Top Vietnamese dishes you must try when in Hoi An

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Tracey Q

What is the reason why visitors keep returning to Hoi An? Is it the ancient, yellow heritage buildings, rows of vibrant lanterns, or its picturesque beauty along the Thu Bon River? All true, but this enchanting city is also known for its exceptional cuisine, which will make you linger when you say your farewells. Embark on a gastronomy adventure with the locals to discover the best of Hoi An’s cuisine!

Table of Contents

• Cơm gà (Chicken rice)
• Mì Quảng (Quảng noodles)
• Bánh bao bánh vạc (white rose)
• Cao lầu (pork rice noodles)
• Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette)
• Nước Mót (Mot water)

Cơm gà (Chicken rice)

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At the top of this list is Hoi An chicken rice!

In fact, some quip that you haven’t really been to Hoi An if you haven’t tried its cơm gà. Since it’s similar to the chicken rice from countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, it’s believed to have originated from the Hainanese dish imported by Chinese immigrants. But in Hoi An, the chicken comes shredded. Plus, the fresh sides are distinctly Vietnamese. The fragrant yellow pilaf rice is flavored with chicken broth and turmeric. Alongside the poached chicken, you’ll get herbs, a bowl of chicken soup, and a sour papaya salad. All in all: a well-balanced meal. 

TRY:

• Cơm Gà Bà Buội: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An
• Hoi An chicken rice: 47/2 Tran Hung Dao

Mì Quảng (Quảng noodles)

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The second is Quang noodles – a specialty dish of Central Vietnam!
Variations of this ‘soup-salad’ dish can be found across Quảng Nam province. Quảng noodles are flat, chewy rice noodles often infused with turmeric. These are placed atop fresh ingredients and tossed with proteins including pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, or quail eggs. A yummy ladle of broth is added.
Rice crackers, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and chili add crunch and pops of flavor. 

TRY:

• Mì Quảng Dì Hát: 81 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An
• Mì Quảng Ông Hai – Mr. Hai Noodles: 6A Trương Minh Lượng, Cẩm Châu
• Mì Quảng Hát: 4 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An

Bánh bao bánh vạc (white rose)

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In third place is Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (‘white rose’ savoury dumpling).

The name of this dumpling, unique to Hoi An, comes from its rose-like shape. Its recipe is apparently guarded by the third generation of the same family that has long provided these dumplings across Hoi An. The steamed dumpling is made from rice flour and the same well water used in cao lầu. It’s filled with minced pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. And topped with crispy spring onion and shallots. 

TRY: White Rose Restaurant (run by the family who specialises in these dumplings): 533 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Cẩm Phổ

Cao lầu (pork rice noodles)

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If you’re going to try just one dish, this is ‘Hoi An in a bowl’.

It’s unique to the town and made from local ingredients according to a secret recipe. What’s special about it? Firstly, the noodles. They’re said to be made with calcium-rich water from the 10th-century Ba Le well. Wood ash from Melaleuca trees on the nearby Cham islands is mixed into this water.

The resulting noodles are big and firm, with a unique texture resembling Japanese Udon. These are topped with pork-belly slices (think Chinese char siu), bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and dry pancake. This is finished off Vietnamese-style: with a spoonful of broth, chili, and lime. Superb! 

TRY:

• Cao Lầu bà Bé: 1 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu
• Quán Cao Lầu Thanh: 26 Thái Phiên, Phường Minh An
• Morning Glory Original: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An
• Ong Hai (Mr. Hai Restaurant): 6A Trương Minh Lượng, Cẩm Châu

Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette)

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An indispensable dish on this list is Vietnamese bread!

As with all places in Vietnam, you can find this baguette-like staple sandwich at street stalls across Hoi An. While you can get bánh mì everywhere, the late American chef and travel journalist Anthony Bourdain said those served at Bánh Mì Phượng are the best in Hoi An. 

TRY:

• Bánh Mì Phượng: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu
• Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen: 115 Trần Cao Vân, Phường Minh An

Nước Mót (Mot water)

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And end the food tour with 1 cup of Mot water!

Stop by for a cold nước Mót to wash away a hot Hoi An day, or a hot one to warm cold bones in wet and chilly winter. Mr. Mot, the drink’s namesake, has long since transitioned from a street stall to an indoor shop with seating options. Even so, most people still prefer take-away. Grab a nước Mót to go and continue wandering through the alleys of the city or relaxing by the river, drink in hand topped with a pink lotus petal to set the scene.

TRY: 150 Trần Phú, Hội An

These are a few special dishes you must try. Hoi An has thousands of other attractive dishes. Experience Hoi An food tour with us to experience these wonderful flavors!