Eating in Hoi An

What to Eat in Hoi An: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Local Dishes

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Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only known for its charming streets and ancient architecture but also for its rich culinary traditions.

Eating in Hoi An

Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, Hoi An offers a wide array of local dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From fragrant noodles to crispy pancakes, here’s your ultimate guide on what to eat in Hoi An and where to find these mouthwatering treats.

1. Cao Lầu – The Signature Dish of Hoi An

Cao Lầu is one of Hoi An’s most iconic dishes and should be at the top of your list. This noodle dish is unique to the town, featuring thick rice noodles topped with slices of pork, crunchy croutons, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts, all dressed in a savoury broth. The dish is renowned for its unique texture, which comes from using water from the ancient Bá Lễ well.

  • Where to Eat Cao Lầu:
    • Thanh Cao Lầu
      • Address: 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
      • Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)
    • Cao Lầu Khong Gian Xanh
      • Address: 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
      • Price: 25,000 – 45,000 VND ($1.10 – $1.90)

2. Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich

When it comes to street food, Bánh Mì is a must-try. Hoi An is famous for having some of the best Bánh Mì in Vietnam. These crispy baguettes are filled with various ingredients such as pâté, pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chilli sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for grabbing on the go.

Local woman at her Banh Mi stall
  • Where to Eat Bánh Mì:
    • Bánh Mì Phượng
      • Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
      • Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND ($0.85 – $1.70)
    • Madam Khanh – The Bánh Mì Queen
      • Address: 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
      • Price: 20,000 – 35,000 VND ($0.85 – $1.50)

3. Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese Pancakes

Bánh Xèo, or Vietnamese rice pancakes, are a delicious treat you’ll want to try in Hoi An. These savoury pancakes are made from rice flour, turmeric, and yolk egg, then stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. You wrap each crispy bite in rice paper, add herbs, and dip it in a sweet and tangy fish sauce for the perfect balance of flavours.

  • Where to Eat Bánh Xèo:
    • Bánh Xèo Quán
      • Address: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
      • Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND ($0.85 – $1.70)
    • Morning Glory Restaurant
      • Address: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
      • Price: 60,000 – 120,000 VND ($2.50 – $5.00)
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4. Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc – White Rose Dumplings

Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc, also known as White Rose Dumplings, are delicate, rose-shaped dumplings filled with shrimp or pork and topped with crispy shallots. This dish is exclusive to Hoi An, and the recipe is a well-guarded family secret. The dumplings are served with a special dipping sauce made from shrimp broth and lime juice.

  • Where to Eat White Rose Dumplings:
    • White Rose Restaurant
      • Address: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
      • Price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND ($2.10 – $3.00)

5. Mì Quảng – Central Vietnam Noodles

Mì Quảng is a noodle dish that originated in Quang Nam province, where Hoi An is located. This dish features wide yellow rice noodles in a small amount of broth, topped with pork, shrimp, herbs, and crispy rice crackers. Mì Quảng is known for its bold flavours and bright presentation, often garnished with peanuts and sesame rice crackers.

  • Where to Eat Mì Quảng:
    • Mì Quảng 44
      • Address: 44 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
      • Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)
    • Mì Quảng Ong Hai
      • Address: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
      • Price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND ($1.10 – $1.70)

6. Com Ga Hoi An – Hoi An Chicken Rice

Com Ga Hoi An is a simple yet flavorful dish that features shredded chicken served over fragrant rice, which is cooked in chicken broth with turmeric. The dish is accompanied by fresh herbs, onions, and a special sauce. It’s a staple of Hoi An cuisine and is best enjoyed at local restaurants where the recipe has been passed down through generations.

  • Where to Eat Com Ga Hoi An:
    • Com Ga Ba Buoi
      • Address: 22 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
      • Price: 35,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.50 – $2.60)
    • Com Ga Huong Lan
      • Address: 48 Le Loi, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
      • Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)
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7. Chè Hạt Sen – Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

For dessert, try Chè Hạt Sen, a refreshing sweet soup made with lotus seeds and sometimes longan. This light dessert is perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring the city. You can find Chè Hạt Sen at local street stalls, where it is served cold with ice or warm.

  • Where to Eat Chè Hạt Sen:
    • Chè Thao Moc
      • Address: 10 Le Loi, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
      • Price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND ($0.65 – $1.10)
    • Chè Liên Hoi An
      • Address: 33 Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An
      • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
      • Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND ($0.85 – $1.30)

8. Hoi An Street Food Tour

If you want to try multiple dishes in one go, consider joining a Hoi An street food tour provided by Culture Pham Travel. These tours often take you to hidden gems, local markets, and family-run eateries where you can sample a variety of dishes like Cao Lầu, Bánh Mì, Mì Quảng, and more. It’s a great way to experience Hoi An’s diverse food scene while learning about the history and culture behind each dish.

Food tour in Hoi An
  • Hoi An Street Food Tour Recommendations:
    • Hoi An Food Tour
      • Price: Around $30 – $50 per person
      • Includes an English-speaking tour guide, bottled water, and multiple food stops

Conclusion

Hoi An is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. From the iconic Cao Lầu to the crispy Bánh Xèo, every dish tells a story about the town’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant markets or dining at a local eatery, be sure to savour every bite of these must-try dishes.

When visiting Hoi An, don’t just enjoy the sights- immerse yourself in the local flavours. Happy eating!

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