Hoi An Food guide: 9 Must Eat Food and Where to Eat in Hoi An

Ancient and peaceful, Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam that offer travellers from all walks of life all tastes. The little ancient town is just a perfect candidate of what Vietnam tourism ministry is aiming to show to the world.One of the best thing you must notice when you visit Hoi An is a variety range of special local foods. If you are going to Hoi An, and still consider What to eat in Hoi An, you should note down 9 best local foods of this lantern land in Vietnam.

I. What to Eat in Hoi An: 9 Must-Try Dishes

1. Cao Lau

Cao Lau is considered Hoi An’s signature dish that you could not miss if you come to Hoi An. What sets Cao Lau apart is its firm, chewy yellow noodles, meticulously made from rice flour soaked in lye water derived from the ashes of firewood from the Cham Islands.

The dish is served with flavorful slices of char siu pork, fresh local herbs, and crispy pork cracklings. Unlike pho or bun, the broth is not ladled generously but added just enough to enhance the dish’s rich, balanced flavor. The use of water from the ancient Ba Le well and the traditional noodle-making technique are what make Cao Lau a truly one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

When in Hoi An, visitors can enjoy Cao Lau at popular spots such as:

• Cao Lau Thanh: 26 Thai Phien, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
  

• Cao Lau Hai Chien: 19 Tran Phu, Old Town, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Price range: 30,000 VND – 45,000 VND

2. Hoi An chicken rice

It is one of the delights that you should try, as many travel magazines and flyers vote for it. Hoi An chicken rice is a very eye-catching dish with bright yellow color of rice, green salad, and white chicken meat, or can be added with a red chili, too. The mixture of rice with boiled, coarsely shredded chicken and crushed onions, Vietnamese coriander makes customers irresistible.

Compared to chicken rice in other regions, Hoi An’s chicken rice stands out thanks to its unique seasoning and the use of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, resulting in grains that are fluffy yet pleasantly sticky.

Some long-standing and highly rated spots to try chicken rice in Hoi An include:

• Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
  

• Ba Bay Chicken Rice: 117 Nguyen Truong To, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Price range: 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND

3. Quang Noodles

Mi Quang is also one of the dishes that should definitely be on your food list when visiting Hoi An. The noodles are wide, thick, and chewier than regular noodles, made from rice flour and often infused with turmeric to give them a vibrant yellow color.

It is mixed with shrimp, pork, baked bread, vegetables, and topped with grilled rice paper and spices. It is served with very little broth and seems like a dry noodle dish or noodle salad. It is very delicious with the crushed peanut toppings on the noodles.

Some popular places to try Mi Quang in Hoi An include:

• Mi Quang Ong Hai: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
  

• Ba Minh Restaurant: 61 18/8 Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
  

• Mi Quang Minh: 268 Hung Vuong, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Price range: 25,000 VND – 95,000 VND

4. Banh Dap - Hen Xao

Banh Dap - Hen Xao is a beloved dish among visitors to Hoi An’s Ancient Town. The dish consists of two main components: banh dap (cracked rice paper) and hen xao (stir-fried baby clams). Banh dap is made by layering a soft steamed rice paper between two crispy grilled rice papers. When you take a bite, you’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of the grilled rice paper along with the warm, chewy texture of the steamed one.

The stir-fried baby clams are rich and slightly spicy, perfectly complementing the banh dap. This flavorful combination creates a unique culinary experience that captures the essence of Hoi An street food.

If you want to try this authentic Hoi An specialty, head to:

• Banh Dap Ba Gia: Hamlet 1, Cam Nam Commune, Hoi An City

• Banh Dap Cam Nam: 679 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An City

• Banh Dap Ben Tre: 98/1 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Hoi An City

Price range: 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND

5. Bread

This is one of the most famous street foods that has helped put Hoi An's cuisine on the map. Unlike baguettes from other regions, Hoi An’s banh mi features an ultra-crispy crust, soft interior, and is generously filled with flavorful ingredients. The fillings vary widely, including char siu pork, pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts, eggs, grilled meat, accompanied by fresh herbs, cucumber, and a signature sauce.

Each banh mi shop in Hoi An has its own secret recipe that gives it a unique flavor, making it a favorite among both local and international visitors. Some must-visit places for banh mi in Hoi An include:

• Banh Mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
  

• Banh Mi Madam Khanh: 115 Tran Cao Van, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Price range: 15,000 VND – 25,000 VND

6. Banh Beo

Banh beo in Hoi An is a rustic dish but reflects the culinary quintessence of the old town. Each small cup of banh beo is made from finely milled rice flour, steamed to create a soft, translucent white layer. The topping usually consists of finely ground shrimp, sautéed just enough to bring out their natural sweetness and an appealing orange color.

When enjoying the dish, diners drizzle a bit of specially prepared fish sauce over it. You’ll experience the smooth texture of the cake, the rich flavor of the shrimp topping, combined with the crunchiness of crispy pork cracklings and the fragrance of scallions.

Some famous Banh Beo spots in Hoi An include:

• Ba Bay Banh Beo: 2 Hoang Van Thu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
  

• Co Tu Banh Beo: 77/1 Phan Dinh Phung, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
  

• Ba My Banh Beo: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
  

Price range: 20,000 VND – 30,000 VND

7. Green Bean Cake

Hoi An Green Bean Cake has a long history and was once considered a precious gift presented to the king. The cake is made from finely ground green beans combined with sugar, salt, pepper, and especially a fatty pork filling (for the savory version). Diners are impressed by the cake’s crispy crust and the rich, mildly sweet filling.

Depending on the type of cake and the seller, the price of Hoi An green bean cakes may vary. You can refer to the following price list:

• Hoi An green bean cake with pork filling (500g): 60,000 – 85,000 VND
  

• Hoi An green bean cake with pork filling (220g): 39,000 VND
  

• Baked green bean cake without filling (150g): 30,000 VND

Note: The prices listed are for reference only and may change depending on the time and production facility. It is recommended to contact the store directly for the most accurate prices!

Some reputable places to buy quality green bean cakes:

• Xanh Xanh Shop: 580A Cua Dai, Cam Chau, Hoi An
  

• Daichi's House: 8 Cao Hong Lanh Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
  

• Ba Trinh Green Bean Cake: 62 Le Loi, Minh An Ward, Hoi An

8. Sweet Soup (Che)

Hoi An is a great destination if you’re keen on sweet things. Common ingredients include corn, sticky rice, green peas, green or black beans, and lotus seeds. These sweet soups are typically served in small bowls or glasses, and many people enjoy them chilled with ice to balance the sweetness.

Some famous sweet soup (che) shops in Hoi An:

• Xiu Sweet Soup Shop: 157 Tran Hung Dao, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
  

• Ba Tho Sweet Soup: 3/1 Nguyen Hue, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
  

• Pho Hoi Specialty Sweet Soup (street vendor): 65 Le Loi, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
  

Price range: 20,000 VND – 35,000 VND

9. Hoi An Mot (Mot herbal tea)

This drink has become an iconic must-try when exploring Hoi An’s culinary scene. It’s made from natural herbs such as lemongrass, lime, ginger, cinnamon, and chrysanthemum, offering a refreshing and detoxifying effect. The flavor of Mot herbal tea is a delicate balance of mild sweetness, slight tartness, and a soothing herbal aroma.

Where to Try Mot Herbal Tea in Hoi An

• Mot Hoi An: 150 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
  

• Price range: 10,000 VND - 40,000 VND
  
  

  

II. Hoi An food tours

If you want to truly understand Hoi An’s food culture beyond just tasting, joining a food tour is highly recommended. Led by local guides, these tours take you through the town’s hidden culinary gems, from street stalls to family kitchens- places you might never find on your own.

Best time to go: In the evening.

Hoi An becomes cooler and livelier at night, with glowing lanterns, bustling night markets, and more food options available after sunset. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy a wider variety of dishes in a relaxed, atmospheric setting.

Food tours typically include:

• Sampling 5–10 local dishes
  

• Visits to traditional markets and food stalls
  

• Cultural insights and stories behind the recipes
  

• Small group sizes for a personal experience
  

Tip: Book in advance, especially during weekends or holidays.

Want to book a food tour in Hoi An? Contact us directly - we’ll help you find the best options available and reserve your spot hassle-free.

Hotline: +84.969.255.515 (Whatsapp/Viber/Wechat)

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com

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This guide has introduced 9 must-try dishes in Hoi An and where to find them. From local noodles to sweet desserts and herbal drinks, each dish offers a unique taste of Hoi An and Quang Nam as well. If you want a deeper food experience, joining a local food tour is a great option.