Experience Du Yen Vegetarian Restaurant in District 2

• Culinary Gems

Looking for a peaceful vegetarian dining spot in Ho Chi Minh City? Nestled in the heart of Thảo Điền, District 2, Du Yên Vegetarian Restaurant offers more than just a plant-based meal—it’s a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Whether you’re a devoted vegan, a curious foodie, or simply craving a unique dining experience, this hidden gem in District 2 is worth a visit.

What is Vegetarian Food?

Vegetarian food in Vietnam, or “vegetarian”, is a delicious and deeply cultural part of Vietnamese cuisine, influenced by Buddhist traditions and a growing focus on health and sustainability.

Dishes are typically made with tofu, mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and herbs, offering flavorful alternatives to meat-based meals. Popular vegetarian dishes include vegetarian pho, vegetarian rice plate, and crispy vegan pancake.

You can find vegetarian options in temples, street food stalls, and specialized “vegetarian restaurants” restaurants across Vietnam. Whether you’re a traveler or a plant-based eater, Vietnam’s vibrant vegetarian cuisine is a must-try culinary experience.

Where is Du Yen Vegetarian Restaurant?

Hidden away on the peaceful in Thao Dien, I stumbled upon Du Yen Vegetarian Restaurant—a true green oasis in the heart of Saigon. From the moment I stepped in, I felt an immediate sense of calm.

The design beautifully balances modern touches with traditional Vietnamese charm, making the space feel both elegant and inviting. I chose to enjoy my meal in the garden, beneath the gentle shade of the trees, but the warm and intimate indoor space was just as tempting. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and truly savor the moment.

• Address: No. 26B, Street No.10, Thao Dien, District 2, Thu Duc City.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

The Best Dishes at Du Yen

What surprised me most was how the food wasn’t just something to eat—it was an experience. The menu is full of creative vegetarian dishes, each plated like a piece of art. I ordered quite a variety: roasted sweet potato balls, butterfly flower spring rolls, lemongrass-steamed abalone mushrooms, fried rice with fermented Thai paste, termite mushrooms with lotus petals, dragon fruit salad, and crispy square spring rolls.

The price of each dish at this restaurant ranges from 150,000 – 300,000 VND depending on the dish. It can be seen that this is an expensive price in Saigon, but the dishes here are worth it because the dishes are meticulously presented and highly artistic.

How did it taste?

The roasted sweet potato balls were a pleasant surprise—each bite had a thin crispy crust with a warm, sweet, creamy filling. It was both comforting and refined. The butterfly flower spring rolls were visually stunning, almost too pretty to eat. Inside was a fresh, clean mix of vegetables, paired perfectly with a rich, nutty peanut sauce.

The lemongrass-steamed abalone mushrooms were slightly chewy with a nice crunch and carried the aroma of fresh herbs and lemongrass—simple but deeply flavorful. One of my favorites was the fried rice with Thai-style fermented paste. It had that bold, savory kick that lingers on the palate, with crispy rice grains that made each bite satisfying.

The termite mushrooms with lotus petals were delicately presented—like a dish you’d expect at a fine dining restaurant—and the dragon fruit salad was light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced with a sweet-and-sour fruit dressing. The crispy square spring rolls were just right: crunchy, not greasy, and packed with flavorful shredded radish, served with a tangy dipping sauce.

It’s rare to find a vegetarian restaurant that delivers both in flavor and feeling, but Du Yên did exactly that. Every dish felt thoughtful, from the textures to the presentation. This wasn’t just a meal—it was one of the most peaceful and memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Saigon.