(VOVworld) –Vegetarian eating according to Buddhist beliefs is a way to show respect to and treasure life. But to Hue citizens, it’s a good way to stay healthy. Vegetarian restaurants in the city are also a meeting place of Buddhist followers. Le Hieu reports:

Hue has many vegetarian restaurants to serve a large number of Buddhist followers. Many families used to eat vegetarian foods to train their inner lives but now this habit has become more popular. 18-year-old Tran Dieu Hien is a Buddhist follower: “I’m used to vegetarian eating at home but from time to time I go to vegetarian restaurants to try new dishes. There I can meet and talk with others about Buddhism.”

Vegetarian dishes have become a delicacy for people and tourists in Hue. The dishes are very diverse including pork paste, chicken drumsticks, and fried fish, all made from vegetables and fruits. Nguyen Khoa Tuyet of Phong Dien district said: “Vegetarian dishes are very healthy and easy to digest. I eat vegetarian foods 4 days a month. I have a group of friends and we often go to pagodas and vegetarian restaurants together. Many Buddhist followers go to these places.”

As life has become better for many people, be they Buddhist or non-Buddhist followers, becoming vegetarian has improved their mental and physical health. As a result, vegetarian restaurants have been mushrooming. Each restaurant has a different style and it’s up to diners to choose the restaurant of their liking. Thien Tam restaurant on Le Ngo Cat street offers 100 both royal and ordinary dishes. Lien Hoa restaurant on Le Quy Don street in the city center has a good location and the price is reasonable for students and young people. Tinh Quan restaurant on Ngo Quyen street is tranquil and luxurious, a good place for tourists. There are many other vegetarian restaurants scattered all over the city. Nguyen Tuong Vy said: “Vegetarian eating helps to detoxify my body. Vegetarian restaurants have a good atmosphere for relaxation. I’m not a religious follower but I like to eat vegetarian food.”

Nun Hue Tu of Lien Hoa pagoda said religious followers eat vegetarian foods to purify their souls, nurture their compassion, and wish for a better life: “Vegetarian eating helps Buddhist followers free our souls. People eat vegetarian foods to stay healthy and control their temper.”