15 best foods in Hoi An for a true local dining experience

Contents

The best food in Hoi An offers a delightful mix of flavors (Source: Collected)

1. Quang noodles (mi Quang) – the best food in Hoi An

Quang noodles, one of the best food in Hoi An, is a unique type of Vietnamese noodles with golden turmeric-tinted strands and a rich broth made from chicken, shrimp, or pork. Served with fresh vegetables from Tra Que, crispy rice paper, and a touch of chili, mi Quang offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. While available throughout Vietnam, the most authentic versions are found in Hoi An, featuring local ingredients like Phu Chiem rice noodles and Cua Dai shrimp, showcasing the region’s culinary pride.

 Recommended places to eat:

• Mi Quang Ong Hai: No. 6A, Truong Minh Luong Street
• Mi Quang Co Sinh: No. 170/5 Ly Thuong Kiet Street
• Mi Quang Ba Minh: No. 61, 18/8 Street

Mi Quang Hoi An (Source: Collected)

2. Cao Lau – A highlight of Hoi An cuisine

Cao Lau is made from rice flour like Quang noodles but involves a more intricate preparation. The rice is soaked in ash water, giving the noodles their distinct dark color, slight opacity, and firmer texture. A typical bowl includes fresh noodles, crispy fried noodles, thin slices of marinated pork, and a small amount of broth derived from the pork juices, simmered until sweet and rich. This simple yet flavorful combination makes Cao Lau a beloved specialty that showcases the culinary traditions of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Recommended places to eat:

• Cao lau Ba Le: No. 49/3 Tran Hung Dao Street
• Cao lau Khong Gian Xanh: No. 687, Hai Ba Trung Street
• Cao lau Thanh: No. 26, Thai Phien Street

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3. White rose dumplings (banh bao, banh vac)

Banh bao and banh vac, collectively known as white rose dumplings, have been a culinary treasure in Hoi An for over a century. Named for their rose-like appearance, these delicate Vietnamese dumplings are filled with sweet stir-fried shrimp and wrapped in translucent rice flour dough, topped with fragrant roasted onions. Their delightful balance of textures and flavors makes them a must-try in Hoi An’s rich culinary tradition.

Recommended places to eat:

• White Rose Restaurant: No. 533, Hai Ba Trung Street

4. Hoi An chicken rice (com ga Hoi An)

Originating from old Tam Ky, Hoi An chicken rice features high-quality chicken in a unique local dish. The lightly roasted rice, cooked in chicken broth, has a firm yet soft texture and a golden hue. It is served with shredded chicken and garnished with Vietnamese coriander. Stir-fried chicken giblets, hearts, and kidneys often accompany it, usually as a dipping sauce. To complete this best food in Hoi An Old Town, pickled shredded papaya, chili sauce, or soy sauce adds a delightful balance of flavors. 

Recommended places to eat:

• Com Ga Ba Buoi: No. 22, Phan Chu Trinh Street
• Com Ga Xi Hoi An: No. 47/2, Tran Hung Dao Street
• Quan Ba Dung: No. 171, Cua Dai Street

Chicken rice is among the best eats in Hoi An for dinners (Source: Collected)

5. Steamed rice pancake with grilled pork (banh uot thit nuong)

Banh uot thit nuong is a flavorful dish commonly found at sidewalk stalls in Hoi An. The marinated shoulder meat, combining lean and fatty portions, is grilled over hot coals for tenderness. Served with thin steamed rice pancakes and fresh vegetables from Tra Que Village, this famous food is complemented by a thick, spicy dipping sauce made from soy sauce and peanuts, often with roasted sesame seeds. 

Recommended places to eat:

• Co Thu BBQ Restaurant: No. 83, Ba Trieu Street

• BBQ Co Loi: No. 03, Nguyen Hue Street

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6. Banh mi – On the top of the best foods in Hoi An

Banh mi Hoi An, a special Vietnamese sandwich, is celebrated for its exquisite blend of flavors. The fillings of this best food in Hoi An vary among vendors, with popular options like pork, beef, bologna, char siu, pate, fried eggs, spring rolls, and fish balls. Fresh cucumber strips and shredded pickled carrots or papaya add balance, along with herbs like peppermint, sweet basil, and scallions. The sauce, a flavorful mix of fish sauce, mayonnaise, honey, butter, chili, and garlic, ties the dish together.

Recommended places to eat:

• Banh mi Phuong: No. 2B, Phan Chu Trinh Street
• Banh mi Madam Khanh: No. 115, Tran Cao Van Street
• Phi banh mi: No. 88, Thai Phien Street

Banh mi Phuong – The best banh mi in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

7. Crispy rice paper over steamed rice pancake (banh dap)

Banh dap is a traditional dish in Hoi An, featuring two layers: a crispy outer rice paper and a tender, marinated rice cake inside. The flavor comes from a dipping sauce made with anchovy fish sauce from Cua Dai Sea, marinated with salt for richness. This Vietnamese rice cake offers a delightful contrast between its crispy exterior and soft, savory interior, enhanced by the perfect dipping sauce, making it a unique addition to Hoi An’s culinary repertoire.

Recommended places to eat:

• Banh dap Ni Ba Gia: No. 34, Nguyen Tri Phuong Street
• Phuc Banh Dap: No. 88, Nguyen Tri Phuong Street

8. Water fern cake (banh beo) – One of the best foods in Hoi An

Water fern cakes are not-to-be-missed Vietnamese rice cakes in Hoi An due to its charming presentation and rich flavors. Served in small bowls, each cake is topped with minced meat, shrimp, green pepper and green onions, creating a visually appealing dish. Upon order, the vendor arranges the bowls on a tray, adds the filling, and finishes with fragrant onion oil. Diners can customize the flavor with chili or fish sauce.

Recommended places to eat:

• Banh beo Ba Bay: No. 2, Hoang Van Thu Street
• Banh beo Ba My: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
• Banh beo co Tu Hem: No. 77/1, Phan Dinh Phung Street

Banh beo is among the best street food in Hoi An that foodaholics should not ignore (Source: Collected)

9. Hoi An pancake (banh xeo hoi An)

Hoi An pancake is a popular snack known for its crispy golden exterior filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and meat. Made from rice flour, shrimp, and meat, the process starts with a rice flour batter poured into a hot pan, producing a satisfying “sizzle.” Once golden and fragrant, this Vietnamese pancake served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, pork liver, sesame, and ground peanuts, enhancing the pancake’s rich flavors.

Recommended places to eat:

• Banh Xeo, Thit Nuong, Nem Lui Ba 9: No. 92, Phan Chu Trinh Street
• Banh Xeo Hai Dao 2: No. 105, Nguyen Duy Hieu Street

10. Wonton (hoanh thanh) – A must-eat in Hoi An

Wonton is the best food in Hoi An with Chinese origins, offered in various forms like fried wontons, wonton soup, and wonton noodles. The dough is made by mixing flour with water and eggs, then rolled thin and cut into small squares. The filling, made from seasoned shrimp pounded into a paste, is placed in the center of each wrapper and carefully sealed. Hoi An’s wontons highlight the expertise of local chefs and reflect the region’s rich food traditions.

Recommended places to eat:

• Mi Hoanh Thanh So 5: No. 222, Ly Thuong Kiet Street
• Hoanh Thanh Anh Dung: No. 14, Ba Trieu Street

Chinese wontons are served in an enticing array of styles (Source: Collected)

11. What to eat in Hoi An? – Dishes from seafood

When visiting Hoi An, seafood lovers can enjoy fresh catches from nearby Hoi An beaches like An Bang, Cua Dai, and Cu Lao Cham. Options include shrimp, crab, fish, squid, clams, oysters, snails, and mussels, prepared in various ways—grilled, boiled, steamed, or in hot pots. A highlight is Cu Lao Cham’s famous stone crab, served in delicious variations such as beer-steamed, salt-roasted, and in egg rolls.

Recommended places to eat:

• Nam Gia Restaurant: An Bang Beach
• Tuyet Seafood Restaurant: No. 3, An Bang Beach
• Khai Restaurant: No. 3, Lac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Ward

12. Mango cake (banh xoai) – A famous street food in Hoi An

Mango cake is one of the oldest Hoi An street food and traditional specialties, yet it surprises first-timers with its lack of actual mango flavor. Named for its fruit-like shape, this cake features a white crust made from flour that gives off a pleasant sticky rice aroma. The rich filling combines nutty peanuts and sesame. Though the ingredients are simple, crafting a beautiful and delicious mango cake requires a careful process.

Recommended places to eat:

• Street corners, night markets, or near the famous tourist attractions like the Japanese Bridge
• Banh xoai Ba 4 Mua: No. 30/2, Tran Hung Dao Street
• Banh xoai Hoi An Ba Duc: No. 12, Phan Thanh Street

Mango cake is widely sold by street vendors (Source: Collected)

13. Hoi An sweet soup (che Hoi An)

Hoi An delights diners with a variety of Vietnamese sweet soups, including popular types like black sesame soup, red bean, and lotus seed varieties. These treats are not only refreshing snacks but also a specialty linked to Hoi An’s culinary heritage. For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to a local sweet soup shop is a must. With their light flavors and affordability, Hoi An sweet soup offers a memorable and satisfying experience not to be missed.

Recommended places to eat:

• Che Xi Ma Phu: No. 115 Nguyen Truong To Street

• Che Ba Tho: No. 3/1, Nguyen Hue Street

• Tiem Che Xiu: No. 157 Tran Hung Dao Street

• Che Dieu Hien: No. 13, Nguyen Hoang Street

14. Hoi An coffee and Mot herbal drink

No visit to Hoi An is complete without enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the many charming Hoi An cafes. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, with or without condensed milk, the rich flavors of Hoi An coffee will surely satisfy your taste buds. Another local favorite is Mot Hoi An, a refreshing herbal drink made from lemon, lemongrass, licorice, jasmine, chrysanthemum, lotus leaf, and ginger. 

Recommended places to drink:

• Faifo Coffee: No. 130, Tran Phu Street
• Rosie’s cafe: No. 2, Mac Dinh Chi Street
• Mot Hoi An: No. 150, Tran Phu Street

Visit Mot Hoi An for excellent herbal tea (Source: Collected)

Besides the recommended spots, you can also savor Hoi An’s specialties at the vibrant Hoi An Market or the bustling Hoi An night markets, where local flavors truly come to life.

Let’s plan a perfect Hoi An itinerary together!

Hoi An’s culinary landscape reflects its rich culture and history, with every dish—from street food to local specialties—offering a captivating blend of flavors. Whether dining in lively markets or relaxing in cozy cafes, the best food in Hoi An promises a delightful and unforgettable experience. 

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*The information in this article is for reference only and may vary based on the actual circumstances

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