Top 15 Must-Try Dishes in Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is renowned not only for the glowing beauty of its ancient town heritage but also for its rich and diverse culinary scene. Let’s explore what makes Hoi An’s cuisine so distinctive and why it continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Hoi An’s specialties are a harmonious blend of abundant local ingredients and the meticulous, refined craftsmanship that reflects the character of its people. Every dish mirrors the natural environment and cultural identity of this land. Below are more than 15 must-try Hoi An specialties you should not miss on your journey.

1. Cao Lầu

No discussion of Hoi An cuisine is complete without cao lầu. This noodle dish features yellow noodles served with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and only a small amount of broth. The distinctive yellow color of the noodles comes from mixing the dough with ash from a local tree.

When enjoying cao lầu, diners experience the slightly chewy texture of the noodles combined with a complex blend of flavors—sour, spicy, mildly bitter, and sweet from the fresh herbs. A bowl typically costs between 25,000 and 30,000 VND.

2. Mì Quảng

A bowl of mì Quảng usually includes pork, shrimp, and chicken, and sometimes a boiled egg depending on personal preference. The broth is simmered from pork bones but used sparingly, giving the dish the feel of a mixed noodle dish rather than a soup.

Mì Quảng is best enjoyed with roasted peanuts, sesame rice crackers, aromatic herbs, and chopped scallions. Prices range from 25,000 to 40,000 VND per bowl.

3. Bánh Canh

Bánh canh is a rustic and popular dish made with thick noodles from rice flour or wheat flour. It can be prepared in various ways, including bánh canh with pork knuckle, crab, or fish cake. This comforting noodle soup is well worth trying when visiting Hoi An.

4. Hoành Thánh (Wontons)

Originally from China, wontons have gradually been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes and have become a well-known specialty in Hoi An. The fillings vary and may include shrimp, pork, wood ear mushrooms, or other mushrooms.

The wrappers are thinly rolled and carry a subtle rice fragrance. Wontons can be served steamed or fried, depending on preference.

5. Bánh Ướt Cuốn Thịt Nướng

To prepare authentic Hoi An grilled pork wrapped in steamed rice sheets, the cook must select fresh pork marinated with five-spice powder, onions, and lemongrass. After steaming, the rice sheets are immediately transferred to clean plates to cool and sprinkled with sesame seeds to enhance their aroma.

Grilled pork skewers are very affordable at only 5,000 VND per skewer.

6. Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings)

Bánh vạc is another iconic dish of Hoi An’s ancient town. These delicately crafted dumplings feature thin wrappers filled with shrimp and pork, shaped like small white flowers.

Bánh vạc beautifully combines traditional and modern culinary elements and is highly praised by visitors.

7. Bánh Bèo

Bánh bèo is considered one of Hoi An’s most memorable specialties. Served in small bowls, these steamed rice cakes are made from rice flour and topped with shrimp and pork.

A serving costs only 5,000 VND per bowl.

8. Bánh Xèo

Hoi An’s bánh xèo is widely known for its crispy golden crust and filling of tender pork and shrimp. The soul of the dish lies in its dipping sauce, meticulously prepared with ground peanuts, sesame seeds, and pork liver, then boiled together.

Each pancake costs around 10,000 VND and is widely available at many popular tourist spots in Hoi An.

9. Bánh Mì Phượng

Bánh Mì Phượng has been in operation for 20 years and is located at 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street in Hoi An Ancient Town. The shop offers more than 20 different fillings, including mixed cold cuts, beef stew, and spring rolls, providing diverse options for diners.

Its reputation among both domestic and international visitors is well deserved. The bread remains fragrant and crispy over the years, harmoniously paired with meats, vegetables, and sauces for a balanced and distinctive flavor. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues.

10. Bánh Đập

True to its name, bánh đập is eaten by pressing down on the layered rice crackers until they crack into pieces. The pieces are then dipped into a sauce made from fermented anchovy paste and shallots.

You can enjoy a satisfying portion for only 20,000 to 25,000 VND.

11. Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An chicken rice is highly regarded among the town’s specialties. Notable eateries include Ba Buoi Chicken Rice, Ba Nga Chicken Rice, and Anh Xi Chicken Rice.

The dish is carefully prepared with soft, fragrant rice and exceptionally fresh chicken, contributing to its well-known reputation.

12. Cơm Hến (Clam Rice)

Hoi An clam rice is prepared in a distinctive way, ensuring the clams are sweet and free from any fishy taste. Its unique flavor makes a strong impression on visitors.

The dish is typically served with fresh herbs such as thinly sliced banana blossom, aromatic herbs, pineapple, banana stem, star fruit, and taro stems to enhance its depth of flavor.

13. Cơm Tấm

Hoi An broken rice is priced between 25,000 and 40,000 VND per bowl. In addition to grilled pork ribs and eggs, diners can choose from various side dishes such as braised pork with egg, grilled chicken drumsticks, or pork bone soup.

14. Hoi An Sweet Soups (Chè)

14.1. Red Bean Sweet Soup

Red bean sweet soup is prepared using two seasonal recipes: one for summer and one for winter. In summer, it is served with ice for a refreshing taste. In winter, it offers a warm and comforting sweetness.

14.2. Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

Lotus seed sweet soup is known as a nutritious dessert that helps nourish the body and relax the mind. Its rich flavor is unforgettable. A cup costs only 10,000 to 15,000 VND.

14.3. Xí Mà

Xí Mà is not only a delicious dessert but is also considered a nourishing tonic for both visitors and locals. Though its appearance may be simple, its unique and distinctive flavor makes it a notable specialty when visiting the peaceful ancient town.

14.4. Corn Sweet Soup

Corn sweet soup is simmered for hours to create a naturally sweet flavor and soft, chewy corn kernels. Coconut milk is added for richness, and ginger is often included for a subtle warmth and fragrance. A cup costs just 7,000 VND.

15. Mót Herbal Tea

The recipe for Mót tea is simple: herbal tea combined with ginger and lemongrass, creating a beverage that is both refreshing and beneficial for health. Mót tea is popular among visitors for its rustic presentation and gentle aroma, helping to relieve stress during a visit to Hoi An.

*Following the merger and consolidation of Quang Nam Province and Da Nang City into the new Da Nang City, Hoi An is now the former city of the former Quang Nam Province.