Hanoi's top 8 picks for vegetarian delicacies

1. Vi Lai

Vi Lai is a well-established gem in Hanoi's vegetarian community, renowned for its attention to design and architecture that harmonizes with nature.

The restaurant at 67 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, has four floors, each characterized by distinct themes. Of these options, the experience of dining on a lotus platform afloat on the water is particularly cherished by numerous patrons.

A dining space on a lotus platform, floating on the water, at Vi Lai Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Vi Lai

Vi Lai falls into the high-end category, offering dishes priced at around VND100,000 ($4) per plate, making it a suitable choice for hosting guests or special occasions. Some must-try dishes include pasta with rose and peach, bamboo shoot rolls, lotus root shakes, and bread with artichoke.

2. Chay Co Dam

This restaurant at 68A Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District captivates passersby with its architecture reminiscent of Champa temples, featuring red bricks and intricate arches. Crafted by artisans from the central Ninh Thuan Province, a region with a significant Cham population, the terracotta materials, including ancient patterns and reliefs, add to the restaurant's charm.

A spacious window at Chay Co Dam Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Chay Co Dam

Chay Co Dam offers both short and long set menus, priced at VND680,000 ($28) and VND880,000 ($36.50) per set, featuring premium ingredients like truffle mushrooms.

3. Uu Dam Chay

Uu Dam Chay gained fame for its beautiful setting, central location, and delicious cuisine. In early 2022, the restaurant relocated from Hang Bai Street to 55 Nguyen Du Street, Hoan Kiem District, while retaining its traditional northern architectural elements, including pillars, yin and yang tiled roofs, and Buddhist-inspired details.

Fresh spring rolls at Uu Dam Chay feature several types of herbs, served with a sweet and sour sauce. Photo courtesy of Uu Dam Chay

Uu Dam Chay offers à la carte dining, with prices ranging from VND60,000 to VND200,000 ($2.50 to $8.30) per dish, as well as hot pot options priced at over VND300,000 per pot.

4. Sadhu

A familiar choice among Hanoi's vegetarian eaters, Sadhu has two addresses: one at 86 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Hoan Kiem District and another at Udic Complex on N04 Hoang Dao Thuy Street in Cau Giay District. The restaurant's space features wooden elements, emphasizing Buddhist symbolism to create a pure and intimate ambiance.

Sadhu's design combines modern style with traditional northern elements. Photo courtesy of Sadhu

With prices lower than some other establishments, Sadhu operates on a buffet format, costing around VND290,000 ($12) per person. Diners can order directly from the menu and enjoy table service, making it an good choice for hosting guests and group gatherings.

5. Cai Mam Bistro

Cai Mam Bistro at 7 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District recreates the ambiance of an old Hanoi house, complete with deep brown wooden furniture, carved mirrors, wall paintings, wooden staircases, and yellow wall hues.

Cai Mam Bistro offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Photo courtesy of Cai Mam Bistro

Cai Mam Bistro provides both set menus, ranging from VND149,000 to VND360,000 ($6 to $15), and à la carte options, with dishes priced between VND85,000 and VND149,000 per serving. The restaurant also offers an array of wines to complement your meal.

6. Wai Thai

Wai Thai, at No 14, Alley 36 Dao Tan, Ba Dinh District, stands out as the first Thai restaurant in the city specializing in vegetarian cuisine, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional vegetarian fare. Guests can enjoy a diverse range of Thai and fusion dishes that cater to various tastes.

Wai Thai offers a wide range of vegetarian selections. Photo courtesy of Wai Thai

Prices vary, starting from VND49,000 ($2), with options like grilled hot pot priced at VND399,000, making it suitable for groups of all sizes.

7. OBOK Veggie

OBOK Veggie pioneers Korean-style vegetarian dining. The restaurant, at No 11, Alley 143 Trung Kinh, Cau Giay District, offers a vegetarian buffet for VND143,000 ($6) at lunchtime, featuring 12 unlimited side dishes and five main courses.

OBOK Veggie provides diners with a menu featuring an array of unlimited side dishes. Photo courtesy of OBOK Veggie

OBOK Veggie also serves à la carte dishes in the evening.

8. Veggie Castle

Veggie Castle has long been a favored destination for budget-conscious vegetarians in Hanoi, particularly among the younger crowd.

Veggie Castle's menu is refreshed daily, offering a variety of dishes, from main courses to desserts. Photo courtesy of Veggie Castle

With five branches in Hanoi and one in the nearby Bac Ninh Province, Veggie Castle offers a daily-changing selection of about 15 vegetarian dishes for a mere VND90,000 ($3.70) per person, with updates posted on their official page.