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I
n the past it was not uncommon
to hear vegetarian visitors to Hanoi
complain of the city’s options, but
today there is much on offer. Veggie
restaurants are now springing up across
the city like mushrooms after rain. At
lunch or dinner on the first and middle
day of the lunar month, you will see
crowds of men and women queuing for
a veggie buffet. Hanoians also increas-
ingly enjoy veggie food on normal days
as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Vegetarianism is now a norm – it
is part of the art of cuisine today,” says
Huong while dining in a vegetarian res-
taurant in Hanoi. “People are now not
only going to the pagoda for veggie
food, Hanoi people are enjoying it in
various ways, as a new and modern
trend.” Furthermore, there is a commu-
nity spirit among veggies and it is now
easier to find a good veggie restaurant
as they are more frequently flagged and
reviewed online.
PAGODA FEASTS
Hanoi is home to hundreds of an-
In recent years, the vegetarian restaurant scene has grown steadily in Hanoi –
not surprising given the fact that many Vietnamese have Buddhist beliefs and
some are vegetarian. However, many are now also turning veggie for reasons
of beauty and health, writes
Nhat Ha
. Photos courtesy of
Bo De Tam
.
GOING VEGGIE
VIETNAM’S CULINARY DELIGHTS
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