Hoi An is not only a lantern-lit town but also a paradise for food lovers, where every dish tells a story of culture and tradition. Discover the top 12 dishes that capture the town’s most authentic and unforgettable flavors.
Cao Lau (Hoi An-style Noodles)
If you inquire about cuisine in Hoi An, there’s a strong possibility that the initial response would be Cao Lau. Unlike any other noodle in Vietnam, they are thick, golden, and have a unique “slightly chewy” texture. An old story tells that the noodles achieve their distinct texture only if the water used to cook them is from the town’s ancient wells.
What you taste is a bowl with “smoky slices of pork,” bunches of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers that break with a snap. A spoonful of savory broth that is just enough to enhance the flavors, to wake them up, without submerging the noodles, pulls the dish together. It is no wonder that this dish is mentioned in every food to try in the itinerary of Hoi An.
Where to try Cao Lau in Hoi An:
- Cao Lau Ba Le (45/3 Tran Hung Dao): Generations of families have flocked here for its time-honored recipe.
- Cao Lau Thanh (26 Thai Phien): Known for the perfect noodle texture and generous cuts of pork.
- Hoi An Central Market: Bustling, noisy, and full of energy, an atmospheric place to grab a cheap yet delicious bowl.
Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An-style Chicken Rice)
If Cao Lau represents the town’s blend of cultures, Com Ga is its comfort food. The rice glows a gentle yellow, cooked in rich chicken broth with a hint of turmeric. In the world of food in Hoi An, this dish stands out for its balance of color, texture, and aroma.
On top, shredded chicken mingles with onions, fragrant herbs, and pickled papaya, adding both crunch and brightness. Each plate is accompanied by a bowl of clear chicken soup and a dipping sauce that balances chili, lime, and a touch of broth, making it one of the must-do food experiences in Hoi An. The harmony is striking: soft rice, tender chicken, zesty vegetables, and that punchy sauce pulling everything together.
Where to try Com Ga in Hoi An:
- Com Ga Ba Buoi (22 Phan Chu Trinh): The most famous address, always crowded but worth the wait.
- Com Ga Ty (27 Phan Chu Trinh): A local favorite known for its delicate seasoning.
- Com Ga Xiu (47/2 Tran Hung Dao): Friendly, family-run, and a good stop if you want something authentic without the crowds.
Banh Mi Hoi An (Hoi An Bread)
Hoi An’s Banh Mi has earned worldwide fame, praised by chefs and travel shows alike. What makes it special is not just the crunchy baguette shell but the balance inside: layers of roasted pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of chili sauce. Each bite is a mix of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy.
This sandwich is now recognized as one of the highlights of food in Hoi An, attracting both locals and travelers every evening. Walking down the old town streets in Hoi An at night, you will often spot long queues in front of tiny stalls, proof that this humble creation has become a global icon born in a small riverside town.
Where to try Banh Mi in Hoi An:
- Banh Mi Phuong (2B Phan Chau Trinh): The legendary shop made famous by international media.
- Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen (115 Tran Cao Van): Known for generous fillings and homemade sauces.
- Hoi An Central Market stalls: A great place to try affordable versions with a local vibe.
Banh Bao Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings)
Delicate and almost poetic, Banh Bao Banh Vac are often called “white rose dumplings” because of their translucent petals. Made from rice flour, they are carefully shaped by hand, filled with minced shrimp, and steamed until soft and glossy. A sprinkle of crispy shallots and a sweet-savory dipping sauce completes the dish.
They are light yet flavorful, best enjoyed fresh out of the steamer, and always a favorite on any Vietnam trip. Many families in Hoi An guard their recipes closely. And it is said that only a few kitchens in town know the exact method of making the dumplings’ unique texture.
Where to try Banh Bao Banh Vac in Hoi An:
- White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung): The most famous place, run by the family that perfected the recipe.
- Miss Ly Café (22 Nguyen Hue): Offers a more homestyle version in a cozy setting.
- Morning Glory Restaurant (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc): A modern yet authentic option that is popular with travelers.
Banh Xeo Hoi An (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)
Golden, sizzling, and irresistibly fragrant, Banh Xeo is the town’s favorite street food. The turmeric-and-rice-flour pancake is fried crispy and loaded with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Customers tear it into bits, roll it up in fresh greens, and dip it into a pungent sauce.
The fame of Banh Xeo extends far beyond its flavor: it is also the experience of eating on plastic stools in a corner amidst a throng, listening to the sizzle of the batter in the hot pan, and sharing bread with companions. Of all the food eaten in Hoi An, these pancakes are the most festive, the most sociable. In this case, the Banh Xeo is smaller in size compared to the South, so it’s ideal for snacking or as a side dish with other foods in a single meal.
Where to try Banh Xeo in Hoi An:
- Banh Xeo Ba Le Well (45/51 Tran Hung Dao): Famous for its lively setting and unlimited greens.
- Banh Xeo Hai Dao (62 Phan Chu Trinh): Loved for thin, crispy pancakes and rich dipping sauce.
- Street stalls near the Night Market: Affordable, authentic, and full of local atmosphere.
Hoanh Thanh Chien (Fried Wontons)
Locals sometimes call it the “Hoi An pizza,” and while it in no way resembles pizza, the idea is sound. Hoanh Thanh Chien is a plate of deep-fried wontons covered with a vibrant combination of shrimp, pork, onions, and tomatoes in a sweet and sour sauce. The wonton skins stay crispy underneath for a nice contrast to the wet topping.
It is a pleasant dish, not heavy enough to make a meal of as a snack, but rich enough to be consumed alone. Among all the many foods in Hoi An, this is one that tends to surprise tourists with its uniqueness. It is found by many tourists by accident, only to return for an encore the next day.
Where to try Hoanh Thanh Chien in Hoi An:
- White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung): Known not only for dumplings but also for crispy fried wontons.
- Miss Ly Café (22 Nguyen Hue): A cozy place with a homestyle version of the dish.
- Morning Glory (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc): Stylish setting, reliable taste, and plenty of options for sharing.
Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
This dish may not be unique to Hoi An, but the local touch makes it special. A bowl of cool rice vermicelli is layered with smoky grilled pork, shredded vegetables, herbs, roasted peanuts, and crispy shallots. Everything is brought together with nuoc cham, a sweet-and-sour fish sauce dip poured generously over the top.
The contrast is delightful: hot pork over cold noodles, crunchy toppings against silky vermicelli. It is refreshing, filling, and a perfect choice when you need something quick but satisfying. For anyone exploring food in Hoi An, this noodle bowl offers a balance of comfort and freshness that keeps people coming back.
Where to try Bun Thit Nuong in Hoi An:
- Ba Le Well (45/51 Tran Hung Dao): Popular for generous servings and lively atmosphere.
- Market stalls at Hoi An Central Market: Authentic and budget-friendly, with plenty of side options.
- Street vendors along Tran Phu Street: Best for a casual, truly local dining experience.
Che Bap (Sweet Corn Pudding)
Hoi An is famous for its sweet corn, grown on fertile land by the Thu Bon River, and Che Bap is the best way to taste it. This dessert combines tender kernels of sticky corn with glutinous rice and coconut milk, creating a bowl that is fragrant, creamy, and lightly sweet. Unlike heavy desserts, it feels gentle and refreshing, perfect for an afternoon break from sightseeing.
Many visitors are surprised by how simple yet comforting it is. Among the sweeter side of food in Hoi An, Che Bap stands out as a humble dish that reflects the countryside charm of the region more than any elaborate creation. Its gentle sweetness makes it a dessert people can enjoy again and again without feeling heavy.
Where to try Che Bap in Hoi An:
- Central Market sweet stalls: Affordable and always served fresh, especially in the afternoons.
- Ba The stall (Cam Nam Village): Known for corn dishes, particularly che bap made with local Cam Nam corn.
- Street vendors near Japanese Covered Bridge: Ideal for a quick, authentic taste on the go.
Banh Dap Hen Xao (Crispy Rice Paper with Stir-Fried Baby Clams)
Banh Dap literally means “cracked rice paper.” It is a fun snack where thin rice crackers are layered with soft rice paper, then lightly smashed together before eating. In Hoi An, it is often paired with hen xao, tiny stir-fried clams cooked with lemongrass, chili, and spring onions.
The result is a dish that is crunchy, chewy, spicy, and savory all at once. Eating it feels almost interactive; you break the cracker, scoop up the clams, and enjoy the mix of textures. It is one of those rustic, down-to-earth dishes that give food in Hoi An its authentic character, often shared casually over drinks with friends.
Where to try Banh Dap Hen Xao in Hoi An:
- Cam Nam Village eateries: The birthplace of this dish, famous for fresh baby clams from the river.
- Ba Gia Restaurant (Cam Nam): A local favorite with hearty portions and riverside seating.
- Small stalls near Cam Nam Bridge: Casual, budget-friendly, and full of local flavor.
Banh Khot Hoi An (Mini Savory Pancakes)
Banh Khot: tiny night bites created when rice flour is deep-fried to be yellow and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Fresh herbs, shrimp, quail eggs, and a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce in Hoi An give them their finishing flavor. The just right amount is how much piece is just right to jack and becomes a crunchy, creamy, and fresh thing too.
Scooping these tiny pancakes onto a plate is a pleasure because you enjoy them at a roadside stall, and you won’t be able to forget them even after you have left the location. Banh Khot in Hoi An falls under the foods that are always appetizing. It is the epitome of street food because there is the pan charring, the flavor added in it, and the humming environment all arranged into one bite.
Where to try Banh Khot in Hoi An:
- Cam Nam Village food stalls: Known for rustic, homemade-style banh khot with shrimp toppings.
- Hoi An Night Market: A lively spot where banh khot is freshly fried and served piping hot.
- Small carts along Tran Phu Street: Great for a quick snack while strolling the old town.
Final Thoughts
Dining at Hoi An is, in a way, entering into the history of the town. Chicken rice, a simple bowl of sweet corn pudding, all come with the atmosphere of riverside markets and home kitchens. In order to be able to relish this culinary experience to its essence, Seni World offers immersive culinary experiences that will lead you to the real-life aspects of Hoi An and the stories behind them.
