Food is the number-one question we get from Indian families planning Vietnam. Vietnamese cuisine leans on fish sauce, meat broths and shrimp paste, so 'vegetarian' on a local menu doesn't always mean vegetarian the way you mean it. The fix is planning, not compromise.
City by city
| City | Indian veg restaurants | Jain meals |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Several, mostly in and around the Old Quarter | Yes, with 48 hrs notice |
| Ha Long Bay cruise | Cruise kitchen cooks a veg menu | Yes, confirmed in writing before boarding |
| Da Nang & Hoi An | Good choice near My Khe Beach and in Hoi An | Yes, with notice |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Widest choice, especially District 1 | Yes |
| Phu Quoc | A handful, plus resort kitchens | Yes, via resort kitchen with notice |
| Sapa | Limited | Hotel kitchen with 48 hrs notice |
Useful words for local menus
- Chay means vegetarian (Buddhist-style, usually no fish sauce, but always confirm)
- Không thịt means no meat; không cá no fish; không nước mắm no fish sauce
- Không hành, không tỏi means no onion, no garlic (essential for Jain diners)
Vietnam's Buddhist com chay restaurants are a great local option for vegetarians: tofu, mushrooms, greens and rice, with no meat or fish sauce.
How TrulyAsia1 plans your meals
- We ask your exact preference: veg, veg with eggs, Jain, or Swaminarayan.
- We pre-book Indian restaurants at the right time in every city, close to your hotel or sightseeing.
- For Jain guests, we send the kitchen a written ingredient brief (no onion, garlic, potato or other root vegetables) and get it confirmed.
- On long sightseeing days, we arrange packed meals so nobody goes hungry.
Want a food-first itinerary? See our Top 10 Vietnam itineraries for Indian travellers, including a fully Jain-friendly family plan.