For a thousand years, Hoi An’s culinary scene has thrived, welcoming trading vessels bearing global flavors from Champa, Arabia, Persia, Japan, China, and the West. This historic port city pioneered fusion cuisine, masterfully blending diverse culinary traditions into harmonious dishes that reflect the authentic spirit of Quang Nam. Experience the unique and celebrated Hoi An food heritage, a testament to centuries of cultural exchange and gastronomic innovation. Discover why Hoi An cuisine is a must-try for any food lover.
Contents
1. CHICKEN RICE
Hoi An’s culinary artisans have perfected Hoi An chicken rice, a signature dish featuring tender, flavorful chicken and fragrant rice. Enhanced by fresh Tra Que coriander, Trieu Phat chili sauce, and a savory chicken broth, this Hoi An specialty offers a true taste of local flavors.
- Com ga Hoi An Ba Lam – Alley 51, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An 5pm-9pm
From VND30,000
- Com ga Hoi An Ba Thuan – 17/4 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An 10am-9pm
From VND40,000
2. QUANG NOODLES
Quang noodles are more than just a dish; they embody the creative spirit of Vietnamese cuisine. The soul of this culinary masterpiece comes from the artful combination of key ingredients, where chive bulbs, aromatic peanut oil, crisp greens, and spicy green chili unite to deliver a symphony of flavors. Discover the true taste of Quang Nam cuisine with this iconic noodle dish.
- Mi Quang Ong Hai – 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An ; 7:30am-9pm
From VND40,000
- Mi Quang Que Huong – 164/3B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An; 5:45am-9pm
From VND25,000
3. STIR-FRIED BABY BASKET CLAMS
Explore the authentic flavors of baby basket clams, a prized ingredient from the Thu Bon River in Hoi An. This traditional dish, featuring stir-fried clams with chili, green onions, and peanuts, accompanied by a savory clam soup, delivers an unforgettable Hoi An culinary experience, capturing the essence of the peaceful countryside.
- Ba Gia quan – 2 34 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hoi An 6am-10pm
From VND30,000
- Quan Ben Xua – Triem Tay Village, Dien Phuong Commune, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam; 8am-8pm
From VND35,000
4. BANH DAP (SMASHED CRACKERS)
Indulge in the unique textural delight of Bánh Tráng Trộn, or “smashed cake,” a popular Hanoi street food. Soft noodles meet crunchy sesame crackers, all expertly smashed, drizzled with fragrant scallion oil, and dipped in a savory chili fish sauce. This interactive dish, known for its satisfying crackle, offers an unforgettable taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
- Quan Cam Nam – 2 679/2 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An 7am-10pm
From VND20,000
- Quan Ben Tre – 2 98/1Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hoi An; 9am-8pm
From VND20,000
5. GRILLED PORK SKEWERS
In Hoi An, this popular street food dish reaches new heights. Tender and juicy meats are grilled over charcoal on bamboo skewers, then plated on banana leaves and garnished with some sesame seeds. It is served in a roll with rice paper, steamed flat cakes, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a sweet and rich homemade soy sauce.
- Co Mot – 9 98 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An; 2pm-8pm
From VND60,000
- Quan Gieng Ba Le – 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An; 9:30am-9:30pm
From VND60,000
6. BANH MI
In Hoi An, the widespread presence of banh mi shops at every crossroad attests to its beloved status among locals and visitors alike. The distinctiveness of the bread here includes slices of char siu pork and the flavorful sauce that blends with fragrant herbs. Visitors can find a simpler version of crispy loaves from vendors trawling the old quarter of Hoi An.
- Banh mi Co Lanh – 430 Cua Dai, Hoi An; 6am-10:30am & 2pm-10:30pm
From VND15,000
- Banh mi Madam Khanh – 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An 6:30am-7pm
From VND30,000
Banh mi cha – The bread of luck
Banh mi cha – a loaf of bread cut into quarters, spread with spiced minced pork, and fried in peanut oil until crispy – has been making Hoi An people look forward to it every afternoon for more than half a century. Banh mi cha is sold along the street, not at a fixed spot, so if you want to taste it, you will need a little luck.
7. MOT HERBAL TEA
Created by a young local, mot herbal tea has recently captured the hearts of Hoi An lovers. Mot herbal tea is brewed from various herbs: monk fruit, liquorice, honeysuckle, green tea, chrysanthemum, dried lotus leaves, lemongrass, and more. This drink cleanses the body, quenches thirst, and provides relief from the scorching summer heat.
- Mot Hoi An – 150 Tran Phu, Hoi An; 7am-10pm
From VND18,000
8. HOI AN-STYLE PHO
Pho in Hoi An is greatly different from the traditional recipe. The chewy noodles, savory beef broth served with pickled papaya, crushed peanuts make it a distinct version of pho found only here.
- Pho Lien – 165 Le Hong Phong, Hoi An; 5:30am-10:30am & 4:30pm – 8:30pm
From VND20,000
- Pho bo pho co – 109 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An; 6 am-9:30 pm
From VND35,000
9. CAO LAU
While Quang noodles are a country dish, cao lau is associated with the town. Hoi An locals delicately borrowed from Chinese cuisine the preparations of char siu and broth, then combined them with carefully kneaded noodles made from rice soaked in lye water. It is better when served with a dash of fish sauce, chili powder, and vinegar.
- Quan cao lau Thanh – 2 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An 7am-7pm
From VND30,000
- Khong gian xanh – 2 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An; 8am-8:30pm
From VND40,000
10. BÁNH BAO AND BANH VÁC
Banh vac is hailed as a “loving fusion” of Hoi An’s Chinese and Vietnamese communities, blending Chinese steaming techniques with the flavors of local Vietnamese rice. Its name, banh bao (pouch-cake), reflects its resemblance to a drawstring money pouch, while banh vac is derived from banh quai vac (cauldron-handle cake).
- Lo banh bao, banh vac Hoa Hong Trang – 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An 7:30am-8:30pm
From VND70,000
- Trung Bac Restaurant • 87 Tran Phu, Hoi An 9 am-10 pm
From VND60,000
Hoi An’s cuisine is a reflection of the town’s rich cultural history, shaped by centuries of trade and influence from different parts of the world. Every dish tells a story, blending local ingredients with techniques borrowed from abroad, creating familiar and unique flavors. As you stroll through the historic alleys or relax by the riverside, each dish embodies the heart of this enchanting town and its rich, time-honored heritage.