To say I had high expectations for Vietnam is an understatement. After 14 months of living in Bali, I'd heard so many people rave about Vietnam and quite frankly I have yet to hear one negative thing about this charming, vibrant, culture rich Nation. From the food, to the people, to the history and architecture, there was a lot to live up to. Even though we were there during the devastating Central Vietnam floods, we were blessed that we were still able to enjoy Da Nang and Hoi An, albeit with a lot of grey skies and rain.
I was very excited about the food and I will say I was disappointed. I was so looking forward to Phở, Bánh Mì, salad rolls with peanut sauce and legendary coffees. However, I quickly realized that finding meat/dairy free options would require some research and planning. As someone who loves to wing-it and is not much for research, this wasn't ideal. The best find was iVegan, which not only has locations in all 4 cities we visited, each one is in a prime spot (thanks to my dear friend Vidhi @imagineeverythingvegan for this hot tip).
Google Translate was a life-saver - the one word you need to know is CHAY meaning vegetarian or vegan - rooted in Buddhist practices of non-violence.
Chay thuần = strictly vegan
Here is the list of my fave finds in Vietnam:
HO CHI MINH CITY
Bánh Mì XANH
NHU’Y Vegan Buffet
Không Phải Chủ Nhật Cafe (for the best oat milk iced matcha and fun neighborhood Thao Dien, District 2)
iVegan Supershop
HANOI
Bánh Mì 25
CHAY TÂM KHỞI
iVegan Supershop
Bonbagu Vegan Baguette
Chay Food + Katze were both recommended but I didn't get a chance to go
DA NANG
Komorebi
Chickpea Eatery
iVegan Supershop
Roots Plant Based Cafe
HOI ANN
Lê Hội Bánh MÌ ChayChickpea Eatery
Grand Sunrise Palace Hotel: this is one of the most charming places I ever stayed, the breakfast was luxurious and complete with a barista for soy milk cappuccinos and full vegan a la carte menu
iVegan Supershop: https://ivegansupershop.com/menu
Beyond this, you can easily buy fruit and veg from all of the ladies walking the street - make sure you have small bills to buy mini bananas, apples, avocado, pineapple, etc.
Of course, my Voes & Co Chelsea boots took me all over these cities with comfort and style!
