’hong is a spicy and sour Cambodian salad made with shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, chilies, and a zesty dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular and satisfying vegetarian option.
4. Num Pang (Cambodian Vegetarian Sandwiches)
- Where to savor: Street food stalls, cafes, and some restaurants
- Type of food: Main
- Suitable for: Vegetarians, families, those on the go
Num Pang are Cambodian-style vegetarian sandwiches made with a baguette-style bread, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, and various vegetable fillings. They offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a portable, flavorful meal.
5. Amok Tohu (Vegetarian Curry)
- Where to savor: Vegetarian-friendly restaurants, some local eateries
- Type of food: Main
- Suitable for: Vegetarians, those who enjoy creamy, fragrant curries
Amok Tohu is a creamy, curry-based dish that features tofu, eggplant, green beans, and a blend of Cambodian spices and herbs. The rich, aromatic sauce complements the assortment of vegetables, creating a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Tips to Hack the Best Vegetarian Food in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Seek out specialty vegetarian restaurants
- Communicate your dietary needs clearly when ordering
- Explore local markets and street food stalls
- Be open to trying new ingredients
- Carry vegetarian snacks
- Research ahead of time
- Embrace the local produce
- Learn key phrases in Vietnamese/Khmer
- Be flexible and open-minded
- Savor the unique culinary experiences
From fragrant noodle soups to bold, fresh curries, we’ve explored a vibrant array of meat-free specialties that showcase the creative talents of local chefs and the bountiful produce of Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals, this guide has aimed to whet your appetite and provide must-try recommendations to elevate your family’s upcoming travels.
As you depart on your journey, remember to keep an open mind, a hungry stomach, and a sense of wonder. The flavors that await will linger long after you return home, inspiring you to recreate these dishes and share the unique culinary experiences with loved ones.
Bon appétit, and happy travels!
From Indochina Voyages Team
