Bảo Ngọc
The Vietnamese have long believed that releasing living creatures and not eating meat during the 1st and 15th day of the lunar month will help reduce bad karma, and many people are on vegan diets on these days to cultivate compassion and be freed from sorrow.
The habit of eating a plant based diet and visiting pagodas at the beginning and middle of each lunar month dates back to the Lý Dynasty (1010-1225) when Buddhism was gaining popularity.
Nowadays, going vegan has crossed the boundary of religion to become a healthy lifestyle trend. More and more vegan restaurants are opening, especially in big cities like Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and Hồ Chí Minh, from small street eateries to high-end restaurants, but the most popular are likely the numerous vegan buffet restaurants.
Located right in the city centre, Veggie Castle is much loved by locals in Hà Nội, especially young people or office workers, due to the cheap price (a little over three US dollars for all you can eat) and cosy space.
The restaurant is located on a quiet street in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of the restaurant
This small restaurant also impresses diners with its bohemian decor. Colourful Arabic ceiling lights, decorative ceramic plates, wall paintings, as well as wooden tables and chairs, all bring a unique feeling to guests.
Veggie Castle is a cosy and quiet space. VNA/VNS Photo Bảo Ngọc
The food is a combination of many culinary styles. The buffet menu changes daily with about 15 veggie dishes, including at least one steamed and two stir-fried dishes.
Other dishes are more creative such as veggie pasta, tofu skin rolls, seaweed and rice rolls, tofu with tamarind sauce, veggie curry or sticky rice with mushrooms.
The buffet menu changes daily with about 15 veg dishes. — Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Like many vegan restaurants, the chef takes advantage of fresh seasonal vegetables, and the moderate seasoning and skilful combination of spices makes the dishes here highly appreciated.
The vermicelli sour soup is one of the most popular choices, bringing a delicate, mouth-watering taste.
Meanwhile, the veggie phở rolls with a variety of vegetable fillings are crisp, fresh and delicious. Notably, the dipping sauce is vegan but has the same taste as a real fish sauce.
Veggie phở rolls and tofu with tamarind sauce are some of the most popular dishes at the restaurant. VNA/VNS Photo Bảo Ngọc
The veggie curry is another highlight. The dish has the typical curry flavour, with well-cooked potatoes, and a thick texture. Staff suggest you eat it with rice or vermicelli to balance out the spice.
And don't worry, for those of you that want to be bad when you are being good, french fries are available.
In addition to savoury dishes, Veggie Castle also offers a dessert that changes daily, usually traditional chè (sweet soup) or seasonal fruits.
A large bottle of tea is set up and available at the food court at no charge. Feel free to ask the staff for a cup and enjoy the unlimited iced tea until you leave.
"This place is a vegan paradise where you can be sure that everything is cruelty-free. I was impressed by the noodles and soups. The space here is perfect for a date night when you are tired of beef steaks and fries. I will definitely be back,” Quỳnh Hương, a diner, told Việt Nam News.
Jeshiki, another diner, commented on HappyCow, a vegan review site: "Best vegan food in Hà Nội! My local guide took me to this place and it was incredible! Excellent price for unlimited food and iced tea. Fresh new food was constantly being brought out. Can be hard to find and may need a taxi as it is out of the way but it is worth it.”
Not only focusing on the quality of the food, and the variety of the vegan menu, the attentiveness of the staff is also a big plus.
Though the restaurant is famed for its self-service, all-you-can-eat style, as soon as you finish eating, the staff proactively clear away the table and plates. And they are happy to answer questions about the ingredients or how to best eat the more obscure options.
A small minus point is that there is no parking available, so when you ride to the restaurant, you have to park your vehicle in the parking lot opposite the building, which charges VNĐ5,000.
Veggie Castle is the perfect choice for those who want to change their daily tastes with pure, healthy plant-based dishes. Whether you are a bonafide vegan or simply having a meatless Monday, you will be surprised by the unique flavours and experiences offered at this little gem of a restaurant. VNS
Veggie Castle
Address: 7 Yên Ninh Street, Ba Đình District, Hà Nội
Tel: 0866 911 741
Facebook: Veggie Castle - Nhà hàng chay Vegan
Price: VNĐ80,000/person
OVietnam