Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh herbs, crisp vegetables and layers of flavour, making it a natural fit for plant-based diners.
At Chôm Chôm in Al Barsha, a menu inspired by Vietnam’s energy and street-food culture offers plenty of vegetarian options beyond the usual side dishes.
So, if you’re looking to skip the meat without sacrificing flavour, here are five of the best Chôm Chôm dishes to try.
Fried Egg Banh Mi
Breakfast in Dubai often follows a familiar formula, but Chôm Chôm offers something refreshingly different. The Fried Egg Bánh Mì is a must for those looking to start the day with a touch of Vietnam. Filled with fried eggs, carrot and kohlrabi pickle, cucumber, coriander, mayonnaise and jalapeño, it delivers the perfect balance of crunch, freshness and spice, with just enough heat to kick-start the day.
Summer Rolls
Found everywhere from street-food stalls to family kitchens across Vietnam, Summer Rolls are a classic for good reason. Chôm Chôm fills its delicate rice paper rolls with sautéed mushrooms, carrot, jicama and rice noodles, creating a fresh starter that lets the ingredients shine. Paired with a creamy peanut sauce, they’re light and impossible to stop at just one.
Papaya Salad
The Papaya Salad has all the vibrant flavours that Vietnamese cuisine is known for. Shredded green papaya is combined with pickles, fresh herbs, and chillies, then tossed in a bright citrus dressing that brings everything together. Crispy shallots and peanuts add crunch and texture, creating a flavour-packed dish with just the right balance of sweetness, acidity and heat.
Vegetarian Phó
If you’ve ever travelled through Vietnam, you’ll know that pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) is a beloved street-food staple, enjoyed everywhere from bustling city corners to roadside eateries. The Vegetarian Pho is a bowl packed with flavour, proving you really don’t need meat for depth. Built around a konbu broth, it features tofu, seasonal vegetables, rice noodles and leafy greens, creating a healthy dish that’s more than satisfying. Crispy garlic and aromatic lemongrass oil add the finishing touches to this Vietnamese classic.
Coconut Sorbet
End on a cool note with the Coconut Sorbet, a simple dessert that rounds off the meal perfectly. Served with peanut praline, it offers a creamy, nutty and refreshing finish that’s very welcome in Dubai’s warm weather. Light but indulgent, it is the ideal final spoonful after a flavour-packed feast.
Details
Monday to Sunday – 12PM-11PM
Breakfast – Saturday, Sunday and public holidays – 10AM-1PM
Pho Ritual – AED 50 for Pho – Every Tuesday, 5PM onwards
Visit chomchom.ae for reservations
