Vegetarian dishes are a distinctive part of Vietnamese cuisine that you can't miss when visiting San Francisco. Below are some of our recommended places to enjoy this dish. These are our favorite places to enjoy vegetarian food in San Francisco. Come and experience the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine!
Lê Vân top-pick
Le Van is a vegetarian gem in Chinatown that serves a wide array of Vietnamese vegetarian dishes. Their menu is extensive, featuring everything from "chicken" made from seitan in lemongrass sauce to "shrimp" made from taro root in a tangy tamarind sauce. The "vegetarian beef stew" is a standout — hearty, rich, and deeply flavorful, with chunks of mushroom and seitan braised in a fragrant lemongrass and star anise broth. Everything is made fresh and served with steamed jasmine rice. Even dedicated meat-eaters will be impressed.
Bắc Việt best-value
While mainly a meat-focused restaurant, Bac Viet offers several excellent vegetarian options on their menu. Their vegetarian pho is a light, fragrant broth with rice noodles, tofu, and vegetables — not a meat substitute approach but a celebration of simple, clean flavors. Their vegetable spring rolls and sautéed water spinach with garlic are also excellent. A good option if you're dining with a mixed group.
Tú Lan hidden-gem
Tú Lan offers a few chay options, including a vegetarian bún bowl with tofu and vegetables. The tofu is fried until crispy and tossed in their house fish-sauce-style dressing. The rice noodles are fresh, and the herb plate is generous. It's a simple but satisfying option at a restaurant better known for its grilled meats.