Hoi An – a culinary paradise filled with delicious dishes waiting to be discovered! From the famous cao lau and crispy banh mi to refreshing sweet soups, Hoi An food specialties never fail to captivate travelers. Follow Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas to “pocket” a must-try list of local dishes when visiting the ancient town in this article!
Top 12 must-try Hoi An food specialties
Cao lau – a culinary symbol of the ancient town
Cao lau is a dish rich in cultural fusion, originating in the 17th century when Hoi An was a bustling international trading port. It features yellow noodles made from Quang Nam rice, soaked in ancient well water and ash water from Cu Lao Cham – creating its signature chewy texture.
Not only are the noodles impressive, but the char siu pork is also carefully marinated and slowly simmered for a rich flavor. Served with crispy pork skin, rendered pork fat, Tra Que herbs, and meat-based sauce, this dish has become an irreplaceable culinary icon in Hoi An.
White rose dumplings – elegant delicacy
While cao lau is bold, banh vac (white rose dumplings) enchants with its elegance. The thin, translucent wrapper is delicately shaped like rose petals, enveloping a sweet-savory filling of shrimp, pork, and wood ear mushrooms.
The dish originated from the Chinese community in Hoi An, later reinterpreted by locals into a unique version with a distinct local touch. Banh vac is typically served with a special dipping sauce, delivering both visual and flavor harmony that is highly favored by visitors.
Grilled pork with vermicelli – bold grilled flavor
A humble yet captivating dish, Grilled Pork with Vermicelli captivates diners with perfectly marinated, aromatic grilled pork and crispy fried spring rolls. The bowl becomes even more inviting with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, roasted sesame, and crunchy peanuts.
The key highlight is the fish sauce, perfectly balanced in sour, sweet, salty, and spicy notes. It blends beautifully with all components, resulting in a balanced and approachable dish. Grilled pork with vermicelli not only tastes delicious but also showcases the rustic culinary style of central Vietnam.
Steamed rice paper with grilled pork – central Vietnam’s fresh rolls
Steamed rice paper with grilled pork is an ideal choice for those who love light but flavorful fresh rolls. The thin, soft rice paper is cut into small pieces, then wrapped around fragrant grilled beef and fresh herbs for a taste harmony that stimulates the senses.
It’s paired with a signature peanut butter dipping sauce, mildly spicy and rich, enhancing the depth of the dish. This refined dish is perfectly aligned with the central Vietnamese preference for delicate flavors.
Mi Quang – a quintessential Quang style noodle dish
Mi Quang is a signature dish of Quang Nam, known for its bold flavor and unique texture. The noodles are made from finely ground rice, thinly spread, sliced, and coated with shallot-infused peanut oil for a fluffy, aromatic result.
Unlike other noodle soups, mi Quang is served with just enough broth to soak the noodles. The broth, made from shrimp, pork, or chicken, is mildly sweet and savory. Essential toppings include fresh Tra Que herbs and crushed peanuts, creating a simple yet refined harmony.
Hoi An baguette – crispy crust, unique filling
Hoi An baguette leaves a lasting impression with its perfect fusion of French culinary influence and Vietnamese identity. The crust is thin and crispy but not dry, toasted with butter for a rich, appetizing aroma and golden hue.
The fillings vary from pate, char siu, sausage, and fresh herbs to rich sauces – creating a combination that feels both familiar and new. Green papaya slaw and fresh greens balance the richness, making this dish flavorful, well-rounded, and very popular among international guests.
Hoi An chicken rice – shredded chicken with turmeric rice
Hoi An chicken rice stands out with fragrant, tender rice cooked in chicken broth and pandan leaves, giving it a golden color and subtle aroma. The chicken used is free-range, boiled to just the right doneness to retain its natural firmness and sweetness.
The chicken is shredded and served with chicken salad, Vietnamese coriander, and a secret family sauce, delivering a unique and unmistakable flavor. Each serving is accompanied by a hot bowl of chicken broth with young eggs, chicken intestines, and a touch of mild chili satay – completing the flavor experience.
Hoi An pancake – crispy and rich
Unlike the large southern version, Hoi An pancake is small and bite-sized, making it easy to enjoy several at once. The shell is made from crispy fried rice flour, using little oil to maintain a light texture without being greasy.
The filling includes shrimp, pork belly, bean sprouts, and mushrooms – briefly stir-fried before being added to the pancake, preserving their natural sweetness. The dish is wrapped in fresh herbs and dipped in a tangy-sweet fish sauce, offering a well-balanced harmony of taste and aroma.
Rice cracker with stir-fried clams – a rustic, unforgettable dish
Rice cracker is a central Vietnamese specialty, featuring grilled rice paper layered with soft steamed rice paper, creating a crunchy, fun texture. It’s typically served with fragrant stir-fried baby clams, seasoned with crispy shallots, Vietnamese coriander, and a hint of spicy pepper.
The highlight is the fermented anchovy dipping sauce, with a perfect balance of salty and sweet, tantalizing the taste buds. The mix of crisp crackers and savory clams makes for a humble yet memorable dish that leaves a lasting impression.
Mot herbal tea – a famous herbal drink
Amidst the nostalgic streets of the old town, Mot herbal tea appears as a refreshing gift from nature. This drink is brewed from various herbs such as monk fruit, licorice, chrysanthemum, dried lotus leaves, lemongrass, and honey – resulting in a gentle sweetness that purifies the body and aids digestion.
The name “Mot” comes from the nickname of Nguyen Huu Xuan – the creator of this unique tea. From a small stall on Tran Phu street, Tra Mot has gradually become a signature brand, leaving a mark in visitors’ hearts with its refreshing flavor and beautiful presentation using lotus flowers and fresh lime slices.
Mango cake – sweet hometown flavor
Mango Cake is a rustic snack closely tied to the childhood memories of Hoi An locals. Despite its name, it contains no mango; instead, the name comes from its plump shape resembling a mango seed. The outer layer is made from sticky rice flour, embracing a filling of roasted peanuts, white sesame, and sliced ginger – delivering a sweet, nutty, and mildly spicy flavor.
Making Mango cake requires meticulous care: from kneading the dough and preparing the filling to shaping and drying the cakes. Each piece reflects the skillful hands and heartfelt dedication of its maker, becoming a meaningful local gift that holds both memory and culinary culture of Hoi An.
Hoi An sweet soup – a cool and colorful dessert
Hoi An sweet soup is an ideal choice to beat the summer heat. This dessert wins hearts through its diverse mix of mung beans, lotus seeds, coconut milk, jelly, fruits, and various seeds – achieving harmony in both flavor and color.
Beyond taste, che Hoi An also reflects tradition through its preparation. All ingredients are carefully selected to preserve their natural essence. As a result, this sweet soup is not just a snack but an essential part of the vibrant culinary landscape of the ancient town.
Suggested places to enjoy authentic Hoi An food specialties
When visiting Hoi An, many travelers wonder what to eat and where to eat for an authentic experience. Below are some highly rated places by locals and tourists alike, where you can fully savor the flavors of the ancient town.
| Dish | Restaurant name | Địa chỉ | Price range | Highlight description |
| Cao lau | Cao Lau Ba Le | 49/3 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward | 35,000 – 440,000 VND | Traditional cao lau, nostalgic space, authentic old town taste. |
| MET Hoi An | 49 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward | 50,000 – 200,000 VND | Offers various specialties, including authentic cao lau. | |
| Hoi An pancake | Co Anh Song Hoai | 09 Thoai Ngoc Hau, Minh An Ward | 20,000 – 50,000 VND | Crispy shell, unique peanut dipping sauce, friendly service. |
| Banh xeo Khue | Alley 83/5 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau | 45,000 VND | Filled with shrimp and pork, well-seasoned sauce. | |
| Hai Dao 2 | 105 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau | 10,000 – 30,000 VND | Central-style pancake, fast service, low prices. | |
| Thuy An | 12 18 Thang 8, Cam Pho Ward | 20,000 – 50,000 VND | Flavorful filling, custom-made dipping sauce. | |
| Ho Lo Quan (vegan & regular) | 20 Tran Cao Van, Cam Pho Ward | 50,000 – 200,000 VND | Serves both vegan and regular Hoi An pancake, wide specialty menu. | |
| Mi Quang | Bale Well Restaurant | 45 Alley 51 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward | 140,000 – 200,000 VND/person | Rich Mi Quang, open space, attentive service. |
| Hoi An baguette | Banh mi Phuong | 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An | Around 20,000 – 40,000 VND | Crispy crust, bold fillings, famous among international guests. |
| Hoi An chicken rice | Com ga Ba Buoi | 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An | From 35,000 VND | Tender shredded chicken, golden fragrant rice, savory chicken broth on the side. |
| Rice cracker with stir-fried clams | Hen Ba Lu | 22 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An | Around 20,000 – 40,000 VND | Aromatic stir-fried clams, crispy rice crackers, rustic setting. |
| Mot herbal tea | Mot Hoi An | Tran Phu Street, near Hoi An Market | Around 15,000 – 30,000 VND | Refreshing herbal drink, decorated with lotus, perfect for photos. |
| Bánh Xoài | Chợ Hội An | Nguyen Thai Hoc Street | Around 5,000 – 10,000 VND | Soft cake, filled with peanuts and ginger, classic local treat. |
| Hoi An sweet soup | Che Lien | 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An | 10,000 – 25,000 VND | Variety of traditional sweet soups, ideal for cooling down in summer. |
| Street vendor near market | Near Hoi An Market | 8,000 – 20,000 VND | Rustic sweet soups, diverse selection, budget-friendly prices. |
Tips to enjoy Hoi An food specialties like a local
To savor Hoi An food specialties just like a local, consider the following tips:
- Seek out local eateries: Instead of dining only at well-known restaurants in the old town, try exploring small food stalls, sidewalk vendors, or local markets. These are where locals usually go to enjoy their everyday favorite dishes.
- Have breakfast on Thai Phien street: The Thai Phien area, especially at the intersection of Nguyen Truong To and Tran Cao Van, becomes a street food paradise in the early morning. Arrive before 9 a.m. and you’ll get to try local dishes such as fish cake noodle soup, beef noodle soup, cao lau, and mi Quang.
- Ask the locals: Don’t hesitate to ask local residents for recommendations on good and trustworthy eateries. They’ll point you to places only locals truly know about.
- Pay attention to timing: Some of the best dishes in Hoi An are only available at specific times of the day. For example, Thai Phien street is perfect for breakfast but not active in the evening.
- Try crispy fried wontons: Unlike the soup version, crispy fried wontons are a special twist in Hoi An cuisine. Give this dish a try to experience a unique and delightful flavor.
- Pair with signature dipping sauces: Each dish typically comes with its own dipping sauce, such as fermented anchovy sauce, sweet-sour fish sauce, or peanut sauce. Sample different sauces to find the one that best suits your taste.
- Choose a restaurant with a traditional atmosphere: Some eateries in Hoi An are designed in a traditional style, offering a cozy and authentic ambiance. Dining in such spaces allows you to more deeply appreciate the culinary culture of the ancient town.
With the Hoi An food specialties recommended in this article, Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas hopes you’ll enjoy a truly fulfilling culinary journey. Try it for yourself to fully experience the soul of Hoi An’s flavors. Wishing you a joyful trip filled with unforgettable memories!
