Amid the moss-covered ancient streets, if your stomach suddenly rumbles, don’t hesitate – Hoi An is always ready to please visitors with countless tempting street snacks. During your culinary journey here, Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas has compiled for you a list of Hoi An street foods worth trying, divided by different times of the day – so whether it’s morning, noon, or night, you won’t miss the most famous dishes in town.
Hoi An street food during the day: Enjoy tasty bites while exploring
Hoi An mango cake – Chewy and fragrant with ripe mango flavor
Hoi An mango cake is a traditional snack typical of Hoi An ancient town, notable for its mango-like shape but not made from mango. Its main ingredients include glutinous rice flour, peanuts, sugar, and sesame. The outer layer is soft, smooth, and fragrant with freshly harvested glutinous rice, while the peanut filling is rich and creamy, blended with the mild sweetness of sugar and a hint of aromatic sesame, creating a flavorful and easy-to-eat treat. This cake is often enjoyed as a nostalgic childhood snack for many Hoi An locals.
Cau Go mango cake (near Japanese Bridge) is a famous spot where you can enjoy the authentic taste of traditional Hoi An mango cake. In addition, many small shops around Hoi An ancient town also sell this cake at very affordable prices.
You can stroll around Hoi An ancient town, visit places like the Japanese Bridge, narrow alleys, and charming cafés, then stop by mango cake stalls to savor this treat.
Hoi An mango cake
Hoi An banh beo – Soft and smooth, flavorful topping
Hoi An banh beo is one of the rustic dishes that embodies the essence of Central Vietnam, simple yet refined in every small bowl. With a soft, smooth rice flour layer steamed in clay molds, the cake retains its natural chewiness, ivory-white color, and warmth when served.
On top is an eye-catching orange-golden topping of braised shrimp and pork, shredded dried shrimp, crispy pork cracklings, and a sprinkle of fragrant scallion and pepper. When drizzled with sweet and sour fish sauce seasoned to perfection, each spoonful delivers a rich, harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Beyond its taste, Hoi An banh beo impresses with its attractive presentation and generous filling, carefully prepared. A portion usually includes 6–10 small bowls, perfectly bite-sized and suitable for all ages – from adults to children.
If you want to fully enjoy this dish, here are some popular banh beo spots frequently visited by locals and tourists:
| Shop name | Address | Opening hours | Price range | Notes |
| Banh beo Ba Bay | 2 Hoang Van Thu, P. Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 2 Hoang Van Thu, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 12:00 – 17:30 | 5,000 – 30,000 VND | Located in the ancient town center, busy sidewalk shop, famous for rich shrimp-pork topping and tasty fish sauce. |
| Banh beo Ba My | Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 6:00 – 18:00 | 10,000 – 35,000 VND | Long-standing shop keeping the traditional flavor, soft batter, and fresh filling. |
| Banh beo Co Tu | 77/1 Phan Dinh Phung, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 77/1 Phan Dinh Phung, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Morning – afternoon | 10,000 – 20,000 VND | Small shop, topping especially loaded with shrimp and pork, flavorful fish sauce. |
| Banh beo Co Xe | 613 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Hoi An Tay, Da Nang (formerly 613 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 10:00 – 18:00 | 10,000 – 35,000 VND | Beautifully presented cakes with flavorful shredded dried shrimp, ideal for check-in lovers. |
Banh beo
Banana crepe – Crispy crust, sweet banana, highly addictive
Banana crepe is a popular Hoi An snack loved by visitors for its thin, crispy golden crust wrapped around sweet, fragrant ripe banana filling, with optional toppings like chocolate sauce, condensed milk, or shredded coconut.
The crust is made from wheat flour, eggs, and milk, cooked to an appealing golden-brown. Served hot, it offers a delightful crispiness that blends with the soft sweetness of banana and the richness of toppings. In Hoi An, banana crepes cost only about 15,000–30,000 VND, making them accessible to everyone.
| Location | Notes |
| Street snack stalls around the ancient town | Easy to spot along main streets near tourist hubs like Japanese Bridge, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and Bach Dang Street. |
| Hoi An night market, especially near An Hoi Bridge or along Hoai River | Enjoy alongside other street specialties in a lively atmosphere, perfect for strolling and snacking. |
Banana crepe
Old town lotus seed sweet soup – Refreshing and perfect for sunny days
Old town lotus seed sweet soup is a traditional cooling dessert popular in Hoi An, especially on hot summer days, thanks to its mild sweetness, fragrant nuttiness, and refreshing chill.
It is made from fresh Quang Nam lotus seeds with the bitter core removed, simmered until tender with rock sugar and coconut milk. Served with crushed ice, it becomes even more refreshing, helping detoxify the body and promote relaxation due to lotus seeds’ calming effects.
The flavor is light, sweet, and not overwhelming – perfect for enjoying under the summer heat or after a sightseeing trip.
Where to enjoy lotus seed sweet soup:
| Shop name | Address | Opening hours | Price range | Notes |
| Che Co Hiep | 24 Le Loi, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 24 Le Loi, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 15:00–23:00 | 10,000–20,000 VND | Offers various traditional sweet soups like lotus seed, mung bean, black sesame, with light sweetness. |
| Che Ba Muoi, Ba Gia, Co Suong | Scattered around the ancient town | 9:00–21:00 | 5,000–20,000 VND | Many long-standing vendors selling from street stalls along Tran Cao Van, Le Loi, etc. |
Old town lotus seed sweet soup
Banh can – Freshly made, rich dipping sauce
In the gentle atmosphere of Hoi An ancient town, nothing beats a few freshly made banh can, hot from the pan, with a crispy, airy crust, fragrant filling, and a dip in flavorful fish sauce. This rustic snack has charmed many from the very first bite.
Banh can is made from diluted rice flour poured into small clay molds placed directly over the fire. When the surface begins to set, the vendor adds fillings such as fresh shrimp, minced pork, or quail eggs, then covers the mold to cook evenly. Once done, the crispy edges wrap around the soft, chewy, piping-hot center, releasing an enticing aroma.
The soul of banh can lies in its dipping sauce. Each shop has its own recipe, but the most common is sweet and sour fish sauce with lime, garlic, and chili – flavorful yet balanced between salty, sweet, and spicy. Some places also add fermented anchovy sauce or pureed chili sauce for a unique signature taste.
Banh can is often served with fresh herbs, shredded carrot, and papaya. This combination prevents the dish from feeling too heavy, instead creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors – crispy, soft, tangy, and sweet all in one.
If you want to try some good banh can in Hoi An, here are a few recommended spots:
| Shop name | Address | Notes |
| Dung – Banh can with quail egg, steamed rice rolls with pork sausage | 110 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 110 Tran Cao Van St., Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Traditional shop, famous in the center of the ancient town |
| Banh can Nguyen Truong To Street | 114 Phan Chu Trinh St., Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 114 Phan Chu Trinh, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Delicious sidewalk stall recommended by many locals |
Banh can
Tao pho – Silky smooth, lightly fragrant with ginger
Hoi An tao pho – also known as tofu pudding or douhua – is a rustic, refreshing snack unique to the ancient town. A bowl of tao pho features silky-smooth slices of soybean pudding served with light ginger syrup, sometimes with tapioca pearls, jelly, or coconut milk.
The gentle aroma of ginger blends with the cool sweetness, making it perfect for cooling off in summer and warming the stomach on cooler days. Whether served hot or cold, Hoi An tao pho is irresistibly delicious and budget-friendly for visitors.
| Shop name | Address | Opening hours | Highlights |
| Tao pho Binh | 36 Phan Boi Chau, Hoi An Dong, Da Nang (formerly 36 Phan Boi Chau, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 16:00 – 21:00 | Long-standing shop, smooth and mildly rich flavor; affordable prices |
| Che Co Mai | 1 Nguyen Hoang, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 1 Nguyen Hoang, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 17:15 – 23:00 | Famous street vendor with diverse toppings, always crowded |
| Che Ba Tho | 3/1 Nguyen Hue, Hoi An Dong, Da Nang (formerly 3/1 Nguyen Hue, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 07:00 – 22:00 | Known for ginger topping, coconut milk, and caramel |
Tao pho
Banh kep – Crispy outside, savory-sweet filling
Hoi An banh kep – also called grilled rice paper – is a familiar street snack for both locals and visitors. The outer layer is thin rice paper or coconut rice paper, grilled until crispy over charcoal.
Inside is a variety of fillings such as creamy pâté, sunny-side-up eggs, savory minced pork, fragrant dried shredded beef, or fried shallots with Vietnamese coriander. Each piece is often pressed flat into a triangle or round shape, fitting in your hand and served hot.
What makes the flavor unforgettable is the dipping sauce. Depending on the shop, it may be a special chili sauce or sweet-sour fish sauce with mild spiciness, balancing the rich crispiness of the cake. Banh kep is usually sold at small street stalls or hidden alleys in the ancient town – perfect for snacking while enjoying a leisurely stroll in Hoi An.
| Notable shop | Address | Notes |
| Banh kep Co Xi | 636 Hai Ba Trung St., Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 636 Hai Ba Trung, Phuong Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Affordable, diverse fillings: pâté, sunny-side-up eggs, pork, dried beef, unique toppings |
| Banh kep Co Lien | 66 Ba Trieu, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 66 Ba Trieu, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Made from traditional rice, small-sized banh kep ideal for snacking, low price |
Banh kep
Grilled potato cake – Golden and nutty in every bite
Grilled potato cake is a rustic snack loved by both visitors and Hoi An locals for its golden appearance and mildly rich, nutty flavor. The cake is made from boiled mashed potatoes blended with mung beans and coconut milk, shaped into round flat pieces, then grilled over glowing charcoal. Once cooked, the outer crust is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and smooth with a light sweetness, pleasing all ages in Hoi An.
The gentle sweetness of potatoes combined with the nuttiness of mung beans and the creamy aroma of coconut milk creates a taste that is both familiar and unique, best enjoyed hot in the late afternoon or on cool days.
Where to enjoy this cake:
| Location/Shop | Address | Highlights/Notes |
| Bep Nha Sun – Hoi An snacks | 120 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 120 Ly Thuong Kiet, Son Phong, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Specializes in rustic snacks, cozy atmosphere, wide selection of grilled cakes |
| Street stalls and pushcarts | Along ancient town streets, near Hoi An night market | Easy to find in busy areas – perfect for snacking while strolling |
| Hoi An night market food court | Nguyen Hoang St., near An Hoi Bridge | Many stalls selling grilled potato cakes, ideal for evening enjoyment in a lively setting near photo spots |
Grilled potato cake
Strolling Hoi An ancient town at night and its tempting street snacks
Hoi An rolled ice cream – A cool treat in the heart of the old town
Hoi An rolled ice cream is a nostalgic snack for generations of locals, now a must-try culinary highlight for visitors. It is handmade from condensed milk, sugar, and natural flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, coconut milk, mint, or durian, creating a variety of eye-catching colors. Each small ice cream roll is refreshingly cool, mildly sweet, and easy to love, especially on hot summer days.
You can buy it from mobile ice cream carts, watching the seller pour the mixture into molds and chill it on the spot – ready in just 1–2 minutes. Each roll costs only 5,000–10,000 VND, allowing you to try multiple flavors without feeling full. Many places also offer toppings like shredded coconut or roasted peanuts for extra richness.
| Address/Seller | Location | Opening hours |
| Rolled ice cream cart at Hoi An market crossroads | Market entrance, ancient town center | 13:00–21:00 |
| Kem Ong Ba Lu | 15 Phan Chau Trinh | Near tourist attractions, crowded |
| Kem Ong Co Thu | 14 Tan Da | Mobile vendor, various flavors |
Rolled ice cream
Che Xi – Warm black sesame dessert each evening
Che Xi Hoi An – also known as che xi ma phu or black sesame sweet soup – is a traditional dessert with a long history, deeply rooted in the ancient town’s culture. Originating from the Chinese community that migrated to Hoi An in the 17th century, it has become an indispensable part of Hoi An’s cuisine and memories.
Made from fragrant roasted black sesame ground into a paste, combined with rock sugar and either tapioca or glutinous rice flour, the dessert has a glossy black color, smooth texture, and distinctive nutty richness. Served hot, it releases a warm aroma, perfect for cool evenings by the Hoai River.
It is usually ladled into small bowls, eaten hot or warm, light on the stomach, and good for digestion. Beyond its sweet and rich flavor, it evokes a sense of calm and nostalgia for a slower-paced Hoi An. Where to enjoy authentic che xi:
| Shop/Location | Address | Notes |
| Che xi ma Ong Thieu | Opposite 118 Nguyen Truong To, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang | Old-town legend, over 70 years selling traditional black sesame dessert, a “taste of childhood” in Hoi An |
| Che Co Chinh | 134 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 134 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Popular among both locals and tourists, serves che xi ma and other Hoi An specialties |
| Street sweet soup vendors | Along Tran Phu St., Hoi An market | Easy to spot in the evening while sightseeing, perfect for walking and snacking |
Che Xi
Che thung – Rich and nutty with coconut milk
Che thung is a traditional Central Vietnam dessert loved by Hoi An locals for everyday enjoyment as well as during festivals and memorial days. It combines ingredients such as taro, mung beans, tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and a touch of fresh ginger.
When cooked, the dessert reaches a smooth consistency, with tender taro, soft mung beans, and translucent tapioca pearls, enhanced by the rich aroma of coconut milk and mild warmth of ginger.
A bowl of che thung delivers layers of flavors – the nuttiness of taro and mung beans, the creamy coconut milk, and the gentle sweetness of palm sugar. Whether eaten hot or cold, it remains irresistibly delicious, perfect as a dessert after a meal or a treat during a stroll.
Recommended places for che thung:
| Shop name | Address | Notes |
| Che thung Co Le | 369 Cua Dai, Hoi An Dong, Da Nang (formerly 369 Cua Dai, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Long-standing shop with various sweet soups |
| Tiem Che Xiu | 157 Tran Hung Dao, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 157 Tran Hung Dao, Phuong Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | Offers a variety of traditional sweet soups |
Che thung
Fried fermented pork roll – Crispy with a mild spicy kick
Although originating from Hanoi, fried fermented pork roll is much loved in Hoi An, especially on cool afternoons. Each roll is coated evenly in breadcrumbs, then fried to a golden crisp, producing a delightful crunch with every bite. Inside, the fermented pork retains its chewy texture and signature mild sourness, paired with a gentle heat on the tongue, creating a taste both familiar and unique.
This dish is best enjoyed hot, dipped in special chili sauce to enhance its rich flavor. Snacking on it while chatting with friends in the old town is a favorite pastime for many young visitors. Here are some places in Hoi An to try delicious fried fermented pork rolls:
| Shop | Location | Opening hours | Price range |
| Hanoi Fried Fermented Pork Roll | 42 Hung Vuong, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 42 Hung Vuong, Phuong Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 15:00 – 22:00 | 10,000 – 89,000 VND |
| Nem chua ran So 1 Pho co Ha Noi | 28 Dao Duy Tu, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang (formerly 28 Dao Duy Tu, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam) | 16:00 – 22:00 (usual) | 15,000 – 60,000 VND |
Fried fermented pork roll
Mixed snails – Flavorful with an irresistible crunch
Mixed snails are a tempting Hoi An snack, notable for their rich taste, mild spiciness, and pleasantly chewy texture. The snails are cleaned, boiled or steamed, then mixed with lemongrass, chili, lime leaves, sweet-sour fish sauce, Vietnamese coriander, and roasted peanuts. Each serving delivers the natural sweetness of snails combined with fragrant spices and the nutty crunch of toppings.
This dish is especially enjoyable in the late afternoon or evening while strolling the old town with friends. Below are recommended spots for mixed snails in Hoi An:
| Shop | Location | Price range | Notes |
| Oc Tron Co Ha | Old address: 129 Ly Thai To, Son Phong, Hoi An, Quang Nam; New address: 129 Ly Thai To, Hoi An, Da Nang | 4,000 – 49,000 VND/serving | Famous snack shop with diverse menu, fresh mixed snails |
| Oc Pho Co | Old address: 176 Ly Thai To, Truong Le, Hoi An, Quang Nam; New address: 176 Ly Thai To, Truong Le, Hoi An Dong, Da Nang | 49,000 – 99,000 VND | A favorite among local youth, spacious with quick service |
| Oc Cham Hoi An | Old address: 173 Ly Thai To, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam; New address: 173 Ly Thai To, Hoi An Dong, Da Nang | 20,000 – 100,000 VND | Offers mixed snails and various side dishes, unique dipping sauce, great for gatherings |
Additionally, street snail carts along Nguyen Thai Hoc St., near Hoi An market, and An Hoi Bridge also sell mixed snails, perfect for a quick bite during an evening stroll.
Mixed snails
Grilled bread with chili salt – Spicy, crispy, and full of street flavor
Hoi An grilled bread with chili salt is a beloved street snack, featuring bread grilled over charcoal until golden and crispy, fragrant with butter, and topped with a sweet-salty-spicy chili salt sauce.
The sauce is typically made from chili, salt, sugar, garlic, fish sauce, and lime. Toppings vary from grilled meat, pork floss, sausage, sunny-side-up eggs, pâté, fried shallots, scallion oil, to vegetables, making the dish even more appealing. Each bite delivers crispiness, mild heat, and deep flavor, ideal for evening snacks or cool days.
This dish is commonly sold at street stalls in Hoi An night market.
Grilled bread with chili salt
Spicy chicken feet – Gradual heat, irresistibly addictive
If you’re a fan of spicy food, Hoi An spicy chicken feet will leave your tongue tingling yet keep you coming back for more. Cleaned chicken feet are boiled, chilled to maintain crispiness, then marinated with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, chili, and special sauce before being stir-fried or braised for full flavor absorption.
The spiciness builds gradually, paired with the chewy-crispy texture and aromatic lemongrass-chili fragrance, making it a popular choice for cool evenings in the old town. They can be enjoyed with bread or dipped in sweet-salty fish sauce for extra flavor.
| Shop | Notes | Opening hours | Price range |
| Spicy chicken feet – 238 Ly Thuong Kiet | Famous, busy with locals and tourists, golden stir-fried lemongrass-chili chicken feet with rich sauce; street-side seating or takeaway | 14:30 – 21:00 | 35,000 – 50,000 VND |
| Nhep Nhep Hoi An (35/1 Ly Thai To) | Diverse menu: spicy chicken feet, lemongrass kumquat chicken feet, balut with tamarind sauce; youthful vibe, great for groups | 14:00 – 21:00 | 35,000 – 55,000 VND |
| Spicy chicken feet & milk tea – An Bang (To 4, Tan Thanh) | Near An Bang Beach, combines spicy chicken feet with milk tea, great for beach trips | 15:00 – 21:00 | 40,000 – 60,000 VND |
Spicy chicken feet
Bun dau mam tom – Fully loaded toppings, authentic Northern shrimp paste
In the heart of Hoi An’s ancient town, bun dau mam tom – a signature Hanoi dish – has become a familiar and well-loved meal.
A typical tray here is generously filled with rice vermicelli, crispy fried tofu, tender boiled pork, fragrant green rice sausage, fried blood sausage, crispy pork cracklings, and fresh herbs, all paired with a bowl of authentic Northern shrimp paste skillfully mixed with lime, garlic, chili, sugar, and sizzling oil. It’s a satisfying choice for the late afternoon or evening when you crave a hearty, varied meal.
Bun dau mam tom
The bun dau shops in Hoi An are often clean and rustic, perfect for gatherings or a quick stop during your exploration.
| Shop | Address | Opening hours | Price range | Notes |
| Bun Dau Ha An | Old address: 124 Tran Hung Dao, Phuong Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam; New address: 124 Tran Hung Dao, Phuong Hoi An, Da Nang | 14:00 – 22:00 | 25,000 – 155,000 VND | Large tray with full toppings, authentic Northern shrimp paste, spacious setting |
| Bun dau mam tom Dau Bac | Old address: 142B Le Hong Phong, Tan An, Hoi An, Quang Nam; New address: 142B Le Hong Phong, Hoi An Tay, Da Nang | 14:00 – 22:00 | 60,000 VND/portion | Diverse toppings, rich shrimp paste, clean space |
| Bun Dau 2 Beo | Old address: 447 Hai Ba Trung, Tan An, Hoi An, Quang Nam; New address: 447 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An Tay, Da Nang | 15:00 – 21:00 | 50,000 – 150,000 VND | “Super-sized” trays with plentiful toppings, popular among locals |
Some trips are for discovering landmarks, some for enjoying cultural experiences, and others simply to eat to your heart’s content. Hoi An is where all three come together, especially through its Hoi An street food experiences. No elaborate plans are needed – just follow the call of your hungry stomach and a few suggestions from Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas, and you’ll have a day that’s completely satisfying – not only for your stomach but also in your memories.
