Hoi An Cuisine: A Culinary Encounter with Vietnam

The cuisine of Hoi An is part of the unmissable experiences in this captivating city, located in the heart of Vietnam. It is said that during a visit to Hoi An, three experiences are absolutely essential: first, strolling by bicycle or on foot through ancient alleyways, steeped in history; then, releasing lanterns on the Hoài River while making a wish; and, of course, savoring the delicious local specialties. Every dish tells a little of the soul and history of the city, influenced by centuries of diverse cultures. What to eat in Hoi An? Here are some culinary treasures that will delight your palate and offer you an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Cao Lâu

If someone asks you which dish in Hoi An is at once delicious, hearty and nourishing, the first answer would surely be Cao lầu. This emblematic Hoi An dish possesses a unique and inimitable flavor. The noodles of Cao lầu have a bright yellow color, obtained by mixing flour with camphor wood ash, which gives them a particular taste. Cao lầu is generally accompanied by shrimp, pork, char siu, and fresh vegetables.

It is no exaggeration to say that not tasting Cao lầu amounts to not having visited Hội An

The secret lies in the sauce, which must absolutely be made from the juice of the char siu pork marinade, enriched with spices and carefully balanced. It constitutes the soul of this dish, considered a symbol of the timeless elegance of the old town.

When you taste Cao lầu, you perceive the crispness of the noodles, accompanied by a palette of flavors: tangy, spicy, slightly bitter, and sweet from the vegetables, offering an entirely unique culinary experience.

Reference Price: 35,000 – 50,000 VNĐ per bowl (1.30€ – 1.90€ per bowl)

Recommended Addresses:

• Thanh Cao lầu: 26 Thai Phien Street, Hoi An
• Cao lầu Bà Bé: At the entrance of Hoi An Market
• Cao lầu Hội An: 274 Cua Dai Street, Hoi An
• Cao lầu Hồng: 18 Thai Phien Street, Hoi An

Mì Quảng (Quang Noodles)

The cuisine of Hoi An is rich in local specialties, and Mì Quảng is one of the most emblematic dishes, often found in the meals of locals. In a bowl of Mì Quảng, you generally find pork, shrimp and chicken (sometimes hard-boiled eggs, depending on preferences), all accompanied by a broth prepared from pork bones. Usually, the broth is very reduced, giving the impression of eating a mixed dish. Mì Quảng is even more flavorful when served with roasted peanuts, crispy rice crackers, fresh herbs and finely chopped onions.

Mì Quảng is one of the specialties of Hoi An

Today you can also find modern variations of Mì Quảng with frog or beef. Whatever the version, Mì Quảng remains an extremely appealing dish that makes your mouth water from the first glance.

Reference Price: 35,000 – 50,000 VNĐ per bowl (1.30€ – 1.90€ per bowl)

Recommended Addresses:

• Mì Quảng Bà Minh: Cam Ha Street, Hoi An
• Mì Quảng Ông Hai: 6A Truong Minh Luong Street, Hoi An
• Mì Quảng Dì Hát: 4 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An

Com Ga Hoi An (Chicken Rice)

Hoi An chicken rice is not only a delicacy of this city, but every region of Vietnam has its own way of preparing it. So, when you think about what to eat in Hoi An, com ga often comes to mind. This dish, prepared in a unique way in Hoi An, has been famous for a very long time.

This dish stands out for the golden color of its rice and its juicy, tender chicken, accompanied by a savory sauce and some aromatic herbs. Each plate is also garnished with a salad of green papaya and sweet and sour pickled onions, which add a refreshing and appetizing touch.

Hoi An Chicken Rice – An Unmissable Specialty of Hoi An

The chicken, well-firmed and juicy, is marinated and cooked to perfection. The rice, for its part, is cooked in a fragrant chicken broth, which gives it a rich and delicious flavor. The whole is completed with fresh herbs and a special sauce, often considered “divine”, which further enhances the taste of the dish.

Cơm gà Hội An is therefore a true culinary experience that reflects the richness and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, while offering a unique touch specific to Hoi An.

• Cơm gà Bà Buội: 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An
• Cơm gà Bà Nga: 8 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An

Reference Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VNĐ per bowl (1.10€ – 1.90€ per bowl)

Recommended Addresses:

• Cơm gà Bà Buội: 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An
• Cơm gà Bà Nga: 8 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An

Bánh Mì Hội An

Vietnam is famous for its bánh mì, and every region brings its own unique flavor to this emblematic sandwich. With a variety of types, this dish has quickly conquered even the most demanding palates. If you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An, do not forget to taste this specialty of the city.

Bánh mì Phượng is recognized as the best bánh mì in the world

Mentioning Hoi An bánh mì, one cannot fail to mention bánh mì Phượng. Bánh mì Phượng is recognized as the best bánh mì in the world. With about twenty varied fillings such as thập cẩm (mixed), pâté, rolled beef with cheese, and bacon, the options are numerous and delicious. The crispy crust of the bread and the rich and creamy flavors of the fillings attract local and foreign visitors, ready to stand in line to taste this specialty. A single bite is enough to appreciate the richness and finesse of Hoi An cuisine.

Bánh mì Madame Khánh is nicknamed by many tourists and foreign media “The Queen of Bánh Mì”

Bánh mì Madam Khánh, nicknamed “The Queen of Bánh Mì” by many foreign tourists, has been famous for its unique flavors for almost 30 years. Originally, this modest stall became a landmark thanks to its varied fillings and distinct combinations. Bánh mì Madam Khánh is loved by visitors for the variety of its fillings and its unique combinations that offer distinct flavors, sparking curiosity and interest during the tasting. The menu, while composed of just five simple dishes, can win over anyone who has tasted it thanks to its delicious taste, its perfect balance between ingredients, and its lack of any feeling of heaviness. Bánh mì Madam Khánh will certainly seduce you with its unique flavors and its wide range of choices.

Reference Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VNĐ per bowl (0.72€ – 1.45€ per bowl)

Recommended Addresses:

• Bánh mì Phượng: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An
• Bánh mì Madam Khánh: 115 Tran Cao Van Street, Hoi An

Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings)

Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings)

During rainy afternoons, there is nothing more pleasant than enjoying a plate of hot bánh vạc while watching the city lights come on. Each small dumpling, white and translucent, is skillfully shaped, thus earning the nickname “Bánh Hoa Hồng Trắng” (white rose dumpling). The dough of bánh bao bánh vạc is made of wheat flour, sifted multiple times until perfect transparency is achieved. The soft and elastic dough wraps a savory filling of shrimp and pork. Add a bit of fried shallots and garlic chili fish sauce, and you have a delicious Hoi An specialty.

Reference Price: About 30,000 VNĐ (1.10€) per portion

Recommended Addresses:

• Bông Hồng Trắng: 533 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An
• Trống Cơm: 92 Bach Dang Street, Hoi An
• Trung Bắc: 87 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An
• Street stalls in the old quarter and Hội An Market

Bánh Ướt Cuốn Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Rolls)

Bánh Ướt Cuốn Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Rolls)

A complete plate of grilled pork rolls includes skewers of grilled meat lightly caramelized and sprinkled with peanuts, sheets of bánh ướt (soft steamed wrapper), fresh vegetables and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. To enjoy it, arrange the fresh vegetables and meat on a soft roll wrapper, roll everything up, then dip it into the savory sauce. This dish is sold in many street stalls along the Hoài River, attracting both tourists and local residents. The meat skewers are usually grilled on the spot, which keeps them hot.

Reference Price: About 5,000 VNĐ (0.18€) per skewer.

Recommended Addresses:

• Street stalls along the Hoài River
• Da Chị Sương: Kazik Park sidewalk
• Corner of Hai Ba Trung and Tran Hung Dao Streets, Hoi An

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crêpe)

Biting into a crispy bánh xèo, fragrant with shrimp and meat, you will never forget this irresistible flavor

When evoking the cuisine of Hoi An, it would be a sin not to mention bánh xèo, a dish that is emblematic and deeply rooted in the culinary culture of Central Vietnam, particularly in Hoi An. Unlike bánh xèo from other regions, those in Hoi An are distinguished by their small size, which allows you to taste several. They are best enjoyed piping hot, often by hand, dipped in nuoc mâm or wrapped in bánh đa (rice crackers) with fresh vegetables for perfect flavor harmony.

This dish is particularly appreciated in winter, and during the last three months of the year, bánh xèo restaurants are often full. On a cold rainy day, there is nothing better than biting into a crispy, steaming bánh xèo to offer visitors an unforgettable experience of street cuisine in Hoi An

Reference Price: 20,000 VNĐ – 50,000 VNĐ (0.72€ – 1.81€)

Recommended Addresses:

• Bánh xèo quán Giếng Bá Lễ: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An
• Bánh xèo Hải Đảo: 409 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An
• Bánh xèo Cô Anh: Thoai Ngoc Hau Street, Hoi An

Bánh Bèo Hôi An (Water Fern Cake)

Bánh bèo – A Culinary Specialty of Hội An

Among the culinary specialties of Hoi An, bánh bèo is unmissable. These small cakes, served in small bowls, have a soft consistency that melts in your mouth. The topping of bánh bèo is varied and rich, including dried shrimp, fish pâté, crispy fat, peanuts, etc. Add a bit of sweet and sour sauce to fully appreciate the melting sweetness, crunchiness, and rich and irresistible taste of this dish.

Reference Price: from 2,000 VNĐ (0.072€) per small bowl.

Recommended Addresses:

• Quán Bà Bảy: 2 Hoang Van Thu Street, Hoi An
• Bánh bèo Cô Tại: Near Hoi An Post Office
• Quán Chị Hà: Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Hoi An

Trà Mót Hoi An

Trà Mót is an unmissable drink during your visit to Hoi An

Located on a small street in the center of the old town, Trà Mót is a landmark during your visit to Hoi An. Beyond delicious dishes, the drinks in Hoi An also attract a lot of attention from tourists. Trà Mót, a refreshing and slightly sweet herbal drink, has become an unmissable meeting place and a popular check-in spot. After savoring Hoi An’s culinary specialties, Trà Mót helps soothe the stomach, especially when it is hot. Enjoying Trà Mót while watching passersby gives a sense of peace and tranquility.

Reference Price: 12,000 VNĐ (0.43€)

Recommended Address: 150 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An

Tào Phớ (Sweet Tofu Pudding)

During your visit to the old town of Hội An, you can discover many street vendors offering tào phớ along the way. This simple and emblematic dessert leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The origin of the name “Tào phớ” is uncertain, but some believe it derives from the Chinese word “tofu”.

Tào phớ is generally served in antique porcelain bowls, adding a nostalgic touch. The thin slices of white tofu blend with fragrant sugar syrup, enriched by some longan fruit and tapioca pearls, making this dessert at once appealing and delicious.

Tào Phớ – A Street Delicacy in Hoi An

Small chairs are arranged for customers to sit and enjoy their tào phớ while admiring the old town. This dessert, consumed at any time of year, is particularly appreciated for its refreshing properties on hot days. In summer, colorful toppings such as herbal jelly and lotus seeds add a touch of freshness. In winter, tào phớ is served hot with a hint of ginger, offering comforting warmth.

Reference Price: from 2,000 VNĐ (0.072€) per small bowl.

Recommended Addresses:

• Tào phớ Bình: 36 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An
• Chè Cô Mai: 1 Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An
• Chè Bà Thọ: 1 Nguyen Hue Street, Hoi An
• Chè Hạt Sen Phố Cổ: 1 Hoang Van Thu Street, Hoi An

Exploring the cuisine of Hoi An is a unique sensory experience that combines timeless charm and authentic culinary traditions. This historic city is an unmissable destination for lovers of local flavors. Walking through the picturesque alleyways of the ancient port town, you will discover a symphony of traditional dishes that will awaken your palate. Each specialty reveals a fragment of Hoi An’s soul. For any questions about Hoi An, do not hesitate to contact us! Bon appétit and happy culinary discovery!