A Vegetarian’s Guide to Vietnamese Festivals

Vietnam is a vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage, and its festivals are a testament to the diverse traditions and celebrations that take place throughout the year. For vegetarians, these festivals offer a unique opportunity to explore delicious plant-based cuisine while participating in the country’s festive spirit. This guide will help you navigate the major Vietnamese festivals and discover the vegetarian delights they offer.

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Tet is the most important celebration in Vietnam, marking the Lunar New Year. During Tet, families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, many of which are vegetarian friendly. A popular dish is bánh chưng, a square sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and mushrooms. You can also find gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) loaded with fresh vegetables or nem rán (fried vegetarian spring rolls) that make for a satisfying snack.

Hue Festival
Held every two years in the historic city of Hue, the Hue Festival is a celebration of Vietnamese culture, featuring music, dance, art exhibitions, and food stalls. Vegetarian options are prevalent in Hue’s culinary scene, where you can indulge in chả lụa chay (vegetarian Vietnamese sausage) or savor various chảo rau củ (vegetable stir-fries). Don't miss out on the local specialty bánh bèo, steamed rice cakes often topped with mung bean paste and served with a variety of vegetarian sauces.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a delightful time when families gather to celebrate the harvest and pay homage to the moon. Mooncakes take center stage during this festival, and many bakeries offer vegetarian versions made with lotus seed paste or mung bean filling. Besides mooncakes, street vendors sell delicious chè (sweet soups) filled with beans, fruits, and coconut milk, making an ideal treat for vegetarians.

Gio to Festival (Shrimp and Fish Festival)
This coastal festival celebrates the fishing community and is held in various seaside regions. While seafood is the main focus, many local vendors also provide delectable vegetarian foods. Look for cơm chay (vegetarian rice) served with seasonal vegetables and tofu, along with nộm (Vietnamese salad) made from fresh herbs and crunchy veggies, perfect for those avoiding animal products.

Hanoi’s Street Food Festival
Every year, Hanoi hosts a street food festival that showcases the city’s culinary richness, including many vegetarian offerings. Sample dishes like mì quảng chay (vegetarian Quang noodles) and phở chay (vegetarian pho) at numerous vendor stalls. The atmosphere is festive and lively, making it a great place to meet fellow food enthusiasts and discover new vegetarian dishes.

Conclusion
Embracing Vietnamese festivals as a vegetarian can be an enjoyable experience filled with diverse flavors and communal joy. From Tet to street food festivals, there's an array of plant-based culinary delights waiting to be discovered at each celebration. Planning ahead and looking for specific vegetarian options can help you enjoy traditional Vietnamese culture to the fullest while indulging in delicious meat-free dishes.