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Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Guide

Planning corporate tours to Vietnam presents unique challenges for Indian vegetarian groups. Unlike Thailand or Dubai, Vietnam Indian vegetarian food options are limited, requiring careful research and planning to ensure authentic, pure vegetarian experiences.

After organising multiple corporate groups from Maharashtra and Gujarat to Vietnam, I’ve learned which restaurants genuinely understand Indian vegetarian requirements versus those offering generic “vegetarian” options. This guide focuses specifically on Vietnam Indian vegetarian food establishments in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi that can accommodate corporate groups.

Understanding Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Challenges

Key Differences from Other Destinations: Vietnamese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine differs significantly from Indian vegetarian food. Mock meats often contain flavourings that may not align with strict vegetarian principles, and communication about dietary requirements can be challenging.

Common Issues:

  • Limited pure Indian vegetarian restaurant options
  • Mock meat preparations may include non-veg flavourings
  • Fish sauce alternatives are still commonly used
  • Language barriers complicate dietary explanations
  • Fewer restaurants with large group capacity

Why This Guide Matters: For corporate groups expecting authentic Indian tastes and guaranteed pure vegetarian food, knowing which Vietnam restaurants truly understand these requirements is essential for successful tours.

Understanding Kitchen Types for Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food

⭐⭐⭐ Pure Vegetarian Indian Restaurant (BEST):

  • 100% Indian vegetarian menu
  • No non-vegetarian items are served anywhere
  • Staff understand Indian dietary requirements
  • Zero cross-contamination risk
  • Highest confidence for corporate groups

⭐⭐ Mixed Menu with Strong Veg Section:

  • Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian
  • A separate vegetarian menu is available
  • Some cross-contamination risk
  • Requires verification of preparation methods

Vietnamese Vegetarian (Use with Caution):

  • Buddhist/Vietnamese style vegetarian
  • May use mock meats with non-veg flavourings
  • Different from Indian vegetarian standards
  • Requires detailed dietary explanation

Hanoi: Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Options

1. Dalcheeni (Tay Ho) – UPSCALE

Location: 100 Xuan Dieu Tay Ho Ha Noi Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
Budget: VND 250,000-500,000 per person (Expensive!)
Cuisine: Fine Dining, Mughlai & North Indian
Capacity: Up to 60 pax (private dining rooms available)
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Both veg and non-veg)

Why It’s Special: Hanoi’s top-rated Indian restaurant (4.8/5 on TripAdvisor with 1,261 reviews!). Fine dining atmosphere with royal Indian cuisine presentation. Perfect for special occasions, business dinners, or when you want to treat yourself.

What You Get:

  • Elegant ambience with couples-friendly setting
  • Private dining rooms (1st floor: 20 guests, 2nd floor: 40 guests)
  • Authentic Mughlai specialities
  • Professional service
  • Also has a Ho Chi Minh City location

The Catch: It’s expensive compared to other Vietnam options, but quality matches the price.

Contact:

Verification Status: Active with recent reviews – verify vegetarian prep methods

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2. Ram Krishna Vegetarian Indian Cuisine (Hanoi)

Location: Hanoi
Budget: VND 100,000-180,000 per person (Mid-range)
Cuisine: Pure Vegetarian North & South Indian
Capacity: 30-50 pax (to be verified)
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐⭐ 100% Pure Vegetarian (No non-veg served)

Why It Works: Mentioned in travel blogs as a reliable, pure vegetarian option. Being completely vegetarian means no worries about cross-contamination.

Best For:

  • Strict vegetarians
  • Families with conservative food preferences
  • Budget-conscious travellers

Contact:

  • Website: Not Functional
  • Social: Facebook
  • Phone: +84 969 815 066
  • Email: ramkrishnavegetarian@gmail.com
  • Location: 26, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Mentioned in CurlyGirlyTravely blog as a good option

Verification Status: Mentioned in blogs 

3. Tadka Indian Restaurant (Hanoi)

Location: 26 Phùng Hưng, Phường Hàng Bông, Quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Hanoi, Vietnam, 100000

Group Capacity: 30-50 pax (to be verified)
Cuisine: North Indian with extensive veg/vegan options
Price Range: VND 100,000-220,000 per person
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Strong Vegetarian Menu (Mixed kitchen – verification needed)

Why It Works for Groups: Hanoi’s popular Indian restaurant with extensive vegetarian and vegan options. Multiple sources confirm good vegetarian meal choices.

Group Facilities:

  • Variety of Indian vegetarian dishes
  • Located in central Hanoi
  • Can accommodate corporate groups
  • Popular with vegetarian travellers

Important Note: Likely serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Verify separate kitchen facilities and preparation methods for strict vegetarian groups.

Contact for Verification:

Verification Status: Multiple online mentions – full details and veg status to be verified

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Sapa (Mountain Region): Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food

4. Ganesh Indian Restaurant (Sapa – Hill Station Alternative)

Location: Sapa (For groups visiting the Northern Vietnam mountains)
Group Capacity: 25-35 pax (small groups)
Cuisine: North Indian with vegetarian options
Price Range: VND 80,000-160,000 per person
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Vegetarian Options Available (Serves Non-Veg)

Why It Works for Groups: Cosy restaurant in Sapa serving vegetarian curries, naan, and rice. Good backup for groups visiting Northern Vietnam hill stations.

Group Facilities:

  • Smaller capacity suitable for intimate groups
  • Mountain location for Sapa tours
  • Vegetarian-friendly menu
  • Advance notice recommended

Contact for Verification:

  • Website: No Website
  • Social: Facebook
  • Location: Sapa town, 03 Thác Bạc, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 330000, Vietnam
  • Phone: +84 769 758 402
  • Email: [No Email ID]

Verification Status: Sapa location confirmed

5. Bollywood Spice (Sapa)

Location: Sapa
Budget: VND 100,000-180,000 per person
Cuisine: Vegetarian & Vegan options, Thalis
Capacity: 30-40 pax (to be verified)
Rating: 5 stars! (Google)
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Strong Veg Section (Verification needed)

Why it’s Rated Highly: A Perfect 5-star Google rating suggests excellent vegetarian food. Thali options are great for trying multiple dishes.

Best For:

  • Sapa visitors want variety
  • Vegan travellers
  • Groups who like thali-style dining

Contact:

  • Location: 22A Mường Hoa, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
  • Social: Facebook
  • Email: nitikamalik03@gmail.com
  • Phone: +84 98 669 94 82

Verification Status: High ratings

Da Nang: Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Options

6. Gujarat Indian Restaurant (Da Nang) – PURE VEG

Location: Da Nang city centre (Multiple Location)
Budget: VND 90,000-180,000 per person (Budget to mid-range)
Cuisine: 100% Pure Vegetarian Gujarati speciality
Capacity: 40-60 pax
Rating: 4.5 stars
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐⭐ 100% Pure Vegetarian (No non-veg)

Why it’s Excellent: Rare find – 100% pure vegetarian Gujarati restaurant! Perfect for strict vegetarians, Jains, or anyone wanting authentic Gujarat food.

Best For:

  • Gujarati travellers missing home food
  • Strict vegetarians
  • Families with conservative dietary needs
  • Corporate groups from Gujarat/Maharashtra

The Catch: Service can be slow (mentioned in reviews). Order early and be patient!

Contact:

  • Website: Gujrat Indian Restaurant
  • Social: Instagram
  • Email: contact@momaiexim.com
  • Verify Jain food capability if needed
  • Location 1: 179 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Location 2: 72b Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Location 3: 39-41 Do Ba Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
  • Location 4: 2 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Verification Status: Confirmed pure veg – service timing to note

7. Indian Ganga (Da Nang) – CAUTION

Location: Da Nang
Budget: VND 90,000-180,000 per person
Kitchen Status: ⚠️ Status Unclear – Verification Strongly Needed

Important Warning: While listed in some guides, recent activity is unclear. Very few reviews, low social media engagement. Verify they’re still operating before planning to visit.

Contact:

Website: https://indian-ganga.com/

Social: Facebook, Instagram

Email: indianganga20@gmail.com

Phone: +84 0899870554, +84 0375583417

Locations 1: Branch-1: Indian Ganga Restaurant & Lounge, 79 Mai Thuc Lan, Danang, Vietnam 

Locations 2: 18 Đào Duy Từ, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000

Alternative: If the Indian Ganga is closed, the Gujarat Restaurant (above) is your best Da Nang bet.

Verification Status: Possibly closed – verify before visiting

7. Maharaja Indian Restaurant (Da Nang)

Location: 09 An Thuong 2, Bac My Phu, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
Budget: VND 100,000-200,000 per person
Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi speciality, Vegetarian & Non-Veg
Capacity: 50 pax
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
Rating: Highly rated on TripAdvisor and local guides
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Both veg and non-veg)

Why It’s Popular: One of Da Nang’s most elegant and authentic Indian restaurants. Featured in multiple “Top Indian Restaurants Da Nang” lists (May 2025). Brings “royal flavours, aromatic spices & warm hospitality straight from India to Vietnam.”

What They Serve:

  • Dal Fry (vegetarian staple)
  • Mix Veg Curry
  • North Indian specialities
  • Punjabi dishes
  • Range: VND 19,000-179,000 per dish

Best For:

  • Central location near the city centre and the Dragon Bridge
  • Good for both locals and tourists
  • Elegant dining atmosphere
  • Authentic North Indian taste

Contact:

Important for Vegetarians: Serves both veg and non-veg. Verify vegetarian preparation methods for strict vegetarians. The menu clearly lists vegetarian options like Dal Fry and Mix Veg Curry.

Verification Status:Active with recent reviews (May 2025) – Facebook and website confirmed

Hoi An: Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Options

9. Baba’s Kitchen (Multiple Locations)

Locations:

  • District 1 (Bui Vien): At the entrance of Bui Vien Walking Street
  • Mac Thi Buoi: Central office area location
  • Thao Dien: Fine dining location with garden seating
  • Hoi An: (For groups visiting Central Vietnam)

Group Capacity: 40-80 pax (varies by location, can handle large groups)
Cuisine: North Indian, South Indian, Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian
Price Range: VND 100,000-250,000 per person
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Both veg and non-veg served – verification needed)

Why It Works for Groups: Multiple locations across Vietnam offer flexibility for corporate tour itineraries. District 1 and Mac Thi Buoi locations specifically mention capability to handle large groups. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, especially the Hoi An location.

Group Facilities:

  • Four locations provide booking flexibility
  • Can accommodate large groups (verification of exact capacity needed)
  • Indoor and outdoor seating options
  • Air-conditioned dining areas
  • Fine dining option at Thao Dien location
  • Central locations near hotels and tourist areas

Important Note for Vegetarian Groups: Baba’s Kitchen serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Must verify separate kitchen facilities and pure vegetarian preparation methods. Confirm they understand Indian vegetarian requirements (no mock meat with fish flavouring).

Best For:

  • Corporate tours visiting multiple Vietnam cities
  • Groups needing multiple dining options
  • Mixed dietary requirement groups (some non-veg, some veg)
  • Tours including Hoi An in the itinerary

Contact for Verification:

  • Website: https://babas.kitchen/
  • Social: Facebook
  • Phone: +84 235 3939 919, +84 28 3838 6661, +84 28 3838 6662,
  • +84 28 3744 6897
  • Email: info@babas.kitchen
  • Location 1: 115 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
  • Location 2: 274 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • Location 3: 4-6-8 Mac Thi Buoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • Location 4: 35 Le Van Mien Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCMC

Verification Status: Restaurant confirmed – pure veg status

10. Saffron Group Vietnam (Multiple Locations) ✅ MAJOR CHAIN

Locations (7 across Vietnam!):

  • Saffron Hoi An: 40 La Hoi Street, Hoi An Old Town
  • Saffron Ho Chi Minh: 147D Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
  • Saffron Da Nang: Sandy Beach Resort, 21 Truong Sa Street (Beach location!)
  • Saffron Ninh Binh: Tam Coc, Ninh Hai (Largest in Tam Coc!)
  • Saffron Hanoi: 65 Ngo Hue, Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung
  • Masala Art Hanoi: 9 Nha Tho Street, Old Quarter (Upscale!)
  • Haldi Cu Chi: 685 D. Tinh Lo 15, near Cu Chi Tunnels

Budget: VND 150,000-400,000 per person (varies by location)
Cuisine: North & South Indian, Pan-Asian
Capacity: Varies – Saffron Da Nang can handle 500 pax!
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Both veg and non-veg – verification needed)

Why This Chain is AMAZING: Vietnam’s largest Indian restaurant group! 7 locations mean if you’re touring multiple cities, you can eat at Saffron everywhere. Each location has a unique character – beach views in Da Nang, Old Town charm in Hoi An, heritage homes in Hanoi.

Signature Dishes by Location:

  • Hoi An: Crispy Dosa & South Indian favourites
  • HCMC: Authentic North Indian Curries
  • Da Nang: Northern & Southern most-popular dishes (500 pax capacity!)
  • Ninh Binh: Flavourful Biryanis (largest in Tam Coc)
  • Hanoi (Saffron): Halal Southeast Asian
  • Masala Art Hanoi: Chargrilled Tandoori Kebabs (upscale!)
  • Cu Chi: Multi-Regional Indian Buffet

Best For:

  • Multi-city Vietnam tours (consistent quality everywhere!)
  • Large corporate groups (Da Nang: 500 pax!)
  • Beach dining (Da Nang beachfront)
  • Budget buffets (Cu Chi lunch buffet)
  • Luxury dining (Masala Art Hanoi)

Contact:

  • Website: saffrongroupvn.com
  • Social: Facebook
  • Email: masalaartvn@gmail.com
  • Hoi An: +84 708 107 499
  • HCMC: +84 988 628 400
  • Da Nang: +84 785 652 034
  • Ninh Binh: +84 769 665 777
  • Hanoi (Saffron): +84 983 285 832
  • Masala Art: +84 393 252 726
  • Cu Chi: +84 376 416 594

Important for Vegetarians: Part of the professional chain but serves both veg and non-veg. Must verify vegetarian preparation methods at each location. Their scale and professionalism suggest they can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice.

Verification Status:7 locations confirmed with full contact details – vegetarian prep methods to verify per location

11. Rasoi Indian Restaurant (Hoi An) ✅ JAIN FOOD AVAILABLE!

Location: Hoi An
Budget: VND 100,000-200,000 per person
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Vegan & JAIN FOOD speciality
Capacity: 30-40 pax (to be verified)
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐⭐ Claims Vegetarian, Vegan & Jain (Must verify!)

Why It’s SPECIAL: CLAIMS TO SERVE JAIN FOOD! This is rare in Vietnam. If verified, this could be THE go-to for strict Jain travellers visiting Hoi An.

What They Claim:

  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Jain food (no onion, no garlic – MUST VERIFY!)

Best For:

  • Jain travellers (if verified!)
  • Strict vegetarians
  • Vegan travelers
  • Hoi An Old Town visitors

CRITICAL: MUST verify their Jain food claims before recommending to strict Jain groups. Send a detailed verification email asking:

  • Do you prepare food without onion and garlic?
  • Do you use separate vessels for Jain preparation?
  • Do you understand Jain dietary requirements?

Contact:

Verification Status:Website/social active, JAIN FOOD CLAIMS – Verification ESSENTIAL before recommending

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Options

12. Gujarat Restaurant (HCMC) – PURE VEG

Location: 94 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Group Capacity: 40-60 pax
Cuisine: Gujarati, North Indian, Pure Vegetarian
Price Range: VND 80,000-180,000 per person
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐⭐ 100% Pure Vegetarian Indian (No non-veg served)

Why It Works for Groups: The most reliable option for Vietnam Indian vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City. 100% pure vegetarian menu specialising in authentic Gujarati cuisine. HappyCow reviews confirm authentic Indian taste matching home standards.

Group Facilities:

  • Authentic Gujarati thalis are perfect for large groups
  • Staff understand Indian vegetarian requirements completely
  • Central District 1 location near major hotels
  • Booking recommended for 30+ pax
  • Familiar menu for conservative eaters

Special for Corporate Groups: Being entirely vegetarian means zero concerns about cross-contamination. Perfect for strict vegetarian corporate groups from Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Contact for Verification:

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Dalcheeni (HCMC Branch) – UPSCALE

Location: 2A Ngo Van Nam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Budget: VND 250,000-500,000 per person (Expensive!)
Cuisine: Fine Dining Mughlai & North Indian
Capacity: Private dining available
Rating: 4.7/5 (TripAdvisor, 243 reviews)
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Both veg and non-veg)

Why It’s Special: Sister branch of Hanoi’s top-rated restaurant. Fine dining experience for special occasions.

Best For:

  • Business dinners
  • Celebrations
  • Date nights
  • When budget isn’t a concern

Contact:

  • Phone: +84 28 3620 5277
  • Website: dalcheenivn.com

Verification Status: Active – verify veg prep methods

14. Saigon Indian Restaurant (HCMC) ✅ VERIFIED

Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Budget: VND 100,000-200,000 per person
Cuisine: North Indian, South Indian, Vegetarian & Non-Veg
Capacity: 40-60 pax (to be verified)
Rating: 4.5 stars (Google)
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Both veg and non-veg)

Why It’s Listed: Active presence with professional website and Facebook page. Featured in FindYourAdventure blog as a reliable option for vegetarian travellers. Multiple branches suggest established operations and consistent quality.

What They Offer:

  • North and South Indian cuisine variety
  • Vegetarian menu section available
  • Standard Indian favourites (dal, paneer, vegetable curries)
  • Both rice and bread options
  • Suitable for mixed dietary groups

Best For:

  • HCMC tourists want Indian food
  • Groups with mixed dietary requirements (some veg, some non-veg)
  • Standard Indian food cravings
  • Multiple location convenience

Important for Vegetarians: Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Must verify separate kitchen facilities and pure vegetarian preparation methods for strict vegetarians. Always specify “Indian vegetarian – no mock meat” when ordering.

Contact:

  • Address: 26 Le Anh Xuan, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Website: Saigon
  • Social: Facebook
  • Phone: +84 93 872 04 23
  • Email: saigonindiarestaurant@gmail.com

Verification Status:Website and Facebook active – verify exact location, veg prep methods, and group capacity

15. Shri Natraj Indian Cuisines (HCMC)

Location: 41 Bui Thi Xuan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Budget: VND 120,000-220,000 per person
Cuisine: North Indian, Wide veg range
Capacity: To be verified
Rating: 4.5 stars
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Vegetarian Section (Verification needed)

Why it’s mentioned: Listed as offering a wide range of vegetarian dishes.

Contact:

Verification Status: Listed – verify details

Ninh Binh: Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food

16. Curry King Indian Restaurant (Ninh Binh/Tam Coc) ✅ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Locations:

  • Trang An: Noi Village, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh
  • Tam Coc: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Budget: VND 100,000-200,000 per person
Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian & Non-Veg
Capacity: 25-40 pax (small to medium groups)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Kitchen Status: ⭐⭐ Mixed Kitchen (Veg + Non-veg)

Why It’s HIGHLY Recommended: Wanderlog reviews are glowing! “Genuinely the best Indian food I’ve ever had” – multiple travellers returned multiple times during their Ninh Binh stay. One reviewer ate there “two nights running”, which says everything!

What Travellers Love:

  • “Best naan bread!” – Consistently praised
  • “Currys are just amazing” – Authentic flavours
  • “Plenty of vegetarian options” – Huge plus
  • “Everything freshly made” – Quality assured
  • “Warm and attentive staff” – Excellent service
  • Great value: Less than VND 560,000 for 2 people with drinks

Signature Dishes (From Reviews):

  • Lamb Rogan Josh: Tender lamb in fragrant spiced gravy
  • Palak Paneer: Creamy spinach with paneer (vegetarian favourite!)
  • Chicken Tikka Masala: Classic with smoky, tangy flavours
  • Samosas: Crispy pastries with spiced potatoes and peas
  • Fish Goan Curry: Spicy Goan style (for non-veg eaters)
  • Garlic Rice & Naan: Highly praised

Best For:

  • Tam Coc/Trang An area tourists
  • Small groups visiting Ninh Binh caves/boat tours
  • Travellers craving authentic Indian food
  • Multiple visits (people keep coming back!)
  • Budget to mid-range dining
  • Vegetarians (plenty of options!)

The Honest Truth: “Decor needs update, but who cares if the food is good” – reviewer nailed it. This place focuses on authentic taste, not fancy interiors.

Important for Vegetarians: Serves both veg and non-veg. However, reviews specifically praise “plenty of vegetarian options” and dishes like Palak Paneer.

Contact:

  • Phone: +84 85 309 7992
  • Locations: Tam Coc and Trang An areas (convenient for tourist activities)
  • Wanderlog: Multiple 5-star reviews

Verification Status:Highly verified through glowing Wanderlog reviews – vegetarian options confirmed excellent

OTHER NINH BINH OPTIONS (From VietnamStory.in):

While Curry King dominates reviews, Ninh Binh has additional Indian restaurants:

Also Worth Considering:

  • Saffron Ninh Binh (Part of Saffron Group – see Hoi An/HCMC listings)
  • Aroma Indian Restaurant: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu (+84 98 530 0979)
  • Kadhai Indian Restaurant: Dam Khe Ngoai, Ninh Hai (+84 932 280 181)
  • Sun Flower Restaurant: Tam Coc-Bich Dong (+84 97 109 8598) – Fusion

Curry King remains the top recommended based on traveller reviews.

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When Indian Restaurants Aren't Available: Alternatives

Important: These are NOT Indian food, but can work as an emergency backup.

Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Veggie Saigon – Modern Vietnamese veg
  • Sen Vegetarian – Budget Vietnamese veg
  • Hum Vegetarian Café – Trendy veg café

Hanoi:

  • Uu Dam Chay – Traditional Buddhist veg
  • Vi Lai Restaurant – Near Women’s Museum
  • Katze Vegan & Vegetarian – Highly rated vegan

CRITICAL: Tell them “Indian style, no mock meat, simple dal-rice-sabzi if possible.”

Hotel Catering: The Reliable (But Expensive) Option

When to Choose Hotel Catering:

✅ Groups over 80 people
✅ Critical business events
✅ Travelling to remote areas
✅ Can’t find reliable restaurant options
✅ Need guaranteed food security

Recommended Hotels:

Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Park Hyatt Saigon – Can arrange Indian veg catering
  • Sheraton Saigon – Experience with Indian groups
  • InterContinental Saigon – Professional catering

Hanoi:

  • JW Marriott Hanoi – Corporate group experience
  • Sofitel Legend Metropole – Upscale catering
  • Lotte Hotel Hanoi – Indian menu arrangements

Cost: VND 350,000-1,000,000 per person (USD 15-42)

Instructions to Give Hotels: “Pure Indian vegetarian – no mock meats, no fish sauce alternatives, use vegetable oil only, simple North Indian dishes: dal, paneer curry, vegetable curry, roti, rice, raita.”

Practical Tips for Vietnam Indian Vegetarian Food Success

Before Your Trip:

Do Your Research:

  • Save this guide offline
  • Screenshot restaurant addresses in Vietnamese
  • Download Google Translate offline
  • Join Facebook groups: “Indians in Vietnam”

Bring Backup Snacks:

  • Instant noodles (MTR, Top Ramen)
  • Khakra, thepla
  • Dry fruits, protein bars
  • Namkeen, chivda
  • Tea bags (if you’re particular)

Verify Restaurants:

  • Call/email 1-2 weeks before
  • Confirm they’re still operating
  • Ask about pure veg preparation
  • Get WhatsApp contact if possible

During Your Visit:

Communication Tips:

  • “Ăn chay” = Vegetarian (Vietnamese Buddhist style)
  • “Không thịt, không cá” = No meat, no fish
  • “Ấn Độ chay” = Indian vegetarian
  • Better yet: Show this guide to restaurant staff!

Group Dining Tips:

  • Call ahead for groups of over 15 people
  • Order thali/set menus for large groups
  • Ask about booking deposits
  • Verify the final bill before paying

Emergency Options:

  • Supermarkets (Big C, Lotte Mart) stock some Indian items
  • International hotel breakfast buffets
  • Vietnamese fruit vendors (amazing fresh fruits!)
  • Convenience stores have plain bread, biscuits

What to Expect:

Vietnam vs Thailand vs Dubai:

  • Vietnam: Fewest options, needs most planning
  • Thailand: Good options, fish sauce concern
  • Dubai: Best options, highest prices

Service Speed: Vietnamese restaurants can be slow. Order 45 minutes before you want to eat.

Taste Adjustment: Even “Indian” restaurants in Vietnam adapt to local tastes. Expect slightly different flavours.

Critical Questions to Ask Restaurants

For Strict Vegetarians:

✓ “Do you serve only vegetarian or also non-vegetarian?”
✓ “Is vegetarian food cooked in separate pans?”
✓ “Do you use mock meat? Does it have fish flavouring?”
✓ “Can you prepare without onion and garlic?” (for Jains)

For Groups:

✓ “Maximum seating capacity?”
✓ “Advance notice needed for X people?”
✓ “Can you do set menu/thali for groups?”
✓ “Deposit required?”
✓ “Final bill before paying?”

Budget Planning: What Things Actually Cost

Restaurant Meals:

  • Budget: VND 70,000-120,000 (USD 3-5) – Basic Indian meals
  • Mid-Range: VND 120,000-250,000 (USD 5-10) – Comfortable dining
  • Upscale: VND 250,000-500,000+ (USD 10-20+) – Fine dining like Dalcheeni

For Groups:

  • Small groups (10-15 pax): Book any restaurant
  • Medium groups (20-40 pax): Call 3-5 days ahead
  • Large groups (50+ pax): Book 1-2 weeks ahead, consider hotel catering

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Thalis/set menus are often a better value
  • Lunch is cheaper than dinner
  • Split group across 2 restaurants if one can’t fit

Bring some snacks from India (saves emergency meal costs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam Indian vegetarian food readily available compared to Thailand?

Vietnam has fewer Indian vegetarian restaurants than Thailand. Major cities (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Hoi An) have reliable options, but require more advance planning. Pure vegetarian restaurants are limited – Gujarat Restaurant in HCMC and Da Nang are rare gems.

What’s the main difference between Vietnamese vegetarian and Indian vegetarian food?

Vietnamese Buddhist vegetarian (ăn chay) often uses mock meats with fish-based flavourings. Indian vegetarian food uses actual vegetables, paneer, dal, etc. Always specify “Indian vegetarian – no mock meat” when ordering from Vietnamese restaurants.

Which Vietnam city has the best Indian vegetarian food options?

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi have the most options. HCMC is slightly better for budget travellers (Gujarat Restaurant), while Hanoi has the upscale option (Dalcheeni). Da Nang has pure veg Gujarat Restaurant. Hoi An and Sapa have limited but decent choices.

Can I survive as a strict vegetarian in Vietnam?

Yes, but it requires planning. Stick to cities with confirmed Indian restaurants. Carry backup snacks. For remote areas (Halong Bay, rural regions), arrange food with hotels beforehand or bring packed meals.

Is Jain food available in Vietnam?

Very limited. Gujarat Restaurant in HCMC and Da Nang may accommodate no-onion-no-garlic requests with advance notice, but verification is essential. For strict Jain groups, Vietnam is challenging compared to Dubai or even Thailand.

How much should I budget for vegetarian food in Vietnam?

Budget VND 200,000-300,000 per day (USD 8-12) for three basic meals. Mid-range: VND 400,000-600,000 per day (USD 16-25). Upscale or hotel catering significantly more. Vietnam is cheaper than Dubai but similar to Thailand.

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Disclaimer

Restaurant information verified as of September 2025. Vietnam’s restaurant scene changes frequently. Always verify current operating status, location, and vegetarian preparation methods before visiting. Prices are estimates and may vary. For critical events or large groups, confirm all details directly with restaurants 1-2 weeks in advance.

MastYatri.com provides travel information based on research and traveller experiences. We encourage direct verification with each establishment.

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