The vegetarian and vegan food in Hoi An is a showcase of the region’s cultural influences, agricultural roots, and countryside traditions. Vietnamese food is known for its freshness and delicacy, but in Hoi An, healthy dining is taken to another level. Save this guide to the top plant-based restaurants in Hoi An and foodie tips for veggie friends for your next holiday.
Breakfast and brunch
Mornings in Hoi An are for hot banh mi and noodles on the sidewalk. You can find vegan banh mi on the corner of Phan Chau Trinh and Nguyen Hue, and famous banh mi stalls such as Madam Khanh also trade in toasty egg banh mi stuffed with fresh herbs and crunchy cucumbers. If you’d like to try vegetarian pho or meat-free mi Quang, Sua Cafe and Restaurant is a favorite spot for local veggie lovers, with a tasty, affordable menu of vegan delights.
Vegan banh mi served at local stalls in the early morning hoursLooking for the best Western-style vegetarian brunch in Hoi An? Head to Nourish Eatery where the breakfast tacos and avocado toast come perfectly prepared and the juice is cold-pressed and cleansing. Another go-to spot for vegan breakfasts is Good Eats. Choose a tropical smoothie bowl, luscious omelet, or warming porridge to start the day off right. For coffee lovers, Nourish Eatery and Good Eats both serve vegan coffee in Vietnamese and Italian styles.
TIP: Many local people in Hoi An follow a vegetarian diet on the day of the full moon, but any time, just look for the word ‘chay’ on sidewalk signs to find meat-free kitchens.
Local lunches
Lunch in Hoi An is the best time to dive into the local food culture, and taste the dishes Quang Nam is known for. Slightly sticky cao lau noodles, drenched in lemongrass broth, and topped with tofu, greens, herbs and crackers is a tough choice to beat, and found only in Hoi An. Com ga is another location-based dish. Vegetarian versions feature soft tofu skins tossed with baby herbs and shredded papaya atop turmeric-infused rice. Try either dish at Minh Hien Restaurant.
If you’re in the market for a traditional Vietnamese meal with rice, vegetables, protein, and soup, check out Vvegan in the Hoi An Ancient Town, where the menu stars crunchy green beans, braised mushrooms in claypot, tofu curries, smoky grilled eggplant, and more. On a budget? Choose from the buffet at Ba Dam Chay, a small local eatery in an alley, that dishes up a tempting display of home-cooked dishes for lunch every day.
Read more: Healthy restaurants for travelers in Hoi An
Coffee and cake
The sweeter things in life can also come dairy-free in Hoi An. Lagom Bakery is well known for its light but luscious vegan cakes. This corner bakery can also make you a delightful cup of coffee with homemade cashew or almond milk, or an iced coconut coffee on a hot day. Another hidden cafe health-conscious travelers will love is Xoai Macrobiotic Living. This homey venue plates nourishing meals and pours on-point almond milk cappuccinos in its small kitchen on the edge of the rice fields in Cam Chau. Don’t miss it.
TIP: Vegans will be happy to know a range of Hoi An’s best cafes can make their specialties with almond milk or oat milk. If you plan on cafe-hopping, check out The Inner Hoian, Espresso Station, and Rosie’s Cafe for a modern take on Vietnamese coffee culture.
Delicious dinners
For the last meal of the day, pick a spot with style to soak up the balmy evening breezes and lantern lights all around Hoi An. Out on the shores of An Bang Beach, The Fisherman caters to diners with international vegan fare. In the rice fields of Cam Thanh, Tok Dining serves an array of modern, veggie-friendly dishes in a romantic setting. And just outside the Ancient Town, Sri Spices will spoil you with swoon-worthy Sri Lankan specialties.
It’s worth noting that – though not strictly vegetarian – most of Hoi An’s international restaurants in the Ancient Town offer vegetarian options on their menus. Don’t hesitate to book one of the beautiful tables at Mango Mango or Lim Dining for a memorable meal. For a bit of a breather from the crowds, take a short ride out to Am Vegetarian & Hideaway where you simply can’t go wrong choosing from a wonderful menu of Asian and Vietnamese dishes.
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