Joanna James
A charming ancient town in Vietnam, Hoi An is a treasure trove for culinary experiences. With a cuisine that reflects a blend of cultures, discover the best dishes to look for in Hoi An—from delicate dumplings to incredibly unique noodles.
This elegant dish is a speciality of Hoi An, made from translucent rice flour dumplings filled with minced shrimp and spices. The carefully guarded recipe has been passed down through generations, prepared and distributed by a single family in Hoi An. The delicate dumpling wrappers are shaped to resemble a white rose, topped with crispy shallots and served with a sweet tangy dipping sauce. A staple of Hoi An’s culinary identity, Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc is both visually stunning and delicious.
One of Hoi An’s most famous dishes, Cao Lầu is a noodle dish that reflects the town’s rich history. The chewy noodles, made from rice soaked in water from an ancient well, are served with slices of tender pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy croutons. A small amount of broth is added for extra depth, but it’s not a typical soup-based noodle dish, making it unique in Vietnamese cuisine. Today, although it is not exclusive to the heritage town, Cao Lầu is both a dish and an experience best curated by local Hoi An restaurants. The noodles are available at several spots, including Hoi An Riverside by Anantara Hoi An Resort.
Cơm Gà Bà Buội is the ultimate comfort food in Hoi An. A variant of the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice brought over by immigrants, this dish consists of fragrant yellow rice cooked in chicken broth and served with shredded chicken. The chicken is paired with fresh herbs and a side of pickled vegetables drizzled in chilli sauce, accompanied by a bowl of chicken soup to complete the meal. Head to Bà Buội for the most famous chicken rice in town, at a restaurant that has been perfecting the dish for decades.
While bánh mì is famous throughout Vietnam, Hoi An’s version stands out for its incredible balance of flavours and textures. Bánh Mì Thập Cẩm is a loaded sandwich filled with a mix of cold cuts, pâté, grilled meats, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavourful sauce. Two legendary places to try it are Bánh Mì Phượng and Madam Khanh (The Banh Mi Queen), both serving some of the best bánh mì in the country.
Bánh Xèo, or "sizzling pancakes," are crispy rice flour turmeric crepes packed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The best way to enjoy it is to wrap pieces of the pancake in fresh rice paper with herbs and dip them into a classic peanut or fish sauce. Hoi An’s version is slightly smaller and crispier than the ones found in other regions, giving it a distinctive taste and texture.
No adventure is complete without pairing at least one meal with a glass of Cà Phê Sữa Đá, the beloved Vietnamese iced coffee. Strong, dark-roasted drip coffee is slowly filtered into sweetened condensed milk, and served over ice for a refreshing boost. Enjoying a cold Cà Phê Sữa Đá by the Thu Bồn River, after a day of sightseeing, is the perfect way to take in the beauty of Hoi An.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
