Hoi An has been a go-to spot for vegan travelers in Vietnam for ages. And for good reason! The town not only boasts incredible vegan restaurants in Hoi An, but also a mix of beautiful architecture, bike rides, and a laid-back vibe, all just a few kilometers from the beach
However, in recent years, some new vegan restaurants in Hoi An have popped up, making the town even better for plant-based travelers. What’s great is that so many of them are very different! As a result, you can really enjoy vegan food and vegan restaurants in a variety of settings and locations in and out of the lovely town.
So, onwards! Here are five + one bonus vegan restaurants in Hoi An that you must try out if you are heading to this lovely town.
At the beach: The Fisherman
The Fisherman (which is a strange name we know) is a vegan restaurant right on An Bang beach. We were told about this restaurant just before we came to Vietnam in 2018. It had opened just a month earlier, and we were so happy to hear about it because we were really struggling to come up with a place that would be able to cater for us for a particular meal having driven up in the early morning from Hue and seen the Douc Langurs at Son Tra Peninsula. It ticked all the boxes we needed and everyone loved it.
The Fisherman is a breezy beachside spot with a relaxed vibe. Back in 2018, the staff and management went above and beyond for our group, putting together an incredible spread. Over the years, the restaurant has gone through some changes in management, but during our most recent visit in September 2024, it was better than ever! Now a fully vegan restaurant, The Fisherman has truly elevated its offerings, with delicious plant-based dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
We were pleased to see that the small aquarium at the entrance, which had previously raised concerns, is no longer part of the experience. If you’re craving vegan food by the beach, The Fisherman is one of the best vegan restaurants in Hoi An. Most of the other beachside places are seafood-heavy, so having a fully vegan option right on the sand is such a treat. They’re open early, avoid single-use plastics, and often host fun parties and events!
Best restaurant with furry friends: Jack’s Cat Cafe
Named after their first shelter cat, Jack’s Cat Cafe it’s a legit cat café. When we say that, we mean that the cats are rescues and are pretty much all adoptable. Set in a lovely garden with plenty of shade (it can get very hot in Hoi An in the middle of the day) they have a small lunch menu with some drinks.
To help support their work rescuing stray cats in Vietnam, there’s a 150,000 VND admission fee per person, which includes a complimentary drink of your choice (children under 12 can visit for free). Note that you need to book in advance, as entry is limited, and the cafe is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 am, with visits lasting 60-90 minutes.
Come and spend some time with the kitties and enjoy the delicious wraps and Vietnamese coffee.
For a local taste on the go: Hoi Banh My Chay
If you’re after a quick bite on the go, Hoi Banh My Chay is a must-visit. This unassuming little stall serves up vegan bánh mì (Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich) and soy milk daily. And here’s the cool part: on full moon days (the 1st and 15th of the lunar month) they step it up a notch and offer vegan pho (noodle soup).
It’s the perfect spot for a budget-friendly and authentic Vietnamese vegan experience. Just keep in mind their hours can be a bit unpredictable, so maybe don’t plan your whole day around it. If you do manage to catch them open, though, you’re in for a real treat!
Best Hidden Gem for Vegan Cau Lau: Ba Dam Vegetarian Restaurant
Ba Dam is a tiny, family-run spot in the heart of Hoi An’s old town, offering authentic vegan dishes that align with Buddhist values. Known for their incredible cau lau—a regional specialty that’s hard to find vegan elsewhere—this hidden gem provides a taste of traditional Hoi An without breaking the bank. It’s also one of the stops on the 2024 Hoi An Vegan Street Food Tour by World Vegan Travel, making it a must-visit for those looking to dive deeper into the city’s culinary delights.
Best Interactive Dining Experience: Chickpea Eatery & Vegan Cooking School
Chickpea Eatery isn’t just about enjoying a meal—it’s about diving into the art of vegan Vietnamese cooking! Home to Hoi An’s first fully vegan cooking class, this spot offers a hands-on culinary adventure where you’ll learn to prepare authentic, plant-based Vietnamese dishes. Perfect for foodies and anyone looking to take home more than just memories, Chickpea Eatery’s classes are a fun and unique way to experience Hoi An’s vibrant vegan food scene.
Bonus: Best Restaurant in the Paddy Fields: Nourish
This one doesn’t make the list because it is not 100% vegan it’s not that far off!
Nourish is new to the vegan scene in Hoi An as well. Located a short distance from town, this nearly vegan restaurant requires a jaunt through some paddy fields to get there. The small restaurant itself is in an old central Vietnamese house and has a lovely garden. The service was pretty good and we had a nice experience.
Located in a very sweet garden this place specializes in smoothie bowls and nourishes bowls. While it calls itself a plant-based café, it does still serve eggs and dairy although of course, nondairy milk is an option. Seb was not keen on his coffee experience, but we both enjoyed our food.
Conclusion
Hoi An has truly blossomed into a vegan haven, offering a rich variety of dining experiences for every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a casual meal by the beach, indulge in authentic local flavors, or get hands-on with a cooking class, there’s something for everyone. These spots reflect the vibrant spirit of this charming town, where food is not only delicious but also sustainable and mindful.
So, which vegan restaurants in Hoi An are you most excited to try? Have you been to any of these places or have other favorites to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
Want to know more about Hoi An and Vietnam? Check out these resources:
- Listen to this podcast episode with Catherine Besch, Hoi An & Animal Rescues – A Vegan’s Homeland
- Read this blog post on 5 Vegan Must-Sees in Vietnam for more travel inspiration!
- Check out “The Top 7 Vegan Restaurants in Vietnam” for even more dining options across the country!
- Discover our vegan-friendly trips and experience the best of the country firsthand!
Let the adventure begin—whether it’s in Hoi An or somewhere else, happy travels and happy eating!
