Traveling at a slower pace during this trip has allowed us to immerse ourselves more deeply in the places we visit, avoiding the usual whirlwind experience of flashing in and out after just a few days. Our month long stay in Da Nang, Vietnam has given us the opportunity to explore the city and its surrounding areas, and indulge in the local vegan culinary scene. Here’s our vegan food guide Da Nang.
It always starts with good intentions…
Our culinary journey in Da Nang began with optimistic plans. We intended to rent an apartment with a kitchen and cook most of our meals. I had visions of myself floating around the markets squeezing fruit for ripeness, golden sun rays lighting up my path. I was going to become a rice pro, learn to cook tofu Asian style, know everything about lemongrass. I was going to blow minds in Ireland with my newfound skills.
We booked an “apartment with a kitchen” alright. Translate to a “room with a hot plate and a sink.” I should have known better, we went budget mastery on this – €8 a night. I should have known better but, I wasn’t expecting a fire hazard. We realised quickly that the hot plate had a sinister plan to incinerate us in our sleep so had to be plugged out when not in use. If not, it turned on ALL BY ITSELF at the highest power. It had just 2 heat settings, low and high, and mysterious spaces between all leading to a hellishly hot concoction. We (I) sent the whole building choking with burnt chilli on the first day.
We live, we learn
Utensils were lacking, as were pots. We had a frying pan, a spatula and some broken chopsticks. I had no intention of transforming our temporary dwelling into a culinary haven, but in retrospect, investing in a non-scratched frying pan would have been a good idea.
The markets were are a hoot, a lesson in humility. We were overcharged so much that the ladies on the stalls would laugh as we walked away with 2 pieces of veg in hand and 25KVND poorer. My dreams of market prowess dwindled in the face of Grab’s enticing offers – dinner for two to the door for less than 100K VND. Also, the frying pan was giving me nightmares.
What I am saying folks is 95% of our meals in Da Nang for a month were from restaurants and cafés and thus I have eaten enough to write a vegan food guide for Da Nang.
Our vegan food guide to Da Nang
A vegetarian/vegan Macrobiotic Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, also featuring a shop selling noodles, seeds, and beans. Free tea is provided.
Recommendations: Vegan grilled fish with mato sauce, Bun Mam (cold brown noodle bowl with tofu), Rice plate (brown rice, spring rolls, tofu, salad, water spinach, seaweed flakes).
A versatile vegan eatery offering smoothie bowls, cakes, and various dishes. Known for its friendly staff, clean environment, and a diverse menu.
Recommendations: Hawaiian burger, Japanese nori bowl, assorted smoothie bowls.
3. Passionate Heart:
A small Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant specializing in banh mí, noodles, and mock meats. Exceptional mock meats, with “chicken” rice and “duck” dishes standing out.
Recommendations: Mì Quảng, banh mí.
A vegan (chay) restaurant providing noodles, soups, and curry. Offers a calming environment with indoor and outdoor seating.
Recommendations: Cà ri, banh mí,
5. Chay Corner, Vietnamese Dumplings:
A delightful vegetarian spot offering Vietnamese dumplings, with a menu clearly indicating the use of eggs. Daily specials and a friendly staff.
Recommendations: Vietnamese pancakes, avocado banh mí.
Bonus
Rice Lady – find her where Google Maps says SoundCheck Vietnam Main Office, Ngô Quyền, An Hải, An Hải Bắc, Sơn Trà, Da Nang
Bob and I loved this spot, visiting at least 3 times a week. We called her Rice Lady because the chay restaurant she ran had no name nor is it on Google Maps.
We ordered a rice plate due to lack of understanding each other which became us just waving at each other and Rice Lady bringing us huge plates of food. I wasn’t always able to finish mine and I’m pretty sure I got a telling off in Vietnamese as she laughed and pointed at me. The next day my plate was smaller than my BF’s and I cleared it!
Our slower-paced approach to travel in Da Nang led us to discover and savor a variety of vegan delights, making our culinary adventure a highlight of the journey. Have I missed anywhere? Comments are open.
Want to read more on Central Vietnam? Check out my post on Hoi An here.
