Vietnamese cuisine can now be tasted in many places in Calgary, whe tasty herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients create an unforgettable dish. For veggie lovers, Vietnamese has a variety of vegetarian meals that are healthy and tasty without a doubt. This guide focuses on some of the most delicious Vietnamese vegetarian dishes to try if you are a lover of the cuisine or just getting into Vietnamese food.
Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)
Fresh spring rolls are one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes and must be the best option for vegetarian people. These rolls are made from rice paper with firm vegetables, glass noodles, and mint and/or cilantro. Most commonly accompanied by peanut or soy sauce, fresh spring rolls are a great combination of textures and tastes. They are tender, but with a great taste which makes them perfect as appetizers or even a quick snack. This dish is the epitome of what Vietnamese food in Calgary is, and vegetarians who are out exploring Vietnamese food options in this city should definitely try out this dish.
Tofu Pho (Phở Chay)
Vietnamese noodle soup, also known as Pho, is usually made using a meat broth, but the vegetable broth is also great (Phở Chay). The vegetarian broth is made with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, and the vegetable base, making the soup as aromatic as a good pho. Tofu and a lot of fresh vegetables give the dish more body and heart. The depth of flavors and the balance of spices make tofu pho one of the best Vietnamese foods in Calgary for vegetarians.
Vegetarian Banh Mi
Banh Mi sandwiches are a street food in Vietnam with a French twist applied to Vietnamese cuisine. Here, just like in the case of the classic version containing meat, the vegetarian Banh Mi is just as tasty. Such as marinated tofu or mushrooms, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumbers, and cilantro, the sandwich is full of contrasting textures and flavors. Served in a crispy baguette, it’s a convenient yet delicious option for those seeking the best Vietnamese food in Calgary. Vegetarian Banh Mi captures the essence of Vietnamese culinary art and offers a satisfying experience with every bite.
VN Vermicelli bowls (bún chay)
Another Vietnamese dish that is easily found in its vegetarian form is vermicelli bowls, or Bún Chay. These bowls incorporate rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herbs, and the protein of your choice, which may include marinated tofu or mushrooms. That being said, the thing that makes Bún Chay special is this rich, tangy, and slightly sweet soy-based sauce that binds it all together. This dish is ideal for vegetarians who would love to take a light yet very satisfying meal that is rich in Vietnamese food in Calgary colors.
It is called Crispy Vegetarian Pancakes (Bánh Xèo Chay)
Vietnamese pancakes, also called Bánh Xèo, are made from rice flour and coconut milk and therefore crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The ‘vegetarian’—Bánh ’ – Bánh Xèo Chay—comes filled up with bean sprouts, mushrooms, and other compressed vegetables. Served most times with lettuce, mint, and basil, the pancakes are rolled in the greens and then served with a light sauce. Bánh Xèo Chay offers you the best of Vietnamese dishes and gives you the real feel of Vietnamese food. To anyone seeking the best Vietnamese food in Calgary, these are delicious and crispy Vietnamese pancakes.
Gua bao with crispy skin and pork belly
For something more filling, you can try the stir-fried tofu with lemongrass and chili. Lemongrass usually gives a stringent aroma to food while chili peppers provide heat to the food, and in this case, it enhances the tofu, making it one of the most popular vegetarian foods in Vietnam. The dish is not only delicious but also would contain high protein from the tofu, and the spices used are freshly ground. Being one of the favorite Vietnamese dishes in Calgary, this stir-fry is loved by vegetarians and fans of big and fresh flavors.
Papaya Salad (Gỏi Đu Đủ Chay)
Papaya salad is a very delicious option that is similar to Vietnamese preferred tastes of sweet, sour, and salty. This salad is created from green papaya, carrots, and other fresh herbs and accompanied by a thin dressing. It represents a perfect dish to bring more colors to your plate. The vegetarian version replaces the fish sauce that is usually used with this dish, and it can be considered vegetarian. Gỏi Đu Đủ Chay is crunchy and makes a great palate cleanser that could be served as an appetizer or accompanying dish. So it should be on anyone’s list of the best Vietnamese food in Calgary with a vegetarian option.
Vietnamese Hot Pot (Lẩu Chay)
Lẩu or hot pot is famous among the Vietnamese people, and the vegetarian hot pot is called Lẩu Chay. This dish is a hot soup containing different vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and occasionally noodles. Food preparations can be done right on the table, thus enhancing the social eating type of atmosphere. The vegetarian hot pot presents a homey and individualistic dish that itself represents Vietnamese food in Calgary. Recommended for cold days, it is a great idea to cook a tasty vegetarian dish.
Vegetarian Fried Rice Cơm Chiên Chay
Cơm Chiên Chay is a Vietnamese fried rice that Asians consider as one of their comfort foods; it is easy to prepare and satisfying in terms of taste. This vegetable version is populated by peas, carrots, and bell peppers; flavored with soy sauce and spices. Others even include tofu or a sausage that is found in Vietnam to give the dish a more delicious taste. Cơm Chiên Chay is suitable for vegetarians and makes a complete meal for those who want a simple and nutritious Vietnamese food Calgary.
Papaya Salad (Gỏi Đu Đủ Chay)
Papaya salad is a very delicious option that is similar to the Vietnamese preferred taste of sweet, sour, and salty. Shredded green papaya, carrots, and fresh herbs, garnished with a light dressing, this salad adds a burst of color to whatever you are having. The vegetarian version replaces the fish sauce that is usually used with this dish, and it can be considered vegetarian. Gỏi Đu Đủ Chay is crunchy and makes a great palate cleanser that could be served as an appetizer or accompanying dish. So it should be on anyone’s list of the best Vietnamese food in Calgary with a vegetarian option.
Vietnamese Hot Pot (Lẩu Chay)
Lẩu or hot pot is famous among the Vietnamese people, and the vegetarian hot pot is called Lẩu Chay. This dish is a hot soup containing different vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and occasionally noodles. It allows for the customers to prepare their filled ingredients right at the table, hence making the consumption process more communal. The vegetarian hot pot is a dish that is familiar, easy to share, and enjoyable while symbolizing the satisfaction and feeling of Vietnamese food in Calgary. Recommended for cold days, it is a great idea to cook a tasty vegetarian dish.
Vegetarian Fried Rice Cơm Chiên Chay
Fried rice is a simple type of dish that belongs to each Asian nation’s typical fare; thus, the Vietnamese option, known as Cơm Chiên Chay, is rather satisfying. This vegetarian version is also cooked with vegetables like pea, carrot, and bell pepper and spiced with soy sauce. Others even include tofu or a sausage that is found in Vietnam to give the dish a more delicious taste. Cơm Chiên Chay is suitable for vegetarians and makes a complete meal for those who want a simple and nutritious Vietnamese food Calgary.
For this recipe, let’s call it Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá Chay)
While not a food, Vietnamese iced coffee also can’t be overlooked as a must try in Vietnam. Lacto vegetarian is made using vegetables instead of condensed milk, and hence the meal produces a delicious and creamy sweet drink that is ideal to take along with a meal. The taste of the coffee beans is quite strong, and when it is mixed with milk, it comes up with a drink that is special to Vietnam. Cà Phê Sữa Đá Chay is a great way to end a meal and gives a real ‘Vietnamese’ feel to the eating process.
Conclusion
Vietnamese food is rich in colors, spicy, and uses fresh ingredients, and these vegetarian recipes represent the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you are in the mood for a warm bowl of pho or a lighter papaya salad, this city offers some of the best Vietnamese dishes, which means that even vegetarians can taste the authentic meal.
To enjoy some of the best Vietnamese vegetarian food in Calgary, Blue Danube Restaurant is the best place to go. Allow us to familiarize you with the exquisite tastes of Vietnamese food. Thank you for your patronage, and we are here to serve you.