How Much Is Indian Food in Vietnam?
If you’re planning a trip and wondering, “Is Indian food expensive in Vietnam?”, you’re not alone. Many Indian travelers, students, and expats want to know whether they can comfortably enjoy familiar meals while exploring Vietnam. The short answer: Indian food in Vietnam is slightly more expensive than local Vietnamese food, but still affordable compared to India’s metro cities or Western countries.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down pricing, compare costs, explore food options, and help you understand whether eating Indian food daily will impact your travel budget.
How Much Does Indian Food Cost in Vietnam?
Let’s directly address the core question: Is Indian food expensive in Vietnam?
Indian food prices vary depending on the city (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), restaurant type, and location (tourist vs local areas).
Average Price Range
- Basic Indian meal: ₹250 – ₹500 (70,000 – 150,000 VND)
- Mid-range restaurant meal: ₹500 – ₹900 (150,000 – 300,000 VND)
- Fine dining Indian restaurants: ₹900 – ₹1,500+ (300,000 – 500,000+ VND)
Typical Dish Prices
- Butter Chicken: ₹300 – ₹600
- Dal Tadka: ₹200 – ₹400
- Paneer dishes: ₹300 – ₹500
- Naan (plain/butter): ₹50 – ₹120
- Biryani: ₹350 – ₹700
Compared to local Vietnamese meals that cost ₹80–₹200, Indian food is clearly more expensive—but still manageable.
Vietnam Food Price List
To better understand “Is Indian food expensive in Vietnam?”, you need a comparison with local food.
Local Vietnamese Food Prices
- Street food (Pho, Banh Mi): ₹80 – ₹150
- Local restaurant meal: ₹150 – ₹300
- Coffee: ₹40 – ₹120
- Beer: ₹50 – ₹100
Comparison Insight
- Indian food = 2x to 4x cost of local food
- Still cheaper than eating Indian food in Europe, US, or even some parts of India
So while Indian food is not “cheap” in Vietnam, it’s not overly expensive either.
Vietnam Veg Food Prices in Rupees
Vegetarian travelers often worry more. The good news is Vietnam has a growing vegetarian scene.
Veg Food Costs
- Local veg meal (Vietnamese): ₹100 – ₹250
- Indian veg meal: ₹250 – ₹600
- Veg buffet (some places): ₹300 – ₹700
Key Insight
Indian vegetarian food is easier to find in major cities like:
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang
However, it is priced higher due to imported spices and ingredients.
Vietnam Food Cost Per Day in Indian Rupees
If you’re budgeting your trip, here’s a daily estimate:
Budget Traveler
- Local food only: ₹500 – ₹800/day
Mixed Diet (Local + Indian)
- ₹800 – ₹1,500/day
Indian Food Only Diet
- ₹1,200 – ₹2,500/day
Conclusion
If you eat Indian food daily, your costs increase significantly. This directly answers:
👉 Is Indian food expensive in Vietnam?
Yes, especially if consumed regularly instead of local food.
Is Vietnam Expensive or Cheap for Indians?
Vietnam is generally considered very affordable for Indian travelers.
Travel Costs Breakdown
- Budget hotel: ₹800 – ₹2,000/night
- Mid-range hotel: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000/night
- Transport: ₹50 – ₹500
- Attractions: ₹100 – ₹1,000
Vietnam Trip Cost in Indian Rupees (Approx.)
- Budget trip (5–7 days): ₹40,000 – ₹60,000
- Mid-range trip: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Luxury trip: ₹1,00,000+
Food Impact
If you rely heavily on Indian food, your total trip cost increases by 20–40%.
Is There Good Indian Food in Vietnam?
Yes, and this might surprise you.
Indian Food in Vietnam Hanoi
Hanoi has some of the best Indian restaurants in Vietnam:
- Authentic North & South Indian dishes
- Punjabi cuisine
- Jain and pure veg options
Other Cities
- Ho Chi Minh City: Wide variety of Indian restaurants
- Da Nang: Limited but growing options
Quality Insight
Many restaurants are run by Indian chefs or expats, ensuring:
- Authentic taste
- Proper spices
- Familiar flavors
So the answer is:
👉 Indian food is not only available—it’s actually quite good.
Is Indian Food Expensive in Vietnam Reddit Insights
When exploring “Is indian food expensive in vietnam reddit”, community discussions reveal real experiences:
Common Opinions
- “Indian food is pricier but worth it when craving home taste.”
- “Local Vietnamese food is much cheaper and delicious.”
- “Indian restaurants are mostly in tourist areas, so prices are higher.”
- “You can’t rely on Indian food daily unless you have a higher budget.”
Key Takeaway
Reddit users consistently confirm:
👉 Indian food is moderately expensive compared to local cuisine, but not unaffordable.
What Can 20,000 Dong Buy in Vietnam?
This is a popular question among budget travelers.
With 20,000 VND (~₹70)
You can get:
- A small street snack
- Local tea or iced drink
- Basic Vietnamese dessert
- Cheap banh mi (in some areas)
Can You Get Indian Food?
No.
Indian food costs are significantly higher due to:
- Imported spices
- Restaurant setup
- Target audience (tourists/expats)
This further reinforces the idea that Indian food is not cheap in Vietnam.
Thailand vs Vietnam: Indian Food Accessibility
Some comparisons show:
- Thailand: More Indian restaurants, slightly cheaper
- Vietnam: Fewer options, slightly higher prices
However:
- Vietnam offers better overall affordability
- Food quality remains high in both countries
Why Is Indian Food Expensive in Vietnam?
Let’s break down the reasons:
1. Imported Ingredients
Indian spices, lentils, and basmati rice are often imported.
2. Niche Demand
Indian food caters mostly to tourists and expats.
3. Restaurant Type
Most Indian restaurants are mid-range or premium.
4. Location
Restaurants are usually in tourist areas with higher rents.
Final Verdict: Is Indian Food Expensive in Vietnam?
So, is Indian food expensive in Vietnam?
Final Answer:
- Yes, compared to local Vietnamese food
- No, compared to global standards
Smart Strategy
- Eat local food for most meals
- Enjoy Indian food occasionally
This way, you balance budget and comfort.
FAQ
Yes, Indian food typically costs 2–4 times more than local Vietnamese dishes because of imported ingredients and restaurant pricing.
A typical Indian meal ranges between ₹250 and ₹900 depending on the restaurant and dish selection.
Yes, but it will increase your daily food budget significantly, possibly up to ₹2,500 per day.
Yes, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, though it is slightly expensive.
It ranges from ₹500 for local food to ₹2,500 if you rely heavily on Indian meals.
No, Vietnam is generally affordable, with low accommodation and transport costs.
It can buy small street food items or drinks but not Indian meals.
You can find multiple Indian restaurants in Hanoi offering authentic North and South Indian cuisine.
A 5–7 day trip typically costs between ₹40,000 and ₹1,00,000 depending on travel style.
Yes, especially when you crave familiar flavors, but it’s best enjoyed occasionally.