Indian Food in Vietnam is Delicious: What Indians Eat in Vietnam
Vietnam has quickly become one of the most loved travel destinations for Indian tourists. From vibrant street food culture to scenic landscapes and affordable travel, the country offers a complete experience. But one of the biggest questions Indian travelers ask before planning their trip is: what Indians eat in Vietnam.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll find familiar flavors or need to completely adapt to Vietnamese cuisine, the answer is reassuring—Indian food in Vietnam is not only available, but it’s also incredibly delicious and diverse. Based on traveler discussions, food guides, and recommendations from communities like Reddit, Facebook travel groups, TripAdvisor, and travel blogs, this guide will give you a complete picture of what Indians eat in Vietnam.
What Indians Eat in Vietnam
When it comes to what Indians eat in Vietnam, there are three main categories:
1. Authentic Indian Food in Vietnam
Many Indian travelers prefer sticking to familiar meals, especially during longer stays. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have a growing number of Indian restaurants offering:
- Butter Chicken
- Paneer Tikka
- Dal Makhani
- Biryani (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Naan & Roti
- Chole Bhature
These restaurants are often run by Indian chefs or owners, ensuring authentic taste. Travelers on forums like What indians eat in vietnam reddit often mention that the quality is surprisingly good, sometimes even comparable to restaurants in India.
2. Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Vietnam is a great destination for vegetarians. Even though Vietnamese cuisine includes meat and seafood, there are plenty of plant-based dishes.
From the reference travel blogs and community discussions, popular vegetarian options include:
- Pho Chay (Vegetarian noodle soup)
- Banh Mi Chay (Vegetarian sandwich)
- Fresh spring rolls with tofu
- Stir-fried vegetables with rice
Indian travelers often mix local vegetarian dishes with Indian meals. Many restaurants also offer Jain food or customize dishes without onion and garlic.
3. Local Vietnamese Food Adapted by Indians
Some Indians enjoy experimenting with local cuisine. The Top 10 Vietnamese dishes commonly tried by Indian tourists include:
- Pho (Noodle soup)
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
- Bun Cha (Grilled pork with noodles)
- Goi Cuon (Spring rolls)
- Com Tam (Broken rice)
- Cao Lau (Regional noodles)
- Hu Tieu (Southern noodle soup)
- Xoi (Sticky rice)
- Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake)
- Che (Dessert soup)
Vegetarians usually replace meat with tofu or vegetables.
What Indians Eat in Vietnam Reddit Insights
Discussions under What indians eat in vietnam reddit highlight real traveler experiences. Some common insights include:
- Indian food is widely available in major cities
- Prices are slightly higher than local food but still affordable
- Street food may not always suit Indian taste preferences
- Vegetarian travelers find Vietnam easier than expected
- Indian restaurants often cluster in tourist areas
Many users recommend mixing Indian meals with local vegetarian dishes for a better experience.
Is There Good Indian Food in Vietnam?
Yes—there is excellent Indian food in Vietnam.
According to TripAdvisor listings and traveler feedback:
- Ho Chi Minh City has the highest number of Indian restaurants
- Hanoi also offers a wide range of North and South Indian cuisine
- Da Nang is emerging with quality Indian dining options
Popular areas where you can easily search for Indian food near me include:
- District 1 (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Old Quarter (Hanoi)
- Beach areas in Da Nang
Many restaurants offer dine-in, takeaway, and even delivery services.
Indian Food Near Me: How to Find It in Vietnam
Finding Indian food near me in Vietnam is simple:
- Use Google Maps or TripAdvisor
- Search for Indian restaurants in tourist areas
- Join travel groups for updated recommendations
- Check reviews for authenticity and pricing
Travelers from Facebook groups often suggest checking menus beforehand to ensure availability of vegetarian options.
Why Are There So Many Indians in Ho Chi Minh?
A frequently asked question is: Why are there so many Indians in Ho Chi Minh?
There are several reasons:
- Strong business connections between India and Vietnam
- Growing IT and startup ecosystem
- Tourism boom attracting Indian travelers
- Indian communities and cultural associations
This presence has also contributed to the rise of Indian restaurants and grocery stores, making it easier for Indians to find familiar food.
Vietnam Currency and Food Expenses
Understanding Vietnam currency is essential for planning meals.
- Local currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Meals at local restaurants: 50,000–150,000 VND
- Indian restaurant meals: 150,000–400,000 VND
Vietnam Currency to INR
- 1 INR ≈ 300–350 VND (approximate, varies)
Indian food is slightly more expensive than local dishes, but still budget-friendly compared to India’s metro cities.
Vietnam Visa for Indians
Before exploring what Indians eat in Vietnam, you need to plan your travel.
Vietnam Visa for Indians: Key Points
- E-visa available online
- Processing time: 3–5 working days
- Validity: 30 days (single entry)
- Cost: Around $25
Having a visa sorted ensures a smooth travel experience, allowing you to focus on food and exploration.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid in Vietnam?
While exploring food options, avoid these common mistakes:
- Assuming all dishes are vegetarian
- Not checking ingredients (fish sauce is common)
- Ignoring street food hygiene
- Not carrying some ready-to-eat Indian snacks
- Overlooking currency conversion
Travelers often recommend asking clearly about ingredients to avoid confusion.
What Is the Biggest Cause of Death in Vietnam?
Though unrelated to food directly, travelers often ask: What is the biggest cause of death in Vietnam?
The leading causes include:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Road accidents
- Respiratory illnesses
For travelers, the main concern is road safety. Always be cautious while crossing streets and renting vehicles.
Food Culture: Blending Indian and Vietnamese Flavors
One of the most interesting aspects of what Indians eat in Vietnam is how travelers blend both cuisines.
Common patterns include:
- Breakfast: Vietnamese coffee & bread
- Lunch: Local vegetarian dish
- Dinner: Indian restaurant meal
This balance helps travelers enjoy local culture without compromising comfort.
Vegetarian Indian Food in Vietnam: A Growing Trend
From the referenced travel blog, vegetarian Indian food is gaining popularity due to:
- Increasing Indian tourists
- Rising vegan awareness
- Demand for Jain food
Many restaurants now clearly label vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Street Food vs Indian Restaurants
Street Food
- Cheap and authentic
- Limited vegetarian clarity
- Strong local flavors
Indian Restaurants
- Familiar taste
- Hygienic
- Slightly expensive
Most Indian travelers prefer a mix of both.
Final Thoughts: What Indians Eat in Vietnam
To sum up, what Indians eat in Vietnam depends on personal preference:
- Comfort seekers choose Indian restaurants
- Explorers try Vietnamese cuisine
- Vegetarians mix both options
The availability of Indian food, combined with Vietnam’s diverse cuisine, makes it easy for Indians to enjoy their trip without worrying about meals.
FAQ
Yes, Indian food is widely available in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Restaurants offer both North and South Indian cuisine, including vegetarian options.
Reddit users suggest that Indian travelers often rely on Indian restaurants while occasionally trying vegetarian Vietnamese dishes for variety.
Yes, Vietnam has many vegetarian dishes such as Pho Chay and Banh Mi Chay. Indian restaurants also offer a wide range of veg meals.
Indian food is slightly more expensive than local cuisine but still affordable. A meal typically costs between 150,000 to 400,000 VND.
Popular dishes include Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Goi Cuon, and others, often adapted for vegetarian preferences.
Yes, using Google Maps or TripAdvisor makes it easy to find Indian restaurants in tourist areas.
The local currency is Vietnamese Dong. The approximate Vietnam currency to INR is 1 INR ≈ 300–350 VND.