Explore Hoi An cuisine: 9 best local dishes

Hoi An, a charming town in central Vietnam, is famous for its ancient architecture, lantern-lit evenings, and diverse culinary offerings. Hoi An cuisine reflects the town’s long-standing trade history, blending local ingredients with Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. Its dishes are simple yet deeply flavorful, shaped by generations of home cooks and street vendors.

In this blog, we’ll explore 9 of the best local dishes that capture the essence of Hoi An cuisine. You’ll discover what makes each dish special and where to enjoy the most authentic versions during your visit.

Join us and experience the real flavors of Hoi An with Hanoi Voyages, where your journey through local food begins.

Top 9 local dishes you should try in Hoi An

When visiting Hoi An, the food scene is as captivating as its historical landmarks. Hoi An cuisine offers a unique combination of flavors, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. In this guide, we’ll explore 9 of the best local dishes in Hoi An that embody the best of Hoi An’s local flavors. Prepare to be amazed by the variety and depth of these delicious dishes.

Cao Lau Hoi An - Hoi An Rice Noodle

Cao Lau is perhaps the most iconic dish in Hoi An cuisine. It embodies the delicious fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a noodle dish that features thick, chewy noodles served with pork, herbs, and crispy croutons. What makes Cao Lau unique is the special water used to prepare the noodles, which is said to come from a local well. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and crunchy textures. It’s a must-try when you’re in Hoi An.

The origin of cao lau’s name also arouses the curiosity of foodies. Cao lau means "high storey" in Vietnamese because back in the 17th century, it was an exclusive dish served for the upper classes who would dine on the upper floors of restaurants. The social hierarchy has been removed in modern times, but people still keep its name as a signature of Hoi An street food.

📍 Where can I find the best Cao Lau?

• Cao lau Ba Le - 49/3 Tran Hung Dao

• Cao lau Ba Thanh - 26 Thai Phien

• Cao lau Khong Gian Xanh - 687 Hai Ba Trung

💸 Average costs: 20.000 - 50.000 VND/a bowl (~ $0.8 - $2.0)

Com Ga Hoi An - Hoi An Chicken Rice

Com Ga Hoi An is another beloved dish in the town’s culinary scene. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a variety of herbs. Often paired with a light, flavorful broth, this dish is a perfect example of how Hoi An cuisine makes the most of fresh ingredients. The chicken is cooked until it’s incredibly tender, making every bite melt in your mouth. It’s one of the best foods in Hoi An for those looking for something light yet satisfying.

📍 Where to eat Com Ga:

• Com Ga Ba Buoi - 22 Phan Chu Trinh

• Com Ga Thanh - 19A Tran Cao Van

• Com Ga Ba Co - 17 Phan Boi Chau

💸 Price: 35,000 - 50,000 VND per plate (~ $1.50 - $2.10 USD).

Mi Quang - Quang Style Noodles

Mi Quang is a dish that has its origins in Quang Nam province, and it has become a staple in Hoi An food tours. This noodle dish is typically made with a base of turmeric-flavored noodles, which are then topped with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, chicken, and herbs. It’s served with a small amount of broth, making it different from typical noodle soups. The combination of flavors in Mi Quang offers a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and fresh tastes.

📍 If you’re wondering where to try this signature dish, here are some of the best places in Hoi An to enjoy authentic Mi Quang:

• Mi Quang 85 - 85 Tran Cao Van

• Mi Quang Ba Mua - 5A Tran Quang Khai

• Mi Quang Di Hat- 4 Phan Chau Trinh

💸 Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND per bowl ( $1.30–$2.10 USD)

Banh Mi Hoi An - Hoi An Baguette Sandwich

Arguably one of the best-known dishes in Vietnam, Banh Mi Hoi An is the town’s take on the famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich. The sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. A crispy, toasted baguette is filled with a variety of fillings, including pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy sauces.

In Hoi An, Banh Mi Hoi An stands out due to the quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the vendors, making it one of the best foods in Hoi An to grab on the go. Banh Mi costs $0.5 - $2 per serving, depending on the location and toppings

📍 For the best Banh Mi, check out these spots in Hoi An:

• Banh Mi Phuong - 2B Phan Chu Trinh

• Banh Mi Madam Khanh - 115 Tran Cao Van

• Banh Mi Ba Lan - 8 Hoang Dieu

>>> One interesting thing is that the most reputable banh mi shop in Hoi An is Banh Mi Phuong, which has obtained approval from food reviewers and travel journalists, notably celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Hoanh Thanh - Wonton

Hoanh Thanh refers to wonton-style dumplings that are either served in a savory broth or deep-fried for a crispy texture. These dumplings are usually filled with shrimp or pork and are a common dish in Hoi An cuisine. The broth is light but flavorful, and the fried version offers a crunchy contrast to the soft filling inside. It’s a great dish for those looking to enjoy something light yet rich in flavor.

📍 Where to eat Hoanh Thanh:

• Hoanh Thanh Ba Le, 51 Trần Hưng Đạo

• Hoanh Thanh Anh Tuan, 92 Trần Cao Vân

💸 Price: 30,000 - 45,000 VND per bowl (~ $1.30 - $1.90 USD).

Banh Bao – Banh Vac - White Rose Dumplings

Banh Bao – Banh Vac, or White Rose Dumplings, are a must-try when in Hoi An. These translucent, delicate dumplings are made with rice flour dough and typically filled with shrimp or pork. The name "White Rose" comes from the shape of the dumplings, which resemble a white flower.

The dumplings are served with a dipping sauce made from garlic, chili, and sweetened fish sauce, giving them an extra layer of flavor. These dumplings are a popular snack, often enjoyed as a light appetizer or side dish. The price of this food varies depending on the restaurant and the portion size, but you can typically expect it to range from $1.2 - $2 per bowl.

📍 Where can I try the best White Rose Dumplings?

• White Rose Restaurant - 533 Hai Ba Trung

• Trung Bac Restaurant - 87 Tran Phu, Minh An

Banh Xeo - Hoi An Pancake

Banh Xeo is a sophisticated delicacy that can be found all over Vietnam, but its Hoi An version has a characteristic flavor. Banh Xeo features a savory and crispy crepe made of deep-fried rice flour squeezed with coconut milk and turmeric spice powder. The pancake is then dressed with abundant toppings, typically pork, prawns, sliced onions, bean sprouts, garlic chives, and mushrooms.

The proper way to eat a Vietnamese pancake is to wrap it in a sheet of rice paper with some lettuce leaves and herbs before dipping it into fermented peanut sauce or fish sauce. The size of Hoi An's banh Xeo is smaller than that of other versions, which makes it easier to roll up.

📍 Where to eat Banh Xeo:

• Banh Xeo Ba Du, 54 Nguyen Thai Hoc

• Banh Xeo Hai Kieu, 23 Tran Binh Trong

💸 Price: 35,000 - 40,000 VND per plate ( ~$1.35 - $1.5 USD).

👉 Discover more delicious cakes on this blog: Top 6 Vietnamese traditional cakes not be missed

Banh Xoai - Hoi An Mango Cake

Unlike mango cakes in Nha Trang, Hoi An's mango cake surprisingly contains no mango among its ingredients. The name comes from its mango-like shape. The cake is likened to Japanese mochi covered by chewy sticky rice.

However, the mango cake's fillings include crushed peanuts mixed with sugar which add a soft and mildly sweet texture. As Banh Xoai is a beloved Hoi An dessert, you can buy them at street vendors around the Old Town. Banh Xoai typically costs $0.2 per cake.

📍 Where to eat Banh Xoai:

• Banh Xoai Ba 4 Mua - 30/2 Tran Hung Dao Street

• Hoi An Market - 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward

Mot Hoi An - Mot Herbal Tea

If you've ever found yourself strolling through Hoi An on a scorching day, chances are you've spotted a white paper cup, a bamboo straw, and a pink lotus leaf. That’s Nước Mót, the drink everyone’s buzzing about on social media. It may look simple, but don't let that fool you – this humble beverage is packed with traditional charm and subtle elegance.

Nước Mót is a delicious herbal concoction made from a blend of ingredients like chrysanthemum, loquat, green tea, cinnamon, licorice, and a handful of other herbs. It’s brewed to perfection, offering a refreshing taste that balances sweet, fragrant, and mildly herbal flavors.

📍 Where to drink Mot Herbal Tea in Hoi An: Mot Hoi An, 150 Tran Phu, Hoi An

💸 Price: 12,000 VND per cup ( ~$0.5USD).

Tips for enjoying Hoi An cuisine

Exploring Hoi An cuisine is more enjoyable when you know a few local tips. These suggestions will help you navigate dishes, places, and eating habits with ease:

• Try local stalls and street vendors: Many of the most flavorful dishes are found at small eateries and street food carts. This is where you'll often discover the famous Hoi An dishes.

• Pay attention to spice levels: Some dishes can be spicy, so it's helpful to ask before ordering if you prefer milder flavors.

• Eat early for popular dishes: Certain items, especially at famous stalls, can sell out by early afternoon.

• Look for places with locals: A spot filled with local diners is often a good sign of fresh and authentic food.

• Stay hydrated: The heat in Hoi An can be intense, so don't forget to drink water or enjoy a refreshing Mot Hoi An herbal tea with your meals.

• Join a guided tour: A Hoi An food tour can help you discover lesser-known dishes and places with local guidance.

• Bring small cash: Most local food spots don’t accept cards, so carry enough VND for your meals.

• Don’t be afraid to eat on the sidewalk: Hoi An street food is often served on small plastic stools outside - this is part of the local dining experience.

Trying local food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Hoi An. With unique ingredients, careful preparation, and long-standing traditions, each dish reflects the flavors that define Hoi An cuisine. From a simple bowl of noodles to light snacks and local drinks, every bite brings you closer to the daily life and culinary identity of the town.

Let Hanoi Voyages take you on a food journey through this charming town, where each dish is part of the adventure.