Hoi An not only captivates tourists with its ancient streets but also with its rich and flavorful local cuisine. If you’re wondering what Hoi An food to try for a complete experience, read on and join this culinary journey from the ancient town to the night market, where you’ll taste unique and unmissable delicacies.
Cao Lau: The essence of Hoi An cuisine
When talking about Hoi An food, you can’t skip Cao Lau. This unique dish, exclusive to Hoi An, stands out with a combination of golden noodles, thinly sliced pork, and fresh herbs. The noodles are made from rice flour, soaked in lye water sourced from the wood ash of Cham Island trees, giving them a distinctive chewy texture and flavor. As you eat, you’ll savor the sweet taste of the pork, the light acidity of lime, and the refreshing flavors of herbs. Notably, the broth is minimal, added just to moisten the dish while keeping the ingredients crunchy and flavorful.
Some recommended places to try Cao Lau:
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Cao Lau Ba Be (Tran Phu Street): Famous for its authentic, flavorful Cao Lau.
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Cao Lau Lien (Thai Phien Street): Known for its clean setting and traditional flavors.
Cao lau – a must-try specialty when visiting Hoi An.
Hoi An food: Mi quang with a taste of home
Mi Quang is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Quang Nam – Da Nang’s culinary heritage. The noodles, made from rice flour, are white and slightly chewy. The broth is light, just enough to coat the noodles, but it’s packed with flavor, typically made with shrimp, pork, or snakehead fish. What sets this dish apart is the roasted peanuts and crispy rice crackers crumbled on top, creating a distinctive crunchy texture. As you eat, the rich nuttiness of the peanuts blends with the delicate sweetness of the broth, and the fresh greens like lettuce and banana blossom provide a refreshing contrast.
Some recommended places to try Mi Quang:
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Mi Quang Ba Minh (Cua Dai Street): Famous for its rich broth and perfectly chewy noodles.
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Mi Quang Di Hat (Nguyen Hue Street): Known for its delicious shrimp and pork broth.
Banh Mi Phuong: Street food perfection
Banh Mi Phuong is one of the must-try foods in Hoi An. The baguette here is crispy on the outside, filled with a generous amount of pâté, cold cuts, pork roll, and fresh herbs like cucumber and pickled vegetables. The highlight of Banh Mi Phuong lies in the harmony of its ingredients: the rich, buttery pâté, savory meats, and crunchy, fresh vegetables, all encased in a golden, crispy baguette. Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors that leaves you wanting more.
Some recommended places to try Banh Mi:
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Banh Mi Phuong (Phan Chau Trinh Street): The most famous spot, often with a long line of eager customers.
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Banh Mi Madam Khanh (Tran Cao Van Street): Also highly praised for its perfect balance of fillings and sauce.
Hoi An food cannot be complete without Banh Mi Phuong.
Hoanh thanh: A fusion of tradition and modernity
Wonton is a dish of Chinese origin but has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes, especially in Hoi An. There are two main varieties: crispy fried wontons and soft steamed wontons. The thin, delicate wrappers encase minced shrimp and pork, creating a soft and flavorful filling. When eaten, the tender filling blends beautifully with the crispy or soft outer layer, and the light, fragrant broth enhances the overall experience, making it a delightful but simple dish.
Some recommended places to try Wonton:
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Wonton Anh Dung (Le Loi Street): Famous for its delicate broth and thin wrappers.
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Wonton Van Loc (Tran Phu Street): Known for its crispy fried wontons.
Banh xeo: A crispy delight
Banh Xeo is a popular dish always mentioned when tourists ask about Hoi An food. This crispy pancake is made from rice flour and filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It is served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a tangy dipping sauce. The crunchy texture of the pancake, the richness of the shrimp and pork, and the freshness of the herbs combine to create a perfect bite. The dipping sauce, slightly sweet and sour, complements the dish without overwhelming it.
Some recommended places to try Banh Xeo:
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Banh Xeo Gieng Ba Le (Ba Le Well Street): Crispy pancakes with generous fillings and delicious dipping sauce.
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Banh Xeo Cho Dem (Nguyen Hoang Night Market): A popular spot for both tourists and locals.
>> See more: 20+ Hoi An food specialties under $2 that tourists must try
Banh xeo attracts tourists when visiting Hoi An.
Conclusion
Every dish in Hoi An not only captivates with its unique flavor but also tells the story and culture of this charming town. From the iconic Cao Lau and rich Mi Quang to the crispy Wonton and famous Banh Mi Phuong, Hoi An will undoubtedly offer you unforgettable culinary experiences. If you’re still unsure about what to eat in Hoi An food, start your journey now through the ancient town and the bustling night market.
