Vegetarian in Saigon

Apr 022020

… hum
32 Võ Văn Tần,
Phường 6
District 3

*********************************************

Last month, long-time good friends of Hai and mine, DJ and Gerry, came to enjoy several weeks touring Vietnam. Luckily for us, they planned more than a week-long stay in Saigon. What an opportunity for us test our Eating Saigon! food blog on innocent victims!

Of course, our first impulse was to schedule a week of non-stop Saigon street food consumption. But, begrudgingly, we realized that they might have an interest in some non-eating activities. Fine, we can accommodate.

A stroll around Saigon’s Central park set beside Landmark 81, Saigon’s new tallest building, seemed appropriate. It turned out that, other than being a bit toasty at mid-day, it was a pleasant and fun way to enjoy our first afternoon together.

The following day, Hai came up with the brilliant idea to take a private boat cruise on the Saigon River.

Departing from the Saigon Water Boat Station near where Hai Ba Trung street meets the Saigon River, our one hour cruise turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit together! Gorgeous views of the Saigon skyline, a beautiful sunset, and Hai’s homemade margaritas combined to make it a truly memorable river adventure.

And, of course, when you have 11 siblings all living in Saigon, as Hai does, it was mandatory to throw a large family farewell party for our friends’ last night in town. It turned out to be yet another really fun evening introducing DJ and Gerry to a classic Vietnamese family gathering. They really enjoyed the cultural experience (perhaps partially, because they managed to leave the celebration before the karaoke and gambling began!)

But, what about the food during their week-long Saigon visit?

Gerry is a devout vegetarian. No problem – again, we would accommodate!

My first thought was to treat our guests to one of my favorite Saigon street food adventures – Gỏi Đu Đủ in the Park. Very “Saigon street food” – literally, sitting on the curb!

So delicious! And the dried beef could be omitted from this super-tasty salad upon request to appease vegetarians in the crowd. DJ and Gerry both loved it – a major street food success!

My other “must try” for my vegetarian guests was Pháp Uyển. Not Saigon street food for sure, but my favorite Saigon vegetarian eatery … at least up until recently (more on that in a minute.) Again, a delicious lunch – this time with a serene “Buddhist” ambiance.

Of course, visits to other wonderful Saigon eateries and cafes followed, but let me jump right to our most excellent Saigon eating adventure during our time together at … hum Cafe and Restaurant.

Amazingly, Hai and I had never eaten at … hum before DJ and Gerry’s visit. It had been recommended to us as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Saigon – maybe anywhere.

Okay, time to give it a try …