Many prefer vegetarian food after Tet 

Nhung, an elderly woman from Hanoi, said her family usually eats a lot of high-fat, high-protein dishes with meat and fish during Tet. This year they decided to switch to vegetarian food starting on the third day of the lunar New Year.

“All of my family have stuffed themselves with fatty foods like meat and pork pie. We’re happy with the choice of going vegetarian. Things like salad and boiled vegetables are a good change and taste good as well," she said.

A neighbour of hers, Hai Tien, also decided to start making more vegetarian foods like tofu and boiled vegetables for her family after Tet.

“There are quite a lot of choices with vegetarian food. With a bit of time and effort, we can make dishes as well as many restaurants. We're all happy with our decision," Tien said.

Even though prices of vegetables increased by between 10% and 15% after Tet, prices are still cheaper than those of meat or fish.

Other families made the decision to eat vegetarian food on a regular basis for a change of taste, to save money or for health concerns.

Thai, who lives on Lang Road, said, “My family often eats vegetarian food not only during Tet holiday but on normal days as well. Vegetarian food is better for your health, as it doesn't have as much fat."

Several other families save time by buying pre-cooked vegetarian foods.

An employee from Co-opMart Hanoi said vegetarian food sale during Tet increased by 5%-10%.

Many vegetarian food stores in Hanoi opened on the sixth of the lunar New Year. At a vegetarian food restaurant on Lang Road, almost all tables were full.

A waitress there said more people prefer vegetarian food after Tet. Her restaurant recorded an increase in business of about 30% from normal days. Many such restaurants offer dishes that mimic meat dishes, both in name and in taste.