A Food Lover’s Guide to Hoi An: Best Dishes & Where to Eat Tickets & Tours & Informataion April 2025

A Food Lover’s Guide to Hoi An: Best Dishes & Where to Eat

Hoi An is a culinary paradise that will captivate your taste buds with a variety of traditional dishes and unique street food. From mouthwatering noodles to flavorful rice cakes, the town's rich food culture reflects its history and coastal influences. Here’s a guide to the best dishes and places to eat in Hoi An.

1. Cao Lau: A Must-Try Local Noodle Dish

Cao Lau is Hoi An’s signature dish, featuring thick, chewy noodles served with succulent slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. The dish is unique because the noodles are made using water from a local well, giving them a distinct taste. Head to local eateries like Cao Lau Ba Le to try this iconic dish.

2. White Rose Dumplings: A Delicious Snack

These delicate, steamed dumplings are one of Hoi An’s most famous snacks. Made from translucent rice dough filled with minced shrimp or pork, they are shaped like rose petals. Enjoy them at White Rose Restaurant or Thanh Cao Lau for an authentic experience while you take in the town's atmosphere.

3. Banh Mi: The Vietnamese Sandwich

Hoi An’s Banh Mi is considered some of the best in Vietnam, with a crispy baguette stuffed with flavorful fillings like grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Banh Mi Phuong, a popular spot in Hoi An, is known for serving this iconic sandwich. Be sure to stop by for a delicious and affordable bite.

4. Mi Quang: A Flavorful Noodle Soup

Mi Quang is a dish native to Central Vietnam and features rice noodles, meat (often pork or shrimp), and a flavorful broth, garnished with peanuts, herbs, and crispy rice crackers. You’ll find great Mi Quang at places like Mi Quang 85 in Hoi An, which specializes in this aromatic and hearty dish.

5. Local Street Food: A Feast for the Senses

Hoi An’s street food scene is vibrant and diverse. From Com Ga (chicken rice) to grilled skewers and fried rice cakes, the town offers an endless variety of options. Explore the local markets like Hoi An Central Market to sample a wide range of street food offerings, perfect for those who love exploring new flavors.