What meat equivalents do you use in vegetarian Vietnamese?
Like what’s done in North America, tofu and other meat equivalents are used to replace meats. Many dishes, like pho, do not work without the use of some form of protein. It’s not enough removing meat. Something must be added in its place.
Tofu or plant-based protein is used in vegetarian Vietnamese. For years, this is how restaurants have been doing it. All the new brands of plant-based protein have made it even easier to prepare vegetarian Vietnamese dishes.
How do I know my Vietnamese meal is vegetarian?
When you go to a Vietnamese restaurant, you may have doubts or questions about what’s vegetarian and what isn’t. Look closely at the menu. Anything vegetarian is noted with ‘chay’ in front.
‘Chay’ means vegetarian. You cannot have chay Vietnamese with meat. Chay Vietnamese is always vegetarian. This is the indicator you want to look for if you’re avoiding meat. The meat equivalent used in chay Vietnamese is likely tofu. Some restaurants may have their own bean-based or plant-based protein. Rest assured, even if it looks like meat, ‘chay’ tells you it isn’t.
How popular is vegetarian eating in Vietnamese cuisine?
Every soup, sandwich, or street food in Vietnamese culture has a vegetarian-inspired variant. Customizations have always been used in this style of cooking. For a person living a vegetarian lifestyle, they come across no different as anyone else.
In North America, we focus a lot on the meat we eat and how we use meat in our meals. Hamburgers, steak, pork chops, rotisserie chicken, and more. These foods do not exist like this in Vietnamese cooking.
A part of why vegetarian eating is ok in Vietnamese culture is because the focus is not on the meat. It is only one ingredient, among many. For us, it’s just protein. The philosophy behind our meals does not interpret meat as a necessary flavor.
What are the 3 most common vegetarian foods in Vietnamese cuisine?
1. Pho chay.
2. Banh mi chay.
3. Com chay.
Pho chay is very popular. There is no definitive recipe on how to make pho chay. Beyond excluding meat bites from the soup, one must also prepare a broth that isn’t flavored with meat.
Banh mi chay is a vegetarian Vietnamese sandwich. This looks similar to other vegetarian sandwiches. There are many ways to make it, most commonly with seared tofu replacing the meat. Others have used cauliflower in the place of meat.
Com chay is vegetarian rice. You may think, isn’t all rice vegetarian? Yes, it is. Com Chay is a rice dish made from steamed rice sliced into flat round shapes. They are then fried in a pan and commonly served with protein substitutes and veggies.
Are there chay Vietnamese restaurants?
Chay Vietnamese restaurants exist in Vietnam. They are commonly frequented by religious Vietnamese. They are rarely found in the tourist-friendly areas of the country.
Chay Vietnamese restaurants are not very popular in parts of the world outside of Vietnam. It is rare to find a chay Vietnamese restaurant in Toronto and cities like it. This doesn’t mean vegetarianism isn’t popular here though.
More and more, restaurants are creating chay menus. For vegetarians and vegans, it’s easy to eat out at a Vietnamese restaurant. Ask for the chay menu or non-meat customization of your choosing.
Is vegetarian eating religious in Vietnam?
There is an association between being a vegetarian and religion in Vietnam. This is because, in Vietnamese culture, we do not have factory farming like there is in Canada or the US. Meat is ethically sourced.
Health-wise, there isn’t as much information about vegetarianism in Vietnam either. It isn’t perceived as a healthier choice than eating meat.
Why people eat vegetarian in Vietnam is often tied to Vietnamese Buddhists. A tenant of this religion is abstinence from animal products. This is where vegetarian dishes first came to be introduced. This is why eating vegetarian is nothing new. It’s been happening for years.
Can I eat as a vegan in Vietnamese cuisine?
Eating vegetarian is expected. Eating vegan isn’t. As a vegan though, you can still enjoy Vietnamese cuisine.
Start by looking at the chay dishes on a menu. As a vegan, you want to ensure there isn’t any butter, milk, eggs, fish sauce, or cheese used in your meal. Here are the easiest vegan dishes in Vietnamese cuisine to order.
? Vegan pho is easy. Almost any lifestyle can eat pho. The noodles are made from gluten-free rice. There are pho broths made from veggie-only ingredients. Tofu’s an easy add as well.
? Vegan banh mi is Vietnam’s sandwich. A baguette stuffed with filling, it’s easy to include vegetables and exclude the protein filling which is usually pork. Sometimes egg is also used. Be sure to clarify what you want on your banh mi.
? Vegan goi cuon are Vietnamese rice paper rolls. They come fresh, gluten-free, and typically include seafood and meat. Customize it and use tofu instead.
? Papaya salad is Vietnam’s favourite salad. No meat products are used in it. Fresh papaya forms the base. Carrots, sesame seeds, basil, coriander, and peanuts are used to fill out the rest. Note fish sauce may be included in the dressing. Ask to ensure this isn’t the case.
The world is changing. Diets and lifestyles are moving towards more vegetables and less meat. Toronto Vietnamese restaurant menus reflect this. TorontoPHO has an increased emphasis on vegetarian dishes or ‘chay’ meals. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you are welcome at our restaurant. Any customization you want, we fulfill. Are you in the mood for delicious vegetarian Vietnamese food – visit TorontoPHO today.
Are you looking for a Pho restaurant in your area? Look no further, Toronto Pho is a family-owned business that serves the best pho and late-night grub. With 4 locations throughout Ontario, we provide fast delivery and online ordering for pick-up or delivery through our simple app available for both Android and iPhone smart phones.
