Hoi An Food is a true art of harmony and moderation you can’t be missed when coming to explore Hoi An hidden gems. If you are looking for a fool-proof list of what to eat on your Hoi An private tours as a starter, tickle your taste buds with these top dishes you have to try. In this travel guide, Indochina Voyages will be with you to hop on a fascinating cuisine journey in Hoi An, let’s go!
Is street food safe in Hoi An?
Street food in Hoi An is generally safe to eat, but it’s important to exercise caution. Many vendors maintain good hygiene practices, and the high turnover of food ensures freshness. However, to minimize risks:
- Choose busy stalls with a high customer turnover.
- Observe the cooking and handling processes.
- Opt for freshly cooked, hot foods.
- Avoid raw vegetables and fruits unless you can peel them yourself.
- Bring hand sanitizer and use it before eating.
While most travelers enjoy street food without issues, those with sensitive stomachs may want to start cautiously and gradually explore the local cuisine. If you are allergic to any particular ingredients, let’s explore Hoi An specialties before trying by following the below.
For the clearer view in Hoi An, let’s take a look at the video below:
09 Must-try Hoi An Food
1. Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
- Price: 30,000-60,000 VND ($1.30-$2.55 USD)
- Suitable for: Lunch or dinner
With all of Hoi An’s magnificence, you may be surprised to discover one of its special treasures comes in a dish of chicken rice. It is clear that the chicken, which is raised naturally in a countryside garden, is undoubtedly a key component of the dish. I personally think the main event is the rice, which is well-seasoned before being cooked with chicken fat, chicken boiling stock, and pandan leaves in wood-fired clay ovens, though.
Normally, rice is only cooked with plain water. But chicken boiling stock (from poaching the whole chicken) will make it more tastily rich. A killer plate of chicken rice that is known for being tender and juicy. It is best completed with a small bowl of soup containing some chicken giblets, like heart and liver, which will make all of you eye-popping and jaw-dropping.
Where can I find the best com ga in Hoi An?
- Cơm gà Bà Nga– Ms. Buoi Restaurant at 8 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An
- Cơm gà Ty – Mr. Ty Restaurant at 27 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An, Hoi An
- Cơm gà Hương on the pavement outside 48 Le Loi Street
- Cơm gà Xi at 47/2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An
2. Mi Quang (Quang style noodles)
- Price: 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.8-$2.5 USD)
- Suitable for: Breakfast or Lunch
Quang style noodles, also known as Central Vietnamese noodle dish. It is a dish of thick rice noodles mixed with broth made by simmering meat (typically chicken, shrimp, or pork) in water or bone broth with fish sauce. The yellow broth – a mixture of peanut oil fried with onions is then seasoned with black pepper, shallots, and cu nen – a pungent, garlic-type vegetable.
The richness of protein ingredients like hard-boiled quail eggs, snails, chicken, fish, squid, and even frogs brings out the sweet and savory flavors of the broth that perfectly complement the thick, flat rice noodles. All locals know Hoi An has the best Mì Quảng.
You will not only eat the noodles but also experience the ritual. It is served in a giant bowl with flavorous broth ladled about 1-2 cm deep and garnished, like peanuts, rice crackers, green chili, basil, mint, and Vietnamese coriander. To make the mì quảng authentic, Grab your chopsticks in solidarity and squeeze some lemon/lime juice!
Where can I find the best Quang noodles in Hoi An?
- Hai Restaurant: 6A Truong Minh Luong Street, Hoi An
- Cao lau Bich Restaurant: 272 Hung Vuong, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quảng Nam
- Mi Quang Chi Ha on Thai Phien Street, Hoi An
3. Banh Xeo Hoi An (Hoi An Pancake)
- Price: 20,000-40,000 VND ($0.85-$1.70 USD)
- Suitable for: Lunch or dinner
Banh Xeo, or “sizzling cake,” is a crispy savory pancake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. The pancake is filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, then folded in half like a crepe. What makes Hoi An’s version special is its smaller size and crispier texture compared to those found in southern Vietnam.
To eat, wrap a piece of the pancake in rice paper along with fresh herbs and dip it in a sweet and sour fish sauce. The contrast between the crispy pancake and fresh herbs creates a delightful eating experience.
Where can I find the best Banh Xeo in Hoi An?
- Bánh Xèo Hai Dao Hoi An at 160 Ly Thai To Street, Hoi An.
- Bale Well Restaurant at 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam
4. Cao Lau
- Price: 20,000-40,000 VND ($0.85-$1.70 USD)
- Suitable for: Lunch or dinner
Cao lau is Hoi An’s signature dish, a unique noodle dish found nowhere else in Vietnam. The thick, chewy rice noodles are made using water from the local Ba Le well and are topped with slices of pork, crispy croutons, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. The dish is served with just a small amount of savory broth, distinguishing it from typical Vietnamese soups. The combination of textures and flavors makes cao lau a must-try delicacy that embodies the essence of Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
Where can I find the best Cao Lau?
- Thanh Cao Lau (26 Thái Phiên): A local favorite known for its authentic cao lau.
- Morning Glory Restaurant (106 Nguyễn Thái Học): Offers a slightly upscale version in a charming setting.
- Central Market food stalls: For a truly local experience.
5. Banh Mi Phuong
- Price: 15,000–35,000 VND ($0.65–$1.50 USD)
- Suitable for: Any time of day
- Location: Banh Mi Phuong (2B Phan Châu Trinh): The original location was made famous by Anthony Bourdain.
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, Banh Mi Phuong serves what many consider the best banh mi in Vietnam. This Vietnamese sandwich starts with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of meats (such as pork, pate, or chicken), pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a special sauce.
What makes Banh Mi Phuong stand out is the quality of ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispy bread, savory meats, and tangy vegetables, creating a sandwich that’s both satisfying and addictive.
6. White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)
- Price: 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.30-$2.15 USD)
- Suitable for: Appetizer or snack
These delicate, translucent dumplings are a Hoi An specialty. Shaped to resemble white roses, they are made from rice flour and filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork. The dumplings are then steamed and served topped with crispy fried shallots.
They’re typically accompanied by a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complements the subtle flavors of the filling. The texture is soft and slightly chewy, making them a delightful appetizer or light snack.
Where can I try the best White Rose Dumplings?
- White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Bà Trưng): The original creator of this dish, they supply to many restaurants in town.
- Morning Glory Restaurant (106 Nguyễn Thái Học): Offers a high-quality version in a more upscale setting.
7. Hoanh Thanh (Wonton Soup)
- Price: 25,000-45,000 VND ($1.05-$1.90 USD)
- Suitable for: Lunch or light dinner
Hoanh Thanh is Hoi An’s version of wonton soup, showcasing the Chinese influences in the city’s cuisine. The soup features delicate pork-filled wontons in a fragrant chicken broth, often served with egg noodles and topped with fresh herbs and crispy shallots.
What sets Hoi An’s version apart is the clarity and depth of flavor in the broth, as well as the delicate balance of textures between the silky wontons and the crispy toppings. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cooler evenings or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
Where can I get the best Hoanh Thanh?
- Hoa Dao Quan (441 Cua Dai): Known for its delicious wonton soup.
- Street food stalls along Hoàng Diệu Street: Many offer excellent versions of this soup.
8. Banh Dap (Smashed Rice Crackers)
- Price: 15,000-30,000 VND ($0.65-$1.30 USD)
- Suitable for: Snack or appetizer
Banh Dap is a unique Hoi An snack that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. It consists of two rice papers – one soft and one crispy – sandwiched together. To eat, you “smash” or break the crackers into bite-sized pieces, then dip them into a savory sauce made from fish sauce, chili, and sometimes mashed quail eggs. The contrasting textures of crispy and chewy rice papers, combined with the flavorful dipping sauce, make this a addictive snack. It’s often enjoyed as a casual appetizer or a light bite between meals.
Where can I get the best Banh Dap?
- Street food carts around the Ancient Town: Often found near popular tourist spots.
- Hoi An Central Market: Several stalls offer this snack.
9. Fried Wontons
- Price: 40,000-60,000 VND ($1.70-$2.55 USD)
- Suitable for: Appetizer or snack
Hoi An’s fried wontons offer a unique twist on the Chinese original. These crispy pastries are topped with a savory-sweet mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The wontons are first deep-fried until golden and crispy, then topped with the stir-fried mixture. The result is a dish that’s crunchy, meaty, and slightly sweet all at once. It’s an excellent appetizer to share or a satisfying snack on its own.
Where can I get the best fried wonton?
- Ty Cao Lau (Lê Lợi): A small family-run restaurant known for cao lau and fried wontons.
- Market stalls in the Central Market: Many offer tasty versions of this snack.
Local street food Hanoi and Hoi An, which is best for food tour?
Both Hanoi street food and Hoi An street food offer exceptional experiences, but they differ in atmosphere and culinary offerings:
Hanoi:
- Offers a wider variety of street food options
- More bustling and chaotic atmosphere
- Strong focus on northern Vietnamese cuisine
- Famous for dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee
Hoi An:
- More relaxed and picturesque setting
- Unique dishes not found elsewhere in Vietnam (e.g., cao lau, white rose dumplings)
- Blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences
- Smaller and more walkable, making it easier to explore
For a food tour, Hoi An might have a slight edge due to its compact size and unique local specialties. The charming ancient town provides a beautiful backdrop for culinary exploration. However, serious food enthusiasts should consider experiencing both cities to get a comprehensive taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
Tips to hack all the local food in Hoi An
- Join a guided food tour for hidden gems and dish history.
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience.
- Eat where locals eat – busy stalls are a good sign.
- Try dish variations from different vendors.
- Explore the Central Market for ingredients and ready-to-eat foods.
- Be adventurous with unfamiliar ingredients.
- Respect local meal times when visiting food stalls.
- Carry small change for street food purchases.
- Stay hydrated with local drinks like sugar cane juice.
- Ask your accommodation staff for local food recommendations.
Needless to say, hundreds of exceptional dishes and snacks in Hoi An can make you confused about where to start and where to eat, which is a daunting task. Besides picking out the dishes we think best represent food in Hoi An, we also give suggestions for where to eat them. Whether you are a first-time traveler or an experienced foodie, these are absolutely must-not-miss dishes on your Hoi An Tour.
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
