Vietnam has a special place in our journey. We lived in Hanoi from 2005 to 2009 — and it’s actually where we became vegan! Luckily, Vietnam is already quite vegan-friendly. There are many vegan restaurants, and even people who aren’t vegan often eat vegan food on certain days of the month. You’ll find plenty of chay (vegetarian/vegan) restaurants, and with a little guidance, most dishes can be veganized.
Why a Vietnamese Language Guide Helps Vegan Travelers
That said, broth and hidden ingredients can sneak into meals like noodle soup, so having the right words makes all the difference.
Vietnamese people are wonderfully accommodating and many speak enough English to help. But knowing a few Vietnamese phrases shows respect, helps you explain what vegan really means, and makes ordering food easier.
About This Vegan Vietnamese Language Guide
This language guide is extra special because:
- It was created and checked by native Vietnamese speakers (not Google Translate).
- It includes polite greetings, which are very important when making requests in Vietnam.
- You can explain exactly what vegan means and even thank the chef — politeness is highly valued.
- It helps reduce waste with phrases like “no straw” and “no plastic bag.”
- It reminds you that Vietnamese is a tonal language — if you’re not understood, just show the text.
- It even has emergency phrases, just in case.
A big thank you to our friend Chi, our longtime Vietnam partner. She and her husband run a kayak tour company in Hội An, and Chi also owns the vegan restaurant Vegan Zone.
Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Vegan Travelers (Updated 2025)
Here are some easy Vietnamese phrases to use while traveling. Use them when eating out, shopping, or in case of an emergency.
General
- Hello! – Xin chào
- Goodbye! – Tạm biệt
- How are you? – Bạn có khỏe không?
Vegan & Dining
- That was delicious! – Ngon quá!
- I eat vegan. – Tôi ăn chay thuần
- I am vegan. I do not eat meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, or dairy. – Tôi ăn chay thuần, không thịt, cá, hải sản, gia cầm, trứng, sữa động vật và các chế phẩm từ sữa
- Does this food contain meat, fish, eggs, or dairy? – Món ăn này có thịt, cá, hải sản, gia cầm, trứng, sữa động vật và các chế phẩm từ động vật không?
- Is this vegan? – Cái này có phải chay thuần không?
- Please no broth made from meat or fish. – Làm ơn không nước súp từ thịt hay cá
- I don’t want… – Tôi không muốn…
- Fish – Cá
- Meat – Thịt
- Pork – Thịt heo
- Chicken – Thịt gà
- Beef – Thịt bò
- Egg – Trứng
- Seafood – Hải sản
- Cow’s milk – Sữa bò
- Cheese – Phô mai
- Yogurt – Sữa chua
- Shrimp paste – Mắm tôm
- Oyster sauce – Dầu hào
- Thank you! – Cảm ơn
- Does this have leather, silk, or wool? – Cái này có làm bằng da, lụa, len hay chất liệu từ động vật không?
- Can you check with the chef that this is vegan? – Bạn có thể hỏi bếp cái này có phải chay thuần không?
- Can you make this dish vegan? – Bạn có thể làm món này kiểu chay không?
- Thank you for accommodating me. – Cảm ơn các bạn đã đón tiếp tôi ở nhà hàng và chăm sóc tôi.
Zero Waste
- No plastic bag, please. – Không túi ny lông
- No straw, please. – Không ống hút
- I really don’t want a straw. – Tôi không muốn ống hút
Emergency
- Please call an ambulance! – Làm ơn hãy gọi cấp cứu
- I need someone who speaks English. – Tôi cần một người nói tiếng Anh ngay.
- Please send an ambulance with a doctor if possible. – Vui lòng cho xe cứu thương và bác sĩ tới.
Join Us on a Future Trip to Vietnam
Vietnam is one of our favorite destinations. With stunning scenery, delicious vegan food, and welcoming people, it’s perfect for vegan travelers. World Vegan Travel runs trips to Vietnam that include fully vegan meals, cultural activities, and the chance to connect with like-minded travelers.
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