Vietnam may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about kosher dining, but for Jewish travelers and those following kosher dietary laws, options do exist. From kosher-certified restaurants in Hanoi to local Vietnamese dishes that naturally meet kosher requirements, navigating kosher food in Vietnam is easier than you might expect. But what about everyday staples like milk? Are there authentic Vietnamese kosher foods? Let’s explore the kosher dining scene in Vietnam and uncover where to find the best kosher-friendly options!

 

1. Are there kosher Vietnamese foods?

Vietnam not only captivates international tourists with its traditional cuisine but also offers a diverse culinary experience. It includes famous dishes from various countries around the world such as Italy, Thailand, and India, as well as specialties catering to different religious dietary needs. 

Thanks to the country’s rich variety of ingredients and spices, certain elements can be substituted while preserving the authentic flavors of different cuisines. This allows visitors to enjoy familiar dishes even in a new setting, making Vietnam a true food lover’s paradise

Beyond its diverse food scene , Vietnam is known for its friendliness and commitment to peace, respect, and religious harmony. Many restaurants that accommodate religious dietary laws are opened in many cities in Vietnam. For Jewish visitors, Kosher food in Vietnam is carefully prepared following Jewish dietary laws. These dishes are best enjoyed at Kosher-certified restaurants, often owned or managed by members of the Jewish community, ensuring authenticity and adherence to strict dietary guidelines.

There are Kosher Vietnamese foods available in Vietnam. While traditional Vietnamese cuisine is not inherently Kosher, some restaurants in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer Kosher-certified dishes prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. These restaurants are often run by members of the Jewish community, providing a trusted and delicious dining experience for those seeking Kosher meals in Vietnam.

 

2. Kosher Experience in Vietnam

2.1. Is milk in Vietnam Kosher?

According to Kosher dietary law (Kashrut), Jews can consume milk, but it must come from Kosher animals, not be mixed with meat, and must have Kosher certification. Understanding these dietary requirements, Kosher dishes in Vietnam are always prepared according to traditional Kosher standards. There are also imported Kosher-certified dairy products available in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For Jewish travelers following Kashrut, it’s best to check labels or purchase from Kosher-certified stores.

In additionJewish travelers can still enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine, as most traditional Vietnamese dishes are naturally dairy-free.. To ensure a fully Kosher experience, travelers can simply ask about the ingredients in advance. With this flexibility, Jewish visitors can confidently explore the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while respecting their dietary traditions.

 

2.2. Kosher Food & Restaurants in Hanoi

Chabad of Hanoi

Address: No. 4, Alley 11, To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.​

Website: https://www.jewishhanoi.com/

Tel: +84 838728225​

Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00pm – 7:00pm – Friday: Closed

 

Chabad Hanoi provides a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both tourists and the local Jewish community. Beyond its meticulously prepared Kosher dishes, what truly sets Chabad Hanoi apart is its prime location—just a short distance from the picturesque West Lake, one of the best places in Hanoi to watch the sunset. A perfect itinerary for visitors exploring the city could include watching the sunset at West Lake, enjoying a delicious Kosher meal at Chabad Hanoi, and then taking a leisurely stroll around the lake to soak in Hanoi’s vibrant evening ambiance.

Note: Chabad of Hanoi offers religious services and Kosher food for visitors. They also have a Jewish school for children and can assist with arranging Kosher accommodation. 

 

 

For travellers finding food with Kosher certified food. Here is list of Western Supermarkets:

• Best store: Housing Shop 21 To Ngoc Van
• Hung Long, 71 To Ngoc Van
• Mini Mart, 19 To Ngoc Van, Hanoi.
• Veggy, 99 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
• L’s Place, 1 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi

For a large general Supermarket you can visit: 

• Winmart large supermarket Syrena Mall, 2nd floor 51 Xuan Dieu
• An Am, Syrena Mall, 1st floor, 51 Xuan Dieu.

 

2.3. Kosher Food & Restaurants in Danang

Chabad Hoi An

Address: 570A Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam.​

Website: https://www.jewishhanoi.com/

Phone: +84 901356770​

Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00am – 9:00pm – Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

 

 

Chabad Hoi An offers a cozy and peaceful space, an ideal stop for Jewish tourists who want to enjoy Kosher cuisine when exploring Hoi An ancient town. Israeli travellers could come experience Kosher cuisine in a space decorated with Vietnamese characteristics, it will definitely be a great and unique way for tourists to check-in.

Note: Chabad Hoi An is located on the main street of the old town, about 1.5 km (about 15 minutes walk) from the Thu Bon River and the night market. Please contact before coming to ensure service.

 

2.4. Kosher Food & Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh city

Chabad of Ho Chi Minh City

Address: 5A (villa) Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.​

vietbao.vn

Website: https://www.jewishvietnam.com/

Phone: +84 2839100181​

Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00am – 9:00pm – Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

 

 

Chabad Ho Chi Minh City offers a spacious and comfortable setting, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking Kosher cuisine. A key highlight that attracts guests is its diverse menu, which strictly adheres to Kosher standards. The restaurant serves high-quality meat and chicken dishes made from fresh ingredients, ensuring compliance with strict dietary regulations.

Additionally, the extensive vegetarian menu offers a variety of refined options, including creative adaptations of traditional savory dishes and plant-based specialties unique to Vietnam. A standout feature is the freshly baked bread, prepared each morning to ensure peak freshness, complemented by coffee and tea served throughout the day, creating a complete and satisfying culinary experience in the heart of Saigon.

Note: Chabad of Ho Chi Minh City offers Jewish services such as Shabbat and holiday meals, prayer services, and Torah classes. They also have a Kosher restaurant and can assist in arranging Kosher food for visitors.

 

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for Jewish visitors, many restaurants catering specifically to Jewish travelers have also been established. These restaurants adhere to strict Kosher standards, from ingredient selection to food preparation and service, allowing visitors to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with peace of mind. Most of the restaurants are built and managed by owners from the Jewish community, so with the big cities and restaurants mentioned above, visitors can rest assured to experience them based on the suggestions of Asia Viva Travel.

 

3.What is the most popular food in Vietnam?

 

 

3.1. Vietnamese Pho Beef – Chicken ( Phở bò – Phở gà) 

This is the dish that any tourist coming to Vietnam should try because it is the symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, a dish listed by CNN as one of the world’s 50 best foods.

Pho is a hot noodle soup, made with rice noodles in a flavorful broth simmered for hours with herbs and spices. Traditional pho uses beef or chicken, with Kosher adaptations ensuring proper meat sourcing and preparation. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili.

 

3.2. Banh mi

Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, featuring a crispy, airy bread filled with Kosher-friendly ingredients such as grilled chicken, beef, or tofu, combined with pickled vegetables, herbs, and savory sauces. Kosher Banh Mi avoids non-Kosher pâté and replaces it with alternative spreads so Israeli visitors can experience this wonderful street food. In addiiton, Banh Mi was ranked among the world’s top 10 best street foods by Lonely Planet.

 

3.3.Spring roll (Gỏi Cuốn)

Spring rolls have also been included by CNN in its list of the 50 best dishes in the world.

Spring rolls are a light dish because the ingredients are all fresh, meat such as shrimp, pork, chicken will be boiled or grilled with simple salt or pepper seasoning, rolled with fresh vegetables, rice noodles and some other vegetables, all rolled with rice paper. Unlike the fried version, spring rolls will be eaten directly because the ingredients are all cooked, after rolling, they will be dipped in peanut or soy dipping sauce. 3.4. Grilled meat and rice noodles (Bún chả) 

In 2024, Bun cha was ranked the 17th spot on the list by TasteAtlas, a website recognized for its extensive coverage of various dishes and dining establishments.A Hanoi specialty featuring grilled minced pork patties served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. Kosher versions replace traditional pork with Kosher-certified meat and what’s more special is that each region will have a different version of Bun Cha, visitors can experience and will certainly have many surprises.

 

3.5.Fish Noodle Soup (Bún cá)

A fragrant noodle soup featuring grilled or fried fish fillets in a light, tangy broth flavored with tomatoes, dill, and pineapple. The fish is carefully selected to meet Kosher dietary laws.

 

3.6.Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh xèo) 

A golden, crispy rice flour pancake filled with chicken, beef, or vegetables, complemented by fresh herbs and lettuce wraps. Kosher adaptations exclude non-Kosher seafood and ensure proper ingredient preparation. In particular, there are now many Vietnamese cooking classes that teach tourists how to make banh xeo. Israeli tourists can participate and make their own special banh xeo.

 

3.7. La Vong Fish Cake (Chả cá Lã Vọng) 

La Vong Fish cake is considered one of Hanoi’s must-try dishes, often ranked among the world’s top fish dishes by culinary experts.A signature Hanoi dish consisting of turmeric-marinated grilled fish, served with dill, peanuts, and rice noodles. The Kosher version ensures the fish is properly sourced and follows Kosher preparation methods.

 

3.8. Sweet Soup (Chè)

A diverse collection of traditional Vietnamese desserts made with coconut milk, beans, jelly, and fruits. In addition to traditional Vietnamese sweet soups made from beans such as black beans, red beans, green beans, etc., over time, to better suit the needs of diners, many restaurants have created other versions of this dish from ingredients such as jelly, tapioca pearls, etc. Kosher versions ensure no dairy mixing with meat and use Kosher-certified ingredients.

 

3.9. Broken Rice with Grilled meat (Cơm tấm) 

Việt Nam’s broken rice (locally known as cơm tấm) was chosen the 2nd place among the top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas.

A hearty dish featuring broken rice served with grilled Kosher-certified chicken, beef, or fish, accompanied by pickled vegetables and a savory sauce. 

In Vietnam,  it is not difficult to see restaurants selling broken rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but visitors should note that broken rice is mainly a dish of Ho Chi Minh City, so in this city, it will be easier to find Com Tam restaurants.

 

3.10. Steamed rice cake (Bánh cuốn)

Soft and delicate rice flour rolls filled with Kosher minced beef or chicken, paired with herbs and a light dipping sauce. The Kosher version avoids traditional pork fillings.

 

3.11. Sticky rice (Xôi)

A versatile dish made from glutinous rice, served either savory with Kosher chicken or beef, or sweet with coconut and mung beans. Perfect for a filling breakfast or snack.