Walter Ponce
Located in the heart of Saigon, just off the vibrant Nguyen Hue Walking Street, lies a hidden gem for all vegetarian and vegan food enthusiasts. This beautiful restaurant not only caters to those seeking delicious and fulfilling plant-based meals but also offers an unparalleled dining experience with its **creativity and originality. **
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, the combination of tasty food, excellent service, and a modern, hip interior creates an atmosphere that leaves patrons with fond memories and a desire to return.
A Wholesome Culinary Adventure
From the moment you step foot into the restaurant, the ambiance envelops you with a sense of warmth and tranquility. The interior exudes a modern and hip vibe, enticing visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the culinary adventure that awaits.
The menu, thoughtfully designed in both Vietnamese and English, proves to be a welcoming gesture for international guests. Additionally, the inclusion of pictures for nearly every dish makes the selection process a breeze, especially if you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine. This thoughtful touch allows diners to embark on their gastronomic journey without any language barriers, further enhancing the overall dining experience.
A Bounty of Options
The restaurant takes pride in offering an extensive array of well-known and lesser-known Vietnamese dishes, all of which are exclusively vegetarian, with many being suitable for vegans as well. For those who appreciate variety and choice, this place is a dream come true. Indulging in a diverse range of flavors, textures, and aromas, diners are spoilt for choice, exploring traditional Vietnamese cuisine from a completely plant-based perspective.
The Art of Culinary Innovation
One of the standout features of this cozy eatery is its ability to infuse creativity and originality into every dish. The chef’s recommendations, such as the noodles, showcase the restaurant’s commitment to reimagining classic recipes in innovative ways. The blend of flavors and the meticulous presentation add a touch of finesse to the dishes, elevating them from mere meals to culinary masterpieces.
A Symphony of Taste
For most diners, the quality of food and its taste is the primary consideration when visiting a restaurant. In this regard, the restaurant doesn’t disappoint. With every bite, patrons are treated to a symphony of taste, where flavors dance in harmony on their palates. The dishes are not only delicious but also fulfilling, ensuring that visitors leave the restaurant satisfied and content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this cozy vegetarian restaurant in Saigon is a delightful haven for food lovers seeking both creativity and authenticity in their dining experience. With a menu that showcases a diverse selection of Vietnamese dishes, the restaurant proves that plant-based meals can be just as enticing and fulfilling as their meat-based counterparts.
For locals and tourists alike, this hidden gem is a must-visit, where you can revel in the joy of savoring well-prepared, flavorful vegetarian and vegan delicacies amidst the modern and hip interior. So, the next time you find yourself strolling through the vibrant streets of Saigon, don’t miss the chance to embark on a culinary adventure like no other at this enchanting vegetarian restaurant.
**Address Be An Vegetarian Café: **11B Trần Cao Vân, Đa Kao, Hồ Chí Minh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
**Website Be An Vegetarian Café: **https://www.facebook.com/beanvegetarian/
**Instagram Be An Vegetarian Café: **https://www.instagram.com/beanvegetarian/?hl=en
Vegetarian Food in Vietnam
Vegetarian food has deep roots in Vietnam thanks to Buddhism. Vegetarian cooking is called đồ chay (or món chay), and many Vietnamese Buddhists eat vegetarian on the 1st and 15th day of each lunar month. That is why you can find vegetarian restaurants in every Vietnamese city, often close to pagodas.
Traditional vegetarian kitchens use tofu, mushrooms, jackfruit, seitan and soy-based “mock meats” to recreate classic dishes. The result is that you can try most famous Vietnamese recipes in a plant-based version.
Some dishes to look for on a vegetarian Vietnamese menu:
- Phở chay: vegetarian pho with a broth made from vegetables, spices and mushrooms
- Gỏi cuốn chay: fresh spring rolls with tofu, herbs and rice noodles
- Bánh xèo chay: crispy rice pancakes filled with mushrooms and bean sprouts
- Bún Huế chay: a spicy lemongrass noodle soup from Hue
- Đậu hũ sốt cà chua: tofu in tomato sauce, a simple home-style classic
- Cơm chiên: fried rice, often with vegetables and tofu
Useful Words for Vegetarians in Vietnam
- Chay: vegetarian
- Tôi ăn chay: I am vegetarian
- Không thịt: no meat
- Không nước mắm: no fish sauce
- Đậu hũ: tofu
- Nấm: mushroom
Fish sauce is used in many regular dishes, so asking at non-vegetarian places is always a good idea. At a fully vegetarian restaurant, this is not a concern.
The Area: Da Kao
Tran Cao Van street is in the Da Kao area, a central and quieter part of Saigon, north of the main tourist streets. It is a good base for exploring some of the city’s classic sights.
Things to see nearby:
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: one of the most atmospheric Taoist temples in the city
- Tan Dinh Church: the famous pink church on Hai Ba Trung street
- Saigon Central Post Office: a French colonial landmark next to the cathedral
- Independence Palace: the former presidential palace, now a museum
- War Remnants Museum: an important museum about the Vietnam War
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street: a pedestrian boulevard that comes alive in the evening
Getting Around Saigon
- Ride-hailing apps: Grab and other local apps are the easiest way to get around, by car or motorbike.
- Walking: possible in the centre, but be careful when crossing streets. Walk slowly and steadily so motorbikes can go around you.
- Metro: Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line has opened, connecting the centre with the eastern districts.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
- December to April: the dry season, with sunny days and less humidity.
- May to November: the rainy season, with short but heavy afternoon showers.
- Tet (Lunar New Year): a beautiful time to see the city decorated, but many businesses close for several days.
Tips for Your Visit
- Check current opening hours on the restaurant’s social media before you go.
- Order a few dishes to share to try more of the menu.
- Carry some cash in Vietnamese dong, although cards are increasingly accepted.
- Stay hydrated: Saigon is hot and humid all year.
FAQ
Is Be An Vegetarian Café fully vegetarian? Yes, the menu is exclusively vegetarian, and many dishes are suitable for vegans.
Is the menu in English? The menu has been offered in Vietnamese and English, with photos of most dishes.
What does “chay” mean? Chay means vegetarian in Vietnamese, and you will see it on restaurant signs.
Is it easy to be vegetarian in Vietnam? Yes, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, where there are many vegetarian restaurants.
What is nearby? The Jade Emperor Pagoda, Tan Dinh Church and the Central Post Office are all in the area.
