World famous meals like phở bò and bánh mì thịt come to mind for most when they think about Vietnamese cuisine. But with 13% of the country’s population being Buddhist, according to Vietnam’s White Book on Religion published in March 2023, a lot of these mouthwatering meals aren’t an option. Combine that with a growing number of environmentalists and animal lovers who are converting to a plant-based lifestyle, and you get a large need for vegetarian (ăn chay) food options.

It’s clear that the restaurateurs of Da Nang are privy to this idea, as Da Nang is home to dozens of vegetarian eateries. We curated a list of some of the most famous (and not so famous) spots that we think you should try.

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Da Nang

Best Local Cuisine – Passionate Heart (Ẩm Thực Chay Thiện Tâm)

This veggie spot can best be described as a well-kept hole in the wall. Don’t let the looks dissuade you, though; the owners, who are Da Nang natives, know how to make a great plant-based meal.

Specializing in central Vietnamese foods, Passionate Heart offers a variety of local dishes that are sure to hit the spot. From mì quảng (quảng noodles) to cao lầu (Hội An noodles), the recipes here incorporate a variety of mushrooms that not only add protein, fiber, and antioxidants to your meal, but also a delectable flavor that ties the meals together.

The average meal here costs $2 (VND 50k) and you will be sure taste the passion that is put into creating the best local vegetarian dishes in Da Nang City.

Best Value – Quán Chay Thu

This quaint restaurant is located on the bustling road of Phạm Cự Lượng just off of Nguyễn Văn Thoại. Despite its high-traffic location, this spot is a true hidden gem when it comes to vegetarian restaurants in Da Nang.

They offer several different Vietnamese dishes, but the real value is in their vegetarian rice (cơm chay). Served with an assortment of vegetables, tofu, and glass noodles, the veggie rice is the definition of a flavor explosion. On top of that, they give heaping servings — sometimes two to three times as much food as you would normally get at a rice shop (quán cơm).

Considering both of these factors, you might expect a higher price tag for these appetizing eats, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The average meal here costs $1.22 (VND 30K), making this the best value vegetarian restaurant in Da Nang City.

Best Variety – Khong Vegan Kitchen (Bếp Chay Không)

Khong Vegan Kitchen sits nestled just outside the heart of An Thượng, making it easily accessible to tourists and foreign expats.

The menu here boasts 35 different options, including sandwiches, smoothie bowls, noodles, soups, and rice plates. Many of the dishes are internationally inspired, with offerings like tom yum soup, yakisoba, and tacos. If you’re looking for a more local meal, there are also some traditional Vietnamese options like a mushroom bánh mì and summer rolls.

Compared to the other options on this list, the prices here are a little high, with meals ranging between $1.85 and $3.65 (VND 45K – VND 90K). Even still, don’t shy away because of the prices — Khong offers a free loyalty rewards card. What’s more, the large variety they offer gives you a reason to become a regular at this delicious vegan spot.

Most Nutritious – Bao An Macrobiotic (Thực Dưỡng Bảo An)

The traditional Vietnamese architecture of Bao An Macrobiotic creates an atmosphere that draws in a number of curious passerbyers from the street. The aesthetics aren’t the reason this restaurant made this list, though.

As the name suggests, the food here is macrobiotic — a diet which stems from Buddhism and focuses on the “yin and yang” energy of the foods we consume. Following this diet, the plates here are made up of ingredients that include organic, locally grown and seasonal produce that is free of refined sugars, harmful seasonings, and other toxin-containing ingredients.

There are a large variety of healthy, flavor-filled options to try here, with prices starting at $1.85 (VND 45K). They also offer free hot tea for customers. Additionally, as an emphasis to the idea that macrobiotics is more of a lifestyle than just a diet, Bao An offers a variety of healthy teas; natural, locally sourced ingredients; and a few organic, handmade products and accessories available for purchase.

Whether you’re a Buddhist, an animal lover, an environmentalist, or a health advocate, it’s no doubt that Da Nang is home to a number of flavorful vegetarian restaurants that have something to offer for everyone. And as plant-based diets continue to grow in popularity, the number of vegetarian restaurants in Da Nang are sure to follow suit.