1. Cao Lau Hoi An – Hoi An Specialty “True Love”
It is not an exaggeration to say that if you have not eaten Cao Lau, it is as if you have never been to Hoi An. Cao Lau noodles are bright yellow, due to the flour mixed with cajuput wood ash, creating a special flavor. Cao Lau is often eaten with shrimp, pork, char siu, raw vegetables, etc. The broth is small but rich in flavor, creating the “soul” of the dish, which is considered to represent the old beauty of the old town. It is not too difficult to find a shop selling “standard” Cao Lau in Hoi An. However, if you have to choose, visit Lien Cao Lau – located at 16 Thai Phien. Starting from a small street vendor, the shop has existed for more than 30 years but has never been without customers.
Some Other Hoi An Cao Lau Shops You Should Consider:
- Ong Hai Restaurant: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An
- Aunt Hat Restaurant: 81 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
- Thanh Cao Lau: 26, Thai Phien, Hoi An
- Hong Cao Lau: 18, Thai Phien, Hoi An
2. Hoi An Quang Noodles – Famous Central Specialty of Hoi An
When you come to the Central region, you must definitely eat Quang noodles. Rustic, simple but sophisticated, I don’t know since when, Quang noodles have become a favorite name of gourmets. Quang noodles are opaque white, soft and chewy. The fragrant rice smell of the noodles blends in the rich, fatty broth eaten with raw vegetables, roasted peanuts, shrimp, meat, soft-boiled eggs… it’s truly delicious. Eating it with crispy rice paper is truly authentic.
Besides the traditional version, there is also a unique frog Quang noodles dish. Surely you will be very excited when mixing the noodles with braised frogs in a fragrant ceramic pot.
Tips for Delicious Quang Noodle Shops in Hoi An:
- Ba Minh Quang Noodles: Cam Ha, Hoi An
- Hoi An Green Space: 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
- Co Sinh Quang Noodles: 170/5, Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An
- Ong Hai Quang Noodles: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau, Hoi An
- Trang Bep Frog Quang Noodles – many branches in Da Nang
3. Hoi An Mot Water – Refreshing, Cooling, “Loved by Thousands”
Photo source: Foody
If Saigon is proud of its strong cups of coffee, and Hanoi is famous for its cool sidewalk iced tea, Hoi An offers visitors the charm of a cup of fragrant herbal Mot tea. In each drop of water, lemon, ginger, lemongrass, chrysanthemum, dried lotus leaves, green tea leaves and honey are mixed together – a “miracle” mixture that helps purify the body. Each cup of tea is carefully decorated with lotus leaves and lotus roots by talented bartenders, making it impossible for visitors to take their eyes off the cup of Mot in their hands. It is certainly not only delicious but also very “pleasing to the eye”.
If Saigon is proud of its strong cups of coffee, and Hanoi is famous for its cool sidewalk iced tea, Hoi An offers visitors the charm of a cup of fragrant herbal Mot tea. In each drop of water, lemon, ginger, lemongrass, chrysanthemum, dried lotus leaves, green tea leaves and honey are mixed together – a “miracle” mixture that helps purify the body. Each cup of tea is carefully decorated with lotus leaves and lotus roots by talented bartenders, making it impossible for visitors to take their eyes off the cup of Mot in their hands. It is certainly not only delicious but also very “pleasing to the eye”.
Hoi An Water:
- Quan Mot: 150 Tran Phu
4. Hoi An Clam Porridge – Specialty for Rainy Days
Photo source: Foody
Every morning, when the first rays of sunlight touch the peaceful river, Hoi An awakens in peace. On the pretty little streets, clam porridge shops start a new day, like a gentle breeze blending with the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient city. In Hoi An clam porridge, simple ingredients such as porridge, clams, ginger, green onions, Vietnamese coriander and spices blend harmoniously. Fresh sea clams make each piece of clam chewy and delicious like a live bird in the serving. Fresh ginger and pungent green onions contribute to a rich, delicate flavor that is hard to resist.
Every morning, when the first rays of sunlight touch the peaceful river, Hoi An awakens in peace. On the pretty little streets, clam porridge shops start a new day, like a gentle breeze blending with the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient city. In Hoi An clam porridge, simple ingredients such as porridge, clams, ginger, green onions, Vietnamese coriander and spices blend harmoniously. Fresh sea clams make each piece of clam chewy and delicious like a live bird in the serving. Fresh ginger and pungent green onions contribute to a rich, delicate flavor that is hard to resist.
Address Selling Delicious Hoi An Clam Porridge:
- Ms. Gio’s Clam Porridge: Hai Ba Trung Street, Cam An, Hoi An
5. Spicy Chicken Feet – A Delicious Hoi An Snack
Photo source: Foody
Are you ready to experience a Hoi An street food that will make your taste buds “burn”? Hoi An spicy chicken feet is an “addictive” dish that you cannot miss!
The chicken feet are meticulously processed, each piece of meat is soft and smooth, soaked in spicy, fragrant spices that will make you “fascinated” from the first bite. The secret lies in the unique sauce recipe, a harmonious combination of chili, garlic, onion and special spices, creating an attractive, irresistible flavor.
Are you ready to experience a Hoi An street food that will make your taste buds “burn”? Hoi An spicy chicken feet is an “addictive” dish that you cannot miss!
The chicken feet are meticulously processed, each piece of meat is soft and smooth, soaked in spicy, fragrant spices that will make you “fascinated” from the first bite. The secret lies in the unique sauce recipe, a harmonious combination of chili, garlic, onion and special spices, creating an attractive, irresistible flavor.
Address to Eat Delicious Spicy Chicken Feet in Hoi An:
- Spicy Chicken Feet: 238 Ly Thuong Kiet, Son Phong, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- An Bang Milk Tea Chicken Feet: Group 4, Tan Thanh Block, Hoi An City
- Nhop Nhep: K35 Ly Thai To, Hoi An City
6. Hoi An Tofu Pudding – A Delicious Dish For Sweet Tooth Lovers
Photo source: Foody
Wandering around every corner of Hoi An, near and far, you can hear the familiar calls of the uncles and aunts carrying tofu, a dish that is like a sweet gift from childhood. Each bowl of tofu carries within it a “soul” of Hoi An, rich in the flavor of childhood and the rustic aroma of natural ingredients.
The soft pieces of tofu, soaked in sweet sugar water, combined with traditional flour and diverse toppings such as red beans, green beans, shredded coconut… In the afternoon breeze on Hoi An, the call “tofu here, tofu here” resounds like a familiar song, bringing us back to our childhood, full of memories in this peaceful land. Hoi An tofu, like a dear gift, is indispensable in the memories of the people of the old town.
Wandering around every corner of Hoi An, near and far, you can hear the familiar calls of the uncles and aunts carrying tofu, a dish that is like a sweet gift from childhood. Each bowl of tofu carries within it a “soul” of Hoi An, rich in the flavor of childhood and the rustic aroma of natural ingredients.
The soft pieces of tofu, soaked in sweet sugar water, combined with traditional flour and diverse toppings such as red beans, green beans, shredded coconut… In the afternoon breeze on Hoi An, the call “tofu here, tofu here” resounds like a familiar song, bringing us back to our childhood, full of memories in this peaceful land. Hoi An tofu, like a dear gift, is indispensable in the memories of the people of the old town.
Address to Eat Delicious Tofu in Hoi An:
- Che Co Mai: 1 Nguyen Hoang, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
- Che Ba Tho: 1 Nguyen Hue, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
- Tao Pho Binh: 36 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
7. Bun Mam Nem Hoi An – Hoi An Delicacies For Gourmets
Photo source: Foody
No need for luxury or beauty in the menu like the famous Cao Lau or My Quang, Bun Mam Nem only exists quietly in street vendors and small roadside shops, but still wins the hearts of diners in Hoi An because of its simplicity and rusticity. Here, you will find a simple table and chair set and a small cabinet, or even just a small shoulder pole, but full of fresh and rustic ingredients.
Bun Mam Nem does not need to be ostentatious, because it has its own sophistication in every spoonful of flavor. The fish sauce is rich, perfectly combined with the aroma of garlic, chili, shrimp and many other fresh ingredients. Besides, the noodles are soft and smooth, absorbing the flavor of the fish sauce, creating a comfortable and complete feeling.
No need for luxury or beauty in the menu like the famous Cao Lau or My Quang, Bun Mam Nem only exists quietly in street vendors and small roadside shops, but still wins the hearts of diners in Hoi An because of its simplicity and rusticity. Here, you will find a simple table and chair set and a small cabinet, or even just a small shoulder pole, but full of fresh and rustic ingredients.
Bun Mam Nem does not need to be ostentatious, because it has its own sophistication in every spoonful of flavor. The fish sauce is rich, perfectly combined with the aroma of garlic, chili, shrimp and many other fresh ingredients. Besides, the noodles are soft and smooth, absorbing the flavor of the fish sauce, creating a comfortable and complete feeling.
Address to Eat Delicious Bun Mam Nem Hoi An:
- Bun Mam Nem Street: 06 La Hoi, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Street vendors in the old town
8. Hoi An Red Rice Porridge – A Light Dinner
Photo source: Foody
Deep in the small alleys of Hoi An, somewhere still exists a simple but extremely attractive dish. Although it has been around for a long time, red rice porridge (brown rice porridge) is still not known to many tourists, most of the regulars here are “locals” of the old town.
Enjoying brown rice porridge, you will feel the warmth, gentleness and sweetness slowly filling your body. The porridge is the essence of the dish, cooked from brown rice and eaten with fragrant braised fish, cooked thoroughly with chili and fresh green melon, creating a rich and attractive flavor. The combination of the sweet, spicy taste of braised fish, and the freshness and crunchiness of chili and melon, creates a flavor that many people remember.
Deep in the small alleys of Hoi An, somewhere still exists a simple but extremely attractive dish. Although it has been around for a long time, red rice porridge (brown rice porridge) is still not known to many tourists, most of the regulars here are “locals” of the old town.
Enjoying brown rice porridge, you will feel the warmth, gentleness and sweetness slowly filling your body. The porridge is the essence of the dish, cooked from brown rice and eaten with fragrant braised fish, cooked thoroughly with chili and fresh green melon, creating a rich and attractive flavor. The combination of the sweet, spicy taste of braised fish, and the freshness and crunchiness of chili and melon, creates a flavor that many people remember.
Places to Buy Delicious Hoi An Red Rice Porridge:
- Ms. Ngoc’s Restaurant: Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An City
- Ms. Lien’s Red Porridge: 8 Truong Minh Luong
9. Hoi An Noodle Soup
If you ask Hoi An people which dish reminds them of their hometown the most, the answer will definitely be banh canh. Each strand of white, smooth, chewy banh canh blends with the rich broth and full toppings, creating a rustic yet irresistible dish. There are two popular types of banh canh in Hoi An: rice flour banh canh and tapioca flour banh canh. Banh canh toppings are also very diverse, depending on each person’s preferences. These include: roast pork, fish cakes, raw vegetables, seafood… Hoi An banh canh is often eaten with green chili, chili sauce and garlic chili fish sauce to enhance the flavor.
Address to Eat Delicious Hoi An Noodle Soup:
- Hoi An Banh Canh Ba Quyt: 51 Thanh Hoa, Tan An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Ms. Luon’s Banh Canh: No. 276 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Ms. Trang’s Banh Canh: Group 2 Tan Thinh, Cam An, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
- Ms. Xuan’s Banh Canh: Opposite No. 6 Ngo Si Lien Street, Tan An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
10. Hoi An Wonton – Chinese Cuisine in the Heart of the Old Town
Although it is a delicacy originating from China, Hoi An wonton still possesses a very pure Vietnamese flavor. The golden, soft wonton skin embraces the full shrimp and meat filling and is served with pork liver, chives, soft-boiled eggs, etc. If you don’t like soup, you can choose crispy wonton, dipped in a little chili sauce, which is also “very something”.
Where to Buy Delicious Wontons in Hoi An:
- Nguyen Loi Wonton Noodles: 78 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An City
- Anh Dung: 14, Ba Trieu Street, Hoi An
- Thanh Thanh, 152, Tran Phu Street, Hoi An
- Hoang Ky Noodle Shop: 67 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City
- Cam Pho Cuisine Restaurant – at the foot of the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town
11. Hoi An Stir-Fried Mussels Cake
©ZingNews
Fried mussels with rice crackers is a famous Hoi An specialty that you should try at least once in their life. Fresh mussels are stir-fried with spices, Vietnamese coriander, onions, fried onions, peanuts, chili sauce, etc. until fragrant. Then, eat with rice crackers or rice crackers and add sweet and sour dipping sauce. Although the ingredients and preparation are not too complicated, it is difficult to find a shop selling mussels with rice crackers that have a delicious, rich flavor that is true to the old town. The price of this delicious dish is also quite “soft”, only from 20,000 VND.
Fried mussels with rice crackers is a famous Hoi An specialty that you should try at least once in their life. Fresh mussels are stir-fried with spices, Vietnamese coriander, onions, fried onions, peanuts, chili sauce, etc. until fragrant. Then, eat with rice crackers or rice crackers and add sweet and sour dipping sauce. Although the ingredients and preparation are not too complicated, it is difficult to find a shop selling mussels with rice crackers that have a delicious, rich flavor that is true to the old town. The price of this delicious dish is also quite “soft”, only from 20,000 VND.
Here Are Some Places That Sell Delicious Stir-Fried Clam Banh Dap In Hoi An:
- Banh dap number 9: Cam An, Hoi An
- Ba Gia stir-fried mussel restaurant: village 1, Cam Nam, Hoi An
- Cam Nam shop: 679, Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
- Shop available right away: Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam, Hoi An
12. Hoi An Mussel Rice
©ZingNews
Many Korean tourists jokingly say that mussel rice is the Vietnamese bibimbap. Mussels are stir-fried with mussel juice, shrimp paste, pork rinds, crispy fried noodles, chili, peanuts… then mixed and eaten with rice and herbs. Mussel rice is a famous specialty of Hue but is also loved by the people of Hoi An. Not fussy or high-class, mussel rice “captivates” tourists with its simple yet unforgettable flavor.
Many Korean tourists jokingly say that mussel rice is the Vietnamese bibimbap. Mussels are stir-fried with mussel juice, shrimp paste, pork rinds, crispy fried noodles, chili, peanuts… then mixed and eaten with rice and herbs. Mussel rice is a famous specialty of Hue but is also loved by the people of Hoi An. Not fussy or high-class, mussel rice “captivates” tourists with its simple yet unforgettable flavor.
Where to Buy Delicious Hen Rice in Hoi An:
- Cam Nam Restaurant: 679 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An
- Located right away: Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam Commune, Hoi An
- Cuong Restaurant: 01, Nguyen Hoang, Hoi An
- Hue Cuisine Hoi An: 21A, Tran Cao Van, Hoi An
13. Wet Rice Rolls with Grilled Pork Hoi An
A full portion of grilled meat rolls includes grilled skewers with a little peanut sprinkled on them, wet rice paper, raw vegetables and a sweet and salty dipping sauce. You put the raw vegetables and meat juice into the soft wet rice paper, roll it up and enjoy it with a rich dipping sauce. This dish is sold a lot at street stalls along the Hoai River, “causing nostalgia” for many tourists and locals. The meat skewers are usually grilled on the spot so they are always hot, priced from only 5,000 VND/skewer. Many you members have to eat until the 4th or 5th skewer to feel “satisfied”.
Where to Buy Delicious Grilled Pork Rolls in Hoi An:
- Ba Huong Restaurant: 31 Tieu La, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
- Gieng Ba Le Restaurant: 51 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
- Co Loi Hoi An Grilled Pork Rice Noodles: No. 03 Nguyen Hue, Hoi An City
- Ms. Suong: Kazik Park Sidewalk
14. Hoi An Banh Vac
Photo source: ZingNews
On a rainy afternoon, there is nothing more poetic than enjoying a plate of hot banh vac and watching the city lights up. Each white, transparent cake is skillfully shaped, truly worthy of the nickname “white rose cake”. The banh vac crust is made from wheat flour, filtered over and over again until it reaches a certain transparency. The soft, chewy dough embraces the savory shrimp and meat filling. “Add” a little fried onion and spicy garlic chili fish sauce and you have a delicious Hoi An specialty.
On a rainy afternoon, there is nothing more poetic than enjoying a plate of hot banh vac and watching the city lights up. Each white, transparent cake is skillfully shaped, truly worthy of the nickname “white rose cake”. The banh vac crust is made from wheat flour, filtered over and over again until it reaches a certain transparency. The soft, chewy dough embraces the savory shrimp and meat filling. “Add” a little fried onion and spicy garlic chili fish sauce and you have a delicious Hoi An specialty.
Address Selling Delicious Banh Vac in Hoi An:
- White Rose Restaurant: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho, Hoi An
- Trong Com Restaurant: 92 Bach Dang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
- Trung Bac Restaurant: 87 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
- Street vendors in Hoi An’s old town and market
15. Hoi An Tea
There is no doubt that Hoi An is truly a “heaven of sweet soup”. If you are not careful, sweet tooths will surely get lost among the countless delicious sweet soups, from black sesame sweet soup (chi ma phu), floating rice balls to lotus seed sweet soup, corn sweet soup, thung sweet soup, mung bean sweet soup, broad bean sweet soup…. Prices start from only 5,000 VND for a hot, sweet bowl of sweet soup. Want to enjoy delicious sweet soup with a strong national flavor? Just head straight to Hoi An.
A little tip for you: in Hoi An, there is also a unique sweet soup. That is floating rice balls with pork. It looks like normal floating rice balls, but the filling of the floating rice balls is actually flavorful pork, you can eat it forever without getting bored. You can enjoy this delicious Hoi An sweet soup at Mrs. Muoi floating rice balls shop, No. 4, Hoang Dieu Street.
List of delicious chè shops in Hoi An:
- Mrs. Nam’s lotus seed sweet soup: 01, Hoang Van Thu, Hoi An
- Mrs. Le’s Thung sweet soup: 69, Cua Dai, Cam Chau, Hoi An
- Mrs. Muoi’s floating sweet soup: 04, Hoang Dieu street, Hoi An
- Xiu Ma sweet soup (black sesame sweet soup): street vendor on Nguyen Truong To street, Hoi An
- Mixed sweet soup Co Suong: 57, Tran Cao Van, Hoi An
- Mrs. Lien’s sweet soup: 03, Nguyen Hue, Hoi An
16. Banh Beo Hoi An – Delicious, Filling Breakfast
If Hanoians love pho and Saigonese love hu tieu, then Hoi An people are crazy about banh beo. Banh beo Hoi An is not only famous for its soft dough that melts in your mouth, but also for its rich variety of toppings, with dried shrimp, fish cakes, peanuts, crispy pork rinds… served with sweet and sour dipping sauce. A bowl of banh beo only costs from 2,000 VND. you doesn’t need to worry about the question “what to eat in Hoi An?” anymore.
Where to Eat Delicious Banh Beo in Hoi An?
- Ba My Restaurant: end of Tran Phu Street, next to Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An City
- Banh beo 17: 17 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoi An City
- Ba Bay Restaurant: 02, Hoang Van Thu, Hoi An
- Banh beo Chen: 48, Tran Phu, Hoi An
- Banh beo Co Tai: Hoi An Post Office
- Banh beo Co Tu: Phan Dinh Phung Street, alley next to Thai Binh Duong Hospital
17. Hoi An Pancakes – Authentic Central Vietnamese Pancakes
Unlike the Southern Vietnamese pancakes, Hoi An pancakes – or Quang Nam pancakes – are small, about the size of a hand. The filling is made from bean sprouts, shrimp, meat… with a strong seafood aroma, wrapped in a golden, crispy pancake shell. The cook will pour the pancake while the diners are eating, to ensure the hotness and deliciousness of the pancake. Hoi An pancakes are very easy to get bored of if eaten alone. Gourmets will roll the pancakes in raw vegetables and enjoy them with sweet and sour dipping sauce. A person may have to eat 4-5 pancakes to satisfy their craving.
Delicious Banh Xeo Shops in Hoi An:
- Ba Le Well: 45/51, Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
- Hoai River: 59/32, August 18, Hoi An
- Hai Dao: 160, Ly Thai To, Cam Chau, Hoi An
- Miss Anh Hoi An: Thoai Ngoc Hau, Hoi An
- Banh Xeo Dung: 38, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
18. Phuong Bread Hoi An
Located at 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An, Phuong bread was once described by famous chef Anthony Bourdain as “the best bread in the world”. Unlike its somewhat flashy reputation, Phuong bread shop looks very rustic at first glance, with only a bread cabinet and a few tables for diners who want to eat on the spot. The bread here has more than 20 different fillings, the most popular being pate, mixed, beef rolled with cheese, bacon, etc. Each filling has its own flavor, blending well with the hot, crispy bread.
Phuong Banh Mi Hoi An:
- Phuong Bread: 2b Phan Chu Trinh, Cam Chau, Hoi An
19. Hoi An Chicken Rice
If you happen to fall in love with Hoi An cuisine, you will definitely remember the “everyone loves” Hoi An chicken rice. There are so many reasons to “like” this classic Hoi An specialty, from the fragrant, chewy, flavorful shredded chicken to the rice cooked in a golden chicken broth. Add a little papaya salad and sweet and sour onions and it is truly a “worldly delicacy”.
Places to Buy Delicious Chicken Rice in Hoi An:
- Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: 22, Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
- Ba Nga Chicken Rice: 08, Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
- Ba Thuan Chicken Rice: 17/4, Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
- Anh Xi: 47/2, Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
- Ba Minh Chicken Rice: 20 – 22, Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An
Hoi An is not only an ancient town with sparkling lanterns, but also a paradise of delicious specialties that fascinate visitors. If you are looking for meaningful and Hoi An-style gifts for your relatives and friends, do not miss the following suggestions!
20. Green Bean Cake – Hoi An Specialty You Should Buy As A Gift
Photo source: Foody
You may not know: Hoi An green bean cake used to be a prestigious dish, only offered to kings in the past. To make standard green bean cake, the cook needs to carefully choose the best golden green beans. After cooking, the green beans are crushed and kneaded into dough, then mixed with fried fat; finally, they are put into molds to create beautiful shapes and then dried. The green bean cake is crispy, sweet, and enjoyed with fragrant tea is absolutely wonderful. If you have the opportunity to visit the old town, buy green bean cake with meat filling as a gift. Each box costs only about 25,000 VND.
You may not know: Hoi An green bean cake used to be a prestigious dish, only offered to kings in the past. To make standard green bean cake, the cook needs to carefully choose the best golden green beans. After cooking, the green beans are crushed and kneaded into dough, then mixed with fried fat; finally, they are put into molds to create beautiful shapes and then dried. The green bean cake is crispy, sweet, and enjoyed with fragrant tea is absolutely wonderful. If you have the opportunity to visit the old town, buy green bean cake with meat filling as a gift. Each box costs only about 25,000 VND.
Where to buy delicious green bean cake with meat filling in Hoi An:
- Mrs. Trinh Green Bean Cake Oven: 62, Le Loi, Hoi An
- Hoi An Green Bean Cake: 195, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Cam Ha, Hoi An
