What to Eat in Hoi An: Best Local Cuisine for Travelers 2024

The article What to eat in Hoi An introduces visitors to outstanding dishes in Hoi An ancient town. Along with that are restaurants that tourists highly appreciate. Join Elitrawo to learn about Hoi An cuisine below.

1. What to eat in Hoi An?

“What to eat in Hoi An?” might seem simple but challenging. Beyond its ancient streets, Hoi An is often heralded as a culinary paradise in Vietnam. Choosing your favorite Hoi An specialties becomes a challenge since every dish has its unique charm.

When planning a trip to Hoi An, having a Hoi An food guide is essential. This ensures you're not left wondering about Hoi An local dishes or how to savor the most during your visit.

The cuisine here reflects its vibrant past. Hoi An was once an active international trading port, seeing a confluence of Western, Japanese, and Chinese traders. This history has influenced its food, bringing traditional dishes and those with an international flair.

The food in Hoi An is delicious and famous. Through the article “9 things you must eat and drink in Hoi An“, the SCMP website calls Hoi An the culinary capital.

My goal in writing this article is to answer questions about Hoi An cuisine for tourists. Below, I will provide information about typical dishes of Hoi An for your reference.

2. Cao Lau Hoi An

Cao Lau is a must-try local specialty in Hoi An. It stands out among other famed dishes for its distinct flavors and aroma.

Originating from the 17th century, Cao Lau traces its roots back to when Hoi An was an active trading port. Japanese and Chinese traders influenced what we now know as Cao Lau, a prominent part of Hoi An history.

Skipping this dish on your Hoi An travel itinerary would be regrettable. Cao Lau carries rich cultural significance, representing the local people in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Cao Lau combines golden Cao Lau noodles with lean char siu pork, crispy pork skin, grilled rice paper, roasted peanuts, and herbs. The broth's rich, sweet, and salty taste is very pleasing.

Cao Lau is one of the many delightful dishes to try when considering what to eat in Hoi An. Enjoy it hot, mix everything well, and feel the chewy noodles mixed with the delicious meat and flavorful broth. This culinary experience testifies to Hoi An's rich gastronomic heritage.

3. Hoi An Bread

Hoi An bread is a signature representation of Vietnamese cuisine. When pondering what to eat in Hoi An, take advantage of the allure of Hoi An's Banh Mi.

A fusion of delectable and robust ingredients, it boasts Tra Que vegetables, char siu meat, spring rolls, chili, and lemon juice. These flavors are ingeniously mixed to render an enticing meld of pate, sauce, and Vietnamese ingredients.

As you bite in, the myriad flavors synergize:

• The gentle savor of the crust
• The saline touch of the sauce
• The aromatic, fatty taste of the meat
• The fiery essence of chili
• The hearty presence of vegetables

Hoi An offers many iconic banh mi shops, with Banh mi Phuong, Madam Khanh Bread, Mr. Hieu Bread, and Lanh standing out. Banh mi stalls are scattered from the city's heart to its coastal and suburban areas.

On a trip to Hoi An, I tried a Banh Mi so delicious it was unlike any sandwich I had ever had.

Banh Mi isn't merely categorized as Hoi An street food; it's an emblem of Hoi An Ancient Town. If you ever ponder a Hoi An food guide, remember: the local bread is a taste of the town's soul and one of the foremost Hoi An specialties. It's one of those local delicacies in Hoi An that every visitor must indulge in when considering what to eat in Hoi An.

Hoi An bread shops are highly rated:

4. Quang Noodles in Hoi An

When exploring what to eat in Hoi An, food enthusiasts will discover that Quang Noodle is a culinary masterpiece among Hoi An attractions. The unique flavors of Quang Noodles in Hoi An are elevated by the tranquil scenery of the ancient town, making it exceptionally appealing to tourists.

A must-try in anyone's Hoi An travel itinerary, this local favorite captivates residents and visitors. Take a moment to savor this dish at a local noodle shop and immerse yourself in its unforgettable, rich flavors.

Quang Noodle embodies the rustic charm of Hoi An history and culinary traditions. Made with garden-fresh herbs and a flavorful broth cooked from chicken, shrimp, and fish bones, a complete bowl features noodles, meat, half a boiled egg, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts. To fully enjoy Quang Noodle, pair it with aromatic herbs, sliced banana flowers, green chili, crispy rice crackers, and garlic-chili fish sauce.

When enjoying Quang noodles, mix the noodles well so that the ingredients blend. The aroma of vegetables mixed with the fatty taste of meat, shrimp, and eggs will stimulate the taste buds. The aromatic, crunchy taste of roasted peanuts and crispy rice paper contributes to the characteristic rich flavor of Quang noodles.

The Quang Noodle dish in Hoi An represents the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. Quang noodle shops are highly appreciated in Hoi An.

5. Vietnamese Pancake

Vietnamese Pancake, or Bánh Xèo, is a dish you shouldn't skip when pondering what to eat in Hoi An. When exploring the local Hoi An attractions tied to food, this dish stands out prominently. The Vietnamese Pancakes in Hoi An are more petite, enabling you to savor more than one and delve deep into the heart of Hoi An street food.

It's an authentic, rustic dish well-known to the locals and should be eaten hot. The pancakes embody the rich culinary culture of the Quang region, captivating countless tourists. It's one of the foremost local delicacies in Hoi An.

The cake boasts a thin, crispy crust, a filling of lean meat, and soft, sweet shrimp, offering a unique look and taste. The essence of banh xeo lies in its dipping sauce. Hoi An pancake dipping sauce is intricately crafted, featuring boiled pork liver, sesame seeds, and ground peanuts.

You can relish these pancakes on a cold winter's day or during a rainy spell. Whether you're scouting for local tips for Hoi An or curating your travel itinerary, these crispy, savory pancakes unquestionably make the list.

Vietnamese pancake shops are highly appreciated in Hoi An:

6. Pho

Pho is a familiar dish for Vietnamese people and is considered a national dish that locals and foreign tourists, especially those wondering what to eat in Hoi An, want to try at least once. This dish embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

If you're traveling to Hoi An and craving Hoi An Pho, you'll find that the noodles here are different than in the North, offering a unique texture. It's a Hoi An attraction for food lovers.

This dish has local tips for Hoi An cooking, which means it's different here than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Pho in Hoi An offers a unique flavor you won't find anywhere else.

You will remember this Hoi An food and restaurant experience for a long time. The dish is made even more special with the side dish of pickled papaya and fresh herbs. Add lime, pickled onion, or hot chili sauce, depending on your taste.

Pho shops are highly appreciated in Hoi An:

7. Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An food and restaurants would only be complete by mentioning Hoi An Chicken Rice. This mouth-watering dish is a must-try when traveling to Hoi An.

Known for its juicy chicken and fragrant, sticky rice, it's a meal you'll remember long after you've left. Originating around the 1950s, this dish likely traces its roots to Tam Ky, a region famous for its tasty chicken.

The people of Hoi An have combined succulent Tam Ky chicken with aromatic rice grown by the Thu Bon River to create this famous dish. Initially sold by street vendors across Hoi An's Ancient Town, it's now available in bigger Hoi An restaurants and continues to gain popularity.

Hoi An Chicken Rice stands out for its flavorful chicken, perfectly seasoned and sticky, aromatic, and golden rice cooked in chicken broth. A special chili sauce gives the dish its unique flair. If you've tried it once, you'll forever remember its unique taste that you won't find anywhere else except in Hoi An.

Hoi An chicken rice restaurant is highly rated:

8. Conclusion about What to Eat in Hoi An

Hoi An, with its rich culture and historic allure, offers diverse culinary delights. From the mentioned dishes to many others, the question is not just about what to eat in Hoi An but where to start.

Each visit provides a fresh opportunity to dive deeper into this gastronomic paradise. With numerous choices available, savoring the flavors of this ancient town becomes an exciting culinary adventure.

The problem extends beyond what to eat in Hoi An. There will also be questions about places to visit and suitable places to stay.

But don't worry, there will be detailed instructions and articles to address these concerns. The Hoi An travel guide will be the most complete resource, with expanded articles such as Where to stay in Hoi An? and How to get to Hoi An? to assist you.