Hungry for plant-based food on Cat Ba? Here are the top 4 vegetarian restaurants — menus, opening hours, price guide and insider tips for foreign travelers.
Introduction
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveler, you’ll be happy to know that Cat Ba Island is more welcoming to plant-based diets than many expect. While traditional Vietnamese cuisine often uses fish sauce, meat broth, or seafood, many local restaurants and cafés have adapted to serve vegetarian and vegan dishes. This makes it easy to enjoy both Vietnamese specialties and Western comfort food without worrying about hidden ingredients.
This guide highlights the best Cat Ba vegetarian restaurants, based on traveler reviews and listings from reliable sources like TripAdvisor. Each spot offers something unique — from cozy coffee shops with vegan snacks to restaurants serving hearty vegetarian pho.
1. Like Coffee – Vegetarian Food Cat Ba
Like Coffee is a laid-back café vibe with plenty of vegetarian choices. More than just a coffee shop, it has a full vegetarian menu featuring both local and Western-inspired dishes. The setting is casual and welcoming, making it a favorite stop for digital nomads and backpackers alike.
Like Coffee - Vegetarian Food Cat Ba
Why go?
- Wide range of vegetarian dishes, including noodle soups and rice plates
- Great coffee and smoothies for breakfast or afternoon breaks
- Cozy seating and Wi-Fi, perfect for working or relaxing
Top dishes to try: Vegetarian pho, tofu stir-fry, smoothie bowls
Price range: $2–5 USD per dish
Address & hours: Central Cat Ba Town, open daily 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2. The Little Leaf Restaurant
The Little Leaf has built a strong reputation among travelers for its healthy, flavor-packed vegetarian and vegan meals. It’s a bright, airy space with a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a light lunch or dinner. Many visitors praise the freshness of the ingredients and the creative mix of Vietnamese and Western flavors.
The Little Leaf Restaurant
Why go?
- Consistently high ratings on TripAdvisor for quality and service
- Fresh juices and smoothies made from local fruits
- A great option for health-conscious travelers
Top dishes to try: Vegan spring rolls, avocado toast, fresh fruit smoothies
Price range: $2.50–6 USD per dish
Address & hours: Located near Cat Ba Market, open daily 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3. Secret Garden Restaurant
Secret Garden is a charming little café-restaurant known for its relaxing ambiance and hearty vegetarian menu. It’s especially popular for brunch, offering a mix of Vietnamese comfort food and lighter Western bites. Many vegan travelers recommend it for its reliable plant-based options and friendly service.
Secret Garden Restaurant
Why go?
- Peaceful, garden-inspired setting away from the main street noise
- Vegetarian banh mi and noodle dishes with vegan options available
- Strong coffee and fresh juices to start the day right
Top dishes to try: Vegan banh mi, stir-fried noodles with vegetables, fresh coconut juice
Price range: $2–4 USD per dish
Address & hours: Central Cat Ba Town, open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
4. My Way Cafe & Restaurant
If you’re craving variety, My Way Café is one of the most versatile spots in Cat Ba. The menu is huge, covering everything from smoothie bowls and salads to stir-fried noodles and curries. While it isn’t fully vegetarian, the staff are happy to recommend and adapt dishes for vegan guests. The casual, modern interior also makes it a great hangout spot.
My Way Cafe & Restaurant
Why go?
- Diverse menu with clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options
- Good mix of local dishes and international comfort food
- Perfect for groups with different dietary needs
Top dishes to try: Pad Thai with tofu, smoothie bowls, vegan fried rice
Price range: $3–7 USD per dish
Address & hours: Nui Ngoc Street, Cat Ba Town; open daily 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Where to find vegan groceries & snacks
Beyond restaurants, Cat Ba offers plenty of opportunities to stock up on vegetarian and vegan staples:
- Cat Ba Market: Fresh vegetables, tofu, tropical fruits (mango, dragon fruit, bananas) at very affordable prices.
- Mini-marts & local groceries: Small shops in town sell snacks like nuts, dried fruits, soy milk, and instant noodles.
- Juice stalls: Scattered around town, offering fresh sugarcane juice, coconut water, and fruit smoothies.
FAQ about Cat Ba vegetarian restaurants
Q: Are there 100% vegan restaurants in Cat Ba?
Yes, a few places are fully vegan, but most offer vegetarian with vegan-friendly options.
Q: Can I get vegan pho on Cat Ba?
Absolutely! Many cafés and restaurants serve pho with tofu or vegetables.
Q: What should I say in Vietnamese to order vegetarian food?
Say “Tôi ăn chay” (I eat vegetarian). For vegan, clarify “Không trứng, không sữa, không nước mắm” (No eggs, no milk, no fish sauce).
Q: Are prices higher for vegetarian food?
Not at all — prices are similar or even cheaper than meat dishes, usually $2–6 USD.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
For small groups, walk-ins are fine. Larger groups should call ahead.
Conclusion
Finding tasty vegetarian food on Cat Ba Island is easier than ever, thanks to a growing number of cafés and restaurants that welcome plant-based travelers. From casual spots like Like Coffee and Secret Garden to highly rated favorites such as The Little Leaf and My Way Café, you’ll have no shortage of options for fresh, healthy, and flavorful meals.
If you’d like to explore Cat Ba Island, feel free to contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338 for travel advice. You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below:
- Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat Tour From Cat Ba
- Night Kayaking Tour With Bioluminescence Plankton On Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba National Park - Trung Trang Cave Half Day Trekking Tour
- Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise From Cat Ba Island
- Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island 3 Day 2 Night Tour From Hanoi
