Vegetarianism fosters a kind heart.

In the gentle autumn weather, signaling the arrival of Vu Lan (the Buddhist festival honoring parents), our souls seem to calm down. It is in this moment that a vegetarian meal is not merely food, but becomes an expression of gratitude, a sacred connection between humanity and its origins, between the present and the past.

Vegetarian restaurants often focus on creating nutritionally balanced and appealing menus to attract customers.

The beauty of the Vu Lan season

On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, and especially throughout the Vu Lan festival (the seventh lunar month), I often visit vegetarian restaurants or cook simple vegetarian dishes to find inner peace. Sitting before a simple vegetarian meal with green vegetables, tofu, and fresh, sweet mushrooms, I realize that my taste buds suddenly perceive the flavors of life more clearly, gently yet profoundly.

According to Buddhist beliefs, vegetarianism is a choice stemming from compassion: compassion for oneself and compassion for all living beings. By limiting meat and fish, we reduce the torment inflicted upon living beings; by delaying harmful actions, we sow a seed of goodness in the world.

That compassion isn't grand, but is present in everyday life: in every bite of vegetarian food, every peaceful breath, every moment of lightness of heart. Amidst the hustle and bustle, vegetarian restaurants offer a tranquil space for reflection and gratitude – gratitude for the gifts of heaven and earth, gratitude for one's own body living in peaceful rhythm.

The seventh lunar month is traditionally considered a time for "atonement for the deceased and filial piety towards the living." In Vietnamese culture, Vu Lan is an occasion to remember ancestors, pray for the souls of the departed, and for families to reflect on love and self-reflection.

Fasting this month is not simply about abstaining from meat and fish, but rather a journey of mindfulness, introspection, and reconnecting with one's roots and the deceased. Many people also choose to fast during the Vu Lan season as a way of showing filial piety.

Ms. Vu Thu Trang, residing in Gia Sang ward, shared: "Although I'm not a strict vegetarian, every Vu Lan season, I feel compelled to reduce my meat and fish intake. Through vegetarianism, I understand more deeply the meaning of gratitude towards my parents. At that time, being a vegetarian is like a promise to myself, to live a more virtuous life to repay my parents' nurturing love."

During the Vu Lan season, many people proactively prepare and practice vegetarianism as a way to honor their roots and remember the gratitude owed to their parents.

Ms. Bui Thi Bich Phuong, owner of a vegetarian restaurant in Phan Dinh Phung ward, said: "Usually during the Vu Lan season, the number of customers at the restaurant doubles compared to other months of the year. As a lifelong vegetarian, I focus on creating a nutritionally balanced menu, from carbohydrates, plant-based protein, healthy fats to fruits and vegetables. The important thing is to keep the dishes fresh so that customers don't get bored."

It's not just about food.

Nowadays, vegetarian dishes are often prepared in a rather elaborate and appealing way.

Beyond its spiritual aspect, vegetarianism is now recognized as a healthy lifestyle trend. Many people seek out the tranquil and serene atmosphere of vegetarian restaurants to find moments of peaceful relaxation. For them, vegetarianism can be a way to maintain inner clarity and a calm mind. This provides many with inspiration for a healthy lifestyle in their journey of self-care.

In recent years, Thai Nguyen has seen many vegetarian restaurants attracting customers, ranging from simple, cozy corners to modern, innovative establishments. Some vegetarian restaurants even combine vegetarian dining with a tranquil, meditative atmosphere, Buddhist music , and the delicate lighting of incense on the tables, evoking spiritual values, such as Buong Vegan Restaurant, Chay Sen 20 Coffee, Chay Que, and Vien Tam Quan…

“I go to vegetarian restaurants to find peace of mind, and eating vegetarian is also a way for me to balance my nutrition and ensure my health. A vegetarian meal makes my heart feel light, my soul relaxed and at ease after the worries and stresses of life,” shared Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hang from Quyet Thang ward.

Ms. Hoang Thu Hai from Phan Dinh Phung ward said: "On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, I often take my children to enjoy vegetarian dishes. My children also really like them. The food is not only delicious, but through vegetarianism, I want to educate my children to choose a more responsible lifestyle towards the environment."

According to our research, vegetarian restaurants are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons, including the fact that busy and stressful lifestyles lead many people to seek quiet places to enjoy light and healthy meals. Furthermore, according to many nutrition experts, a balanced vegetarian meal rich in vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein helps lower cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure, and benefit the gut.

Meanwhile, practicing compassionate vegetarianism cultivates patience, calmness, and a healthy attitude towards life. Some vegetarian restaurants also offer herbal teas, lotus tea, and chamomile tea to help diners relax and clear their minds.

Vegetarian restaurants are attracting quite a lot of young people these days.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, the director of a small business, shared: "Eating vegetarian food helps me digest better and sleep better, especially during times of high work pressure. I choose restaurants not only for the delicious food but also for the atmosphere that evokes positive emotions."

In Thai Nguyen, as vegetarian restaurants gradually open on many street corners, it's not just a sign of a new culinary trend, but also an expression of many people learning to love themselves and finding solace in the gentle breath of filial piety. Let each grain of vegetarian rice, each sip of lotus tea, each moment of silence at the temple become an expression of gratitude, a golden stream nourishing the soul. This Vu Lan festival, let's eat vegetarian together, so that love may blossom and filial piety may flourish in each person's heart.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202508/an-chay-nuoi-duong-tam-lanh-a1b4ea1/