5 Delicious Dishes to Try in Hoi An - Indulge Your Taste Buds

Unique to Hoi An, Cao Lau consists of rice noodles along with fresh green vegetables and marinated roast pork slices. Cao Lau might sound like a typical Vietnamese dish on the menu of Hoi An restaurants; however, this dish is rarely found outside of Hoi An as some of its ingredients are only found in this region - the noodles. The rice noodles used in this dish have been soaked in the water drawn from a specific well in Hoi An known as the Ba Le well, and mixed with ashes from trees on Cham Island. This actually gives the noodles a firmer texture than other types of rice noodles you find in Vietnam. So make sure that you try out this dish while holidaying at a property such as Anantara Hoi An Resort as you won't find this dish anywhere else in the country!

Also known as Banh Bao Banh Vac, White Rose Dumpling is yet another dish that is uniquely Hoi An. White Rose Dumplings are a type of steamed dumplings known for their translucent white rice flour skin. They are typically filled with a mixture of minced shrimp and pork and garnished with crispy deep-fried shallots. Similar to Cao Lau, tradition holds that the water used to create the unique skin for White Rose dumplings should be sourced from the Ba Le well. The English name for this dumpling, "White Rose," was derived from the French, who noted that the steamed dumplings' shape bore a resemblance to white roses.

In Hoi An, Vietnam, you'll find a delightful variation of Hainanese chicken rice known as "Cơm Gà." Much like its counterparts in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, Hainanese chicken rice has made its mark in Vietnam and become particularly popular in Hoi An. However, what sets Cơm Gà apart is its distinctive presentation. Instead of the usual whole chicken, Cơm Gà features shredded chicken, giving it a unique texture and flavour. The rice, just as in traditional chicken rice, is infused with rich chicken broth, but in select restaurants, it also boasts a subtle turmeric infusion, lending it a mild yellow hue that distinguishes it from the neighbouring variations.

Originating from the Quang Nam province, the very region that encompasses Hoi An, Mi Quang is a beloved noodle dish that has made a name for itself. What sets Mi Quang apart is its unique composition—it's a noodle dish that incorporates an abundance of greens and only a modest amount of broth, making it an ideal choice, particularly during the scorching summer months when the heat can be quite intense in this part of the world. Mi Quang's preparation can vary from one establishment to another, and each household might have its own twist on this local favourite. However, a common theme is the toppings, which often include eggs, marinated pork, and shrimp. 

Banh Xeo is a beloved delicacy found throughout Vietnam. The name "Bánh Xèo" literally translates to "sizzling pancake." This name perfectly encapsulates the cooking process, particularly the lively sizzle that resonates when the rice batter is poured into a piping-hot skillet. Banh Xeo's crispy, golden exterior, filled with a delectable mixture of ingredients like shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, makes it a delightful and savoury treat that's adored by locals and visitors alike.