A Vegan's Guide To Eating In Hanoi

As a vegan, I was skeptical of the ability to maintain my dietary lifestyle upon arrival to Hanoi. I had come to terms with the fact that, more likely than not, I would be required to consume some form of animal byproduct during my stay. Nonetheless, with 10 days passed since my arrival, maintaining my vegan lifestyle in Vietnam has proven to be easier than I had originally thought.  

Hanoi has no shortage of restaurants, and thanks to its large Buddhist population, vegetarian food is of ample supply.  The trick is to know where to look.  The word chay (meaning 'vegetarian') is regularly displayed on restaurant menus, with some restaurants even having a separate vegetarian menu all together. And if by chance there is nothing listed on the menu, restaurant staff are always willing to accommodate. With a few simple phrases such as "khong nuoc man" (no fish sauce), and "khong trung" (no egg), you're sure to find a true vegan meal!

    

Photos taken by Mia Chiappetta McCannel

Although I've kept most of my meals pretty simple (mostly consisting of tofu, rice, and vegetables) many restaurants also offer "mock meat" dishes. Now, for all of you skeptics assuming that vegan food in Vietnam must be bland and boring... Boy, are you wrong! The flavour found in vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine would have any omnivore drooling.  

I was lucky enough to stumble across Zenith Cafe, a strictly vegan restaurant with an attached yoga studio. After an early morning yoga class in Zenith's treetop studio, I devoured a delicious mixed vermicelli noodle dish. For those seeking more traditional Western food, the menu also offered a caramelized zucchini & black bean burger, which undoubtedly was the best vegan burger I've ever had.  

 

                                                            Mixed Vermicelli Noodle Dish

    Yoga Studio at Zenith Yoga

                                  Zucchini & Black Bean Burger with Freshed Pressed Carrot Juice

To finish off a meal, Hanoi offers an array of delectable fruits. Dragonfruits, longan berries, and papaya are seemingly popular; however, for those adventurous types... be sure to try durian! It is a true delicacy in Vietnam, and is certainly not for everyone. A durian's creamy texture and nutritional benefits provide clear examples of why the fruit is commonly known as the "King of Fruits".  Just as long as you can get over its distinctive odor and pungent smell, durian is surely a must try when in Vietnam.       

                                                           Fresh Durian & Dragon Fruit

Being vegan in Vietnam does require some extra precaution and regard. Nonetheless, over the short time I've spent in Hanoi, I have already sampled some of the most robustly flavourful dishes I've ever had! My mouth is salivating simply at the thought of my next meal.  And with that being said, its time for me to head out and discover a new place to eat. Bon appetite!  

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Throw Back Thursday

It's only one and a half weeks until Kyle, Marina, Chris and Henry depart for their trip to Vietnam! Which means that it's only four months until I (Sam!) return to Lao Chai with Megan, Mia and Henry.

One year ago today, the 2014 CBT Vietnam team carefully balanced exams and trip prepping for the one-month long, 10-person trip.

Its incredible to think back to the stress and excitement we felt, through all of the tears and panicked calls, as we prepared for our month long trip in Vietnam. But the experience was completely worth all that we went through.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Macgregor

Today, as a new graduate (albeit my final grades are still to come) of the Bachelor of Tourism Management Program, I am sitting helping the 2015 teams (April and August) prepare for the upcoming trips.

As per tradition, we met for Vietnamese food at V-Nam in North Vancouver. Megan tried pork for the first time in years (in preparation for eating village food) and we  are still working on Mia, our resident vegetarian, to try meat before our trip begins in August. Some ordered and tried new dishes, while others (like myself!) went with their old favourites.

Getting to sit in and help with the new team it is incredible... It's amazing to see all that they have accomplished, and how they are using their strengths and working together as a cohesive unit. There is no doubt in my mind about the numerous success and educational experience they will bring to the village of Lao Chai.

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Memories

The preparation for the February Vietnam trip is bringing back so many memories. The last time I traveled to Vietnam I was seven, so I don’t remember much about the trip. But learning about the history of Vietnam through Chris and the different sources I have been reading, the memory bank has been opened. 

They say that the senses are the strongest memories, and it is true! The smells and tastes of different foods are flooding my mind. The clearest memory is definitely the orange flavored ice cream my parents would bribe my brother and me with in order for us not to complain about the heat.  Of course that would something I would remember, what seven year old doesn’t love ice cream?


I was only in the Sapa region for a short amount of time, but as I look at pictures of the area, I remember the train ride up. Fortunately, this trip we will not be taking the train that I remember. From what I recall it was the cheaper of the two trains… and it showed. This train was my first experience to rail travel and to be honest I have never recovered! Most details have been mentally blocked out for my own sanity of that train, but I would take it again just to travel to Sapa. One of the feelings brought up when thinking about this region is being cold. I was so cold when I was there. 

Learn from my mistakes right? Bring warm clothes is underlined twice in my packing list. 
The memory that has stuck with me since we traveled is the vibrant colours and designs of the fabrics and sashes the women were selling. My family has one hanging in our dining room, which is probably the reason I remember the moment we bought it in Vietnam!

Even if I don’t get the chance to go on the Vietnam trip in February, it is amazing just to be part of the planning process. I am learning so much about Vietnam that I never would have known, which is making my desire to go someday even stronger.

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