For many, the sensory experience of a Vietnamese banh mi is unforgettable. The crackle of a warm, crusty baguette, the sharp tang of pickled vegetables, the fresh hit of coriander, and the fiery sting of chilli combine into a beloved national icon. This fusion sandwich, born from Vietnam's French colonial history and popularised from the 1950s, is a staple found on thousands of street carts across the bustling capital of Hanoi.
The Vegan Challenge in a Meat-Lover's Paradise
As a vegan traveller, indulging in a traditional banh mi packed with pate and cold cuts wasn't an option. However, a discovery awaited: a growing handful of spots in Hanoi now cater to plant-based diets. While my travel companions embarked on a traditional food tour, I set off on a solo mission across the vibrant city to taste-test four different vegan banh mi offerings, documenting each find.
Stop 1: The Tourist Favourite – Banh Mi 25
Located at 25 Hang Ca in the Old Quarter, Banh Mi 25 operates daily from 7am to 9pm and is a magnet for tourists. Despite a noon crowd spilling onto the street, the queue moves swiftly. A savvy insider tip: skip the line by grabbing a seat at their unmarked table service across the road.
Their menu includes four "chay" (vegetarian) options, three of which are vegan. I opted for the non-GMO tofu and king oyster mushroom stir-fry, swapping mushrooms for avocado, at a cost of 50,000 VND ($2.93). While the cucumber, coriander, and pickled carrot and daikon provided freshness, the overall flavours were somewhat bland. The soft tofu lacked a savoury punch, highlighting the challenge of replacing depth usually added by pate and mayo. The lively atmosphere, however, was undeniable.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Stop 2: The Hidden Alleyway Gem – Banh Mi Oi
A mere four-minute walk away at 6 Luong Van Can, the tiny Banh Mi Oi (open 7.30am to 8.30pm or 9pm) offered a more traditional setup. Wedged between market stalls, it featured just a few plastic stools for seating.
The friendly owner provided a stool as I watched my sandwich being prepared. For 35,000 VND ($2.05), I tried the vegan charsiu and sausage. The texture of the mock meats was unusual, but the homemade vegan pate and signature capsicum, mushroom, and taro sauce delivered much-needed flavour. The warm bread started well, but it wasn't compelling enough to finish with more stops ahead.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Stop 3: A Taste of Central Vietnam – Banh Mi Long Hoi
Venturing further south to 1 Hang Dau (open 6.30am to 10.30pm), Banh Mi Long Hoi presented a cafe-style vibe. This stall specialises in the richer, sweeter banh mi variations from Hoi An in central Vietnam.
I ordered "Peace," the vegetarian option priced at 40,000 VND ($2.35), featuring vegan meatballs, mushroom charsiu, herbs, peanuts, and cucumber. It was notably sweeter and saucier than the Hanoi-style versions. While I had craved more sauce earlier, this proved almost too rich, leaving me questioning if comparison was dampening my enjoyment.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Stop 4: The Unbeatable Vegan Specialist – Bao An Vegan Street Food
The final, impromptu stop became the clear winner. Tucked down an alley at 66b Tran Hung Dau (open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm), Bao An Vegan Street Food was marked only by a small blue sign.
The sense of discovery was immediate, confirmed by the sight of fellow diners who "looked like vegans." In the alleyway kitchen, owner Phuong—a lifelong vegan running the stall for 13 years—worked solo over an open flame. Her daughter Chloe helped translate, sharing that the stall is a global meeting point for vegan friends.
My tofu banh mi, costing 35,000 VND ($2.05), was exceptional. It perfectly balanced textures and flavours, featuring pickled red cabbage, a variety of herbs, and crispy shallots. It was the only sandwich I finished entirely. The combination of superb food and genuine community spirit made it a standout experience.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Verdict on Hanoi's Vegan Banh Mi Scene
This culinary journey through Hanoi proved that satisfying plant-based versions of iconic street food are not only possible but can be extraordinary. From the efficient tourist hub of Banh Mi 25 to the authentic, family-run alleyway operation of Bao An Vegan Street Food, options are expanding. For travelling vegans, the key is research and a willingness to explore. The ultimate reward was finding that perfect, flavour-packed banh mi, proving that the heart of Vietnamese street food culture can be enjoyed by all, regardless of diet.
Jessie Stoelwinder was a guest of BestPrice Travel. They have not influenced this story. Accommodation was provided by Heritage Ham Long Hotel & Spa in Hoan Kiem.
