Hanoi's New Vegetarian Hotpot Spot Blends Health and Tradition

A vegetarian restaurant has opened within the grounds of the Việt Nam Puppetry Theatre on Trường Chinh Street. Buffet Lẩu Chay Liên Hương serves healthy, sustainable dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Owner Lê Bá Quyết started the eatery for environmental and health reasons. The restaurant specialises in vegetarian food, using vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and grains. There is little attempt to mimic meat or seafood in the dishes. Diners can enjoy a variety of options, including nem thích, phở cuốn, and braised mushrooms.

The main attraction is the hotpot, served in individual pots so guests can select their preferred broth. One version uses a herbal recipe inspired by traditional Eastern medicine. The standard broth is made from sugarcane, radish, pineapple, red dates, and goji berries, simmered slowly for a naturally sweet flavour.

Fresh vegetables arrive daily from a supplier in the northwest. The owner also favours the fried rice, which has a unique texture created by combining two cooking techniques. Buffet Lẩu Chay Liên Hương offers a vegetarian menu rooted in health and sustainability. Its hotpot and other dishes provide diners with fresh, carefully prepared options. The setting inside the puppetry theatre adds a distinctive touch to the experience.