AIP Diet Survival Guide: Navigating Vietnamese Restaurants

Vietnamese cuisine's vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make it a dining favorite, but navigating menus on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet presents unique challenges. Common ingredients like rice noodles, soy sauce, peanuts, nightshades, and seed oils lurk in popular dishes—posing risks for those avoiding inflammatory triggers. With careful planning and the right tools, however, you can savor Vietnamese food without compromising your health journey.

Why Vietnamese Cuisine Is Tricky for AIP

Traditional Vietnamese recipes often include:

• Grains/legumes: Rice noodles, soybean products, peanuts
• Nightshades: Chili peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes
• Processed ingredients: Sugar-laden sauces, seed oils
• Problematic additives: MSG or preservatives

Dishes like pho (broth may contain sugar), bánh xèo (rice flour crepes), or gỏi cuốn (spring rolls with peanuts) typically require modifications. Even "healthy" options like fish sauce often contain hidden sugars.

AIP-Friendly Adaptations to Seek

When dining out, prioritize these customizable dishes:

1. Grilled Proteins: Lemongrass chicken/pork (request without marinade or sugar)
2. Steamed Seafood: Shrimp or fish cooked plain
3. Broth-Based Soups: Clear bone broth (confirm no sugar or soy) with AIP-safe veggies
4. Salads: Green papaya or cabbage salad (hold dressing, peanuts, and chilies)

Pro tip: Ask for olive oil or lime instead of commercial dressings, and substitute rice noodles with extra vegetables.

How the MM Food App Simplifies Your Experience

Translating menus and identifying allergens is exhausting—especially with language barriers. MM Food transforms this struggle:

1. Instant Translation: Scan any Vietnamese menu to your native language
2. AIP Filter: Enable our pre-set AIP restriction profile
3. AI-Powered Analysis: Get real-time dish safety ratings
4. Custom Requests: Add personal restrictions (e.g., coconut aminos only)

The app highlights compliant options like grilled meats or herb-infused broths, flags risky ingredients, and suggests safe modifications to request—empowering you to dine confidently.

Pro Tips for Stress-Free Dining

• Communicate Clearly: Show the app’s translated dietary card to staff
• Start Simple: Choose plainly grilled proteins + steamed veggies
• Avoid Sauces: Bring your own AIP-compliant coconut aminos
• Cross-Check: Use MM Food to verify ingredients in complex dishes

Embrace Vietnamese dining without fear! With MM Food as your guide, you’ll discover delicious AIP-compliant options while staying true to your wellness goals.