Top 5 restaurants in Hoi An to enjoy local dishes

Hoi An is famous for its rich culinary scene, and restaurants in Hoi An offer a variety of local dishes that capture the flavors of this historic town. From traditional recipes to unique family specialties, these dining spots provide an authentic taste experience that visitors won’t want to miss.

Choosing the right place to eat can make your trip even more memorable. In this guide, we highlight the top 5 restaurants in Hoi An where you can enjoy delicious local dishes in comfortable settings.

Ready to explore Hoi An’s food scene? Let Hanoi Voyages help you discover the best dining experiences the town has to offer!

Why is Hoi An a wonderful place for food lovers?

Hoi An is a favorite destination not only for its charming streets and lantern-lit evenings, but also for its distinctive food scene. The town has developed a reputation for offering some of the most flavorful dishes in central Vietnam. Many of these recipes have been passed down through generations and are still prepared using traditional methods and local ingredients.

Some of the signature dishes that define Hoi An’s food culture include cao lau, banh mi, com ga (chicken rice), and white rose dumplings are found across the town and prepared with fresh, local ingredients. These dishes are served in both street stalls and established restaurants in Hoi An, each adding its own touch while keeping the core recipes intact. With its mix of textures, flavors, and long-standing cooking methods, Hoi An has become a go-to place for food lovers visiting central Vietnam.

In the next section, you’ll discover some of the top places to eat in Hoi An, where locals and visitors alike come back time and again for authentic meals.

Top 5 restaurants in Hoi An not to miss

If you’re wondering where to eat local food in Hoi An, here are 5 options that consistently deliver quality and flavor. These restaurants and food stalls offer signature dishes and a warm local atmosphere, making them stand out among both locals and travelers.

Mrs. Buoi’s chicken rice (Com ga ba Buoi)

Mrs. Buoi’s chicken rice restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Hoi An, this long-standing place continues to serve flavorful chicken rice based on a traditional family recipe. Currently run by Madame Buoi’s descendants, the restaurant maintains its legacy with dishes made from carefully selected ingredients.

Each plate of chicken rice consists of rice, shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a special sauce. The chicken is carefully selected, hand-shredded, then marinated with ginger and peanut oil before being boiled, which helps it keep a nice layer of golden, appetizing fat. The rice is cooked in a broth made from chicken bones and mixed with turmeric, giving it a rich and distinctive flavor.

• Opening hours: 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00 – 20:00

• Price: about 55,000 VND/plate (~ $2.2)

• Address: 22 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An

Thanh Cao Lau

If you’re looking for the best local food in Hoi An, don’t skip Cao Lau. The best place to enjoy this unique dish among restaurants in Hoi An is Thanh Cao Lau on Thai Phien Street.

Thanh Cao Lau is a delicious Hoi An restaurant with over 20 years of history, serving authentic Cao Lau noodles. A bowl of Cao Lau here is always filled with char siu marinated according to its own recipe, tender noodles, fresh raw vegetables, crispy fried pork skin, and rich char siu sauce. All combine to create the typical flavor of the standard Cao Lau dish in Hoi An.

Although the restaurant is always kept clean, there are sometimes no available seats due to its popularity.

• Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00

• Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND/bowl (~ $1.15 - $2)

• Address: 26 Thai Phien Street, Hoi An

Mrs. Phuong’s Banh Mi

Mrs. Phuong’s Banh Mi bakery has been famous worldwide since Anthony Bourdain, a famous chef and TV host, came to try and enjoy it in 2009. The bakery offers a varied menu with many bread fillings: mixed filling, bacon, ham, pâté, chicken with avocado and salad, cheese with onions, rolled beef with cheese and the restaurant’s mayonnaise.

No matter which filling you select, you will be charmed by the exquisite flavor of the sauce, a key element of the worldwide fame of Phuong’s bread. The bread crusts are also made by family members. Mrs. Phuong’s Banh Mi will surely give you an interesting bread experience.

• Opening hours: 06:30 – 21:30

• Price: 20,000 VND – 40,000 VND/loaf (~ $0.8 – $1.6)

• Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An

Mrs. Bay’s Banh Beo

Located next to the famous yellow wall on Hoang Van Thu Street, Mrs. Bay’s Banh Beo restaurant is an ideal stop for those who love Hoi An street food.

Though it is just a simple sidewalk restaurant, the food quality here is always guaranteed. Mrs. Bay’s Banh Beo is served in small bowls, topped with shrimp, meat, and green onions. You can add fish sauce and chili to enhance the flavor. When there are guests, the host arranges several bowls on a tray, takes the toppings, adds oil, chili sauce, and onions, then places everything on the table.

With affordable prices and a prime location, this small restaurant is always busy and remains a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

• Opening hours: 12:00 – 17:30

• Price: 15,000 VND – 25,000 VND/bowl (~ $0.6 – $1)

• Address: 02 Hoang Van Thu, Hoi An

Mrs. Khanh’s Banh Mi

Another equally famous address is Mrs. Khanh’s Banh Mi, also known as the “Queen of Banh Mi.” With over 30 years of history, this shop has preserved its traditional flavor.

The shop is famous for its variety of bread fillings, creating unique flavors and distinct styles. The combination of crispy bread on the outside with rich pâté, delicious cold cuts, fresh vegetables, and a special sauce is what charms visitors from the first bite.

• Opening hours: 06:30 – 19:30

• Price: 25,000 VND – 30,000 VND/loaf (~ $1 - $1.2)

• Address: 115 Tran Cao Van Street, Hoi An

Best desserts to try in restaurants in Hoi An

At Hoi An, local desserts are a true delight not to be missed. Between traditional sweet specialties and modern creations, the city offers a variety of sweets to please your palate. Discover the best desserts to try during your visit to Hoi An!

Mot Hoi An

Mot can be considered a new specialty of the old town, as visiting Hoi An without taking a photo with a glass of Mot would be a big oversight.

At the café, you can enjoy a herbal drink subtly scented with lotus, combined with lemon and lemongrass. For only 12,000 VND, you get a refreshing glass elegantly decorated with a green leaf and a refined lotus petal.

• Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:00

• Price: about 12,000 VND/cup (~ $0.5)

• Address: 150 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An

Mr. Thieu’s Sweet Black Sesame Soup

The sweet black sesame soup is also known as Xiu Ma Phu sweet soup. The basic sweet black sesame soup consists of essential ingredients such as black sesame, tapioca starch, glutinous rice flour, and sugar.

Although the sweet black sesame soup originates from China, Mr. Thieu is the one who developed and transmitted the brand of sweet black sesame soup until today, famous throughout Hoi An. If you come to the old town in early spring and do not know what to eat in Hoi An, Mr. Thieu’s sweet black sesame soup stall will surely delight visitors.

• Opening hours: 6:00 – 9:00 in the morning

• Price: about 12,000 VND/bowl (~$0.5)

• Address: in front of 118 Nguyen Truong To Street

Sweet Lotus Seed Soup of the Old Town (Che Hat Sen Pho Co)

Among the popular desserts offered by restaurants in Hoi An, the lotus seed sweet soup stands out as a nutritious and flavorful option. In addition to lotus seed soup, this spot is also famous for its caramel tofu dessert – a harmonious mix of fresh tofu, aromatic coconut milk, and rich caramel sauce, both beautiful and delicious.

If you're walking along Hoang Van Thu Street on a summer day, you’ll likely notice a small but busy chè shop. Many locals buy two or three cups to take home or enjoy on the go.

• Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00

• Price: 10,000 VND - 15,000 VND/cup (~ $0.4 -$0.6)

• Address: 1 Hoang Van Thu Street, Hoi An

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Tips for choosing the right restaurant in Hoi An

With so many dining options available in Hoi An, choosing where to eat can be a challenge. Whether you're looking for authentic street food or a sit-down meal, these practical tips will help you find the right restaurant for a satisfying culinary experience.

• Check recent online reviews on platforms like Google Maps or TripAdvisor for up-to-date feedback.

• Avoid restaurants with overly aggressive street promoters or menus translated into too many languages—these often target tourists.

• Look for venues with a mix of locals and travelers, a good sign of both quality and authenticity.

• Pay attention to cleanliness, especially in open kitchens or food prep areas.

• Choose restaurants that specialize in one or two dishes rather than those offering overly large menus.

• Ask your homestay host or hotel staff for trusted local recommendations.

• Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues and receive better service.

• If you're vegetarian or have dietary needs, confirm in advance whether substitutions are possible.

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine. With its renowned restaurants in Hoi An and a wide variety of traditional specialties, the town offers a flavorful journey that reflects both heritage and local creativity. From iconic street food to beloved family-run eateries, every meal adds something unique to your travel experience.

If you're planning a trip to Hoi An, let Hanoi Voyages help you design a memorable journey full of cultural and gastronomic discoveries.