1. Cao Lau

This iconic dish is unique to Hoi An and is deeply rooted in the town's history. It features thick, chewy noodles made from local rice, soaked in water drawn from the ancient Ba Le well. The noodles are served with slices of pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy croutons, all topped with a light broth and a splash of soy sauce.

• Where to Eat: The best Cao Lầu can be found at street stalls and small eateries in the old town, such as at Ba Be’s Cao Lầu or the famous Thanh Cao Lầu.

2. White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)

These delicate dumplings are another Hoi An specialty. Made from translucent rice dough, they are shaped like roses and stuffed with a mixture of shrimp or pork. The dumplings are steamed and served with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots and a dipping sauce made from shrimp broth, lime, and chili.

• Where to Eat: White Rose Restaurant is well-known for this dish as the family recipe has been passed down for generations.

3. Com Ga (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

Com Ga is Hoi An’s take on chicken rice. It features tender poached chicken served on a bed of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and often tinted yellow with turmeric. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs, onions, and a side of chicken broth.

• Where to Eat: Try Com Ga Ba Buoi, a famous spot that has been serving this dish for over 60 years.

4. Banh Mi

Vietnam’s famous sandwich, Banh Mi, is taken to another level in Hoi An. The baguette is typically filled with a mix of cold cuts, pâté, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a splash of chili sauce. What sets Hoi An’s Banh Mi apart is the balance of flavors and the addition of local ingredients.

• Where to Eat: Banh Mi Phuong and Banh Mi Queen are two of the most famous places to grab this delectable sandwich.

5. Mi Quang

Mi Quang is a versatile noodle dish that is popular throughout Central Vietnam, but Hoi An offers its own unique version. It includes thick rice noodles in a small amount of rich, flavorful broth, often made with pork, shrimp, or chicken. The dish is topped with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and crispy rice crackers.

• Where to Eat: Visit Mi Quang Ba Linh or the local market for an authentic experience.

6. Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a crispy rice flour pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. In Hoi An, the pancake is often smaller and crispier than in other parts of Vietnam.

• Where to Eat: Banh Xeo Gieng Ba Le is a popular spot to enjoy this dish.

7. Hoi An Clam Porridge

Every morning, when the first rays of sunlight touch the peaceful river, Hoi An awakens in peace. On the small 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 raw bite in the serving. Fresh ginger and pungent green onions contribute to a rich, delicate flavor that is hard to resist.

• Where to Eat: Local street vendors and markets often sell corn milk.

8. Sweet Treats (Che)

Hoi An is also known for its variety of sweet soups, known as che. These can include ingredients like mung beans, black-eyed peas, taro, tapioca, and fruit, often sweetened with coconut milk and sugar.

• Where to Eat: Look for che stalls at the local markets, especially in the evening.

9. Seafood

Given Hoi An’s proximity to the coast, the seafood here is fresh and abundant. Dishes like grilled clams, steamed fish, and stir-fried squid are common, often seasoned with local herbs and spices.

• Where to Eat: Head to seafood restaurants along Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach for the freshest catches.

10. Street Food Experience

For a more immersive culinary experience, explore the street food scene in Hoi An. From grilled skewers to banh beo (steamed rice cakes), the variety is endless.

Where to Eat: The night market on Nguyen Hoang Street is a vibrant place to sample a wide range of street foods.

Hoi An Food Tips:

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Hoi An is famous for its cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare these dishes yourself. Many classes include a visit to the local market to pick fresh ingredients. Visit the Central Market for an authentic experience, where you can taste a variety of local dishes at the food stalls.