Discover the Flavors of Hoi An

Hoi An isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage site — it’s also a culinary paradise. Every corner of the ancient town is filled with the smell of noodles, herbs, and sizzling street food. From Cao Lau to Chicken Rice, each dish tells a story of local life, culture, and love for flavor. If you’re planning to visit Hoi An, here’s a list of Hoi An Specialties – Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in the Ancient Town — all packed with authentic Central Vietnamese soul.

1. Cao Lau – The Soul of Hoi An Cuisine

Cao Lau is Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, made with thick noodles, pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
The secret? The noodles are made using water drawn from an ancient Ba Le well — giving them their unique texture.
Try it at Hoi An Heart Restaurant, where the recipe stays true to local tradition.

2. Mi Quang – Central Vietnam’s Golden Noodles

Mi Quang is a colorful noodle dish served with pork, shrimp, turmeric broth, peanuts, and rice crackers.
It’s light, fragrant, and full of texture — a beautiful balance between soup and salad.

3. Hoi An Chicken Rice (Com Ga)

Hoi An Chicken Rice is the local answer to Hainanese chicken rice — shredded chicken, turmeric rice, and fresh herbs, served with chili sauce.
It’s simple, comforting, and utterly satisfying.

4. Banh Mi Hoi An – Vietnam’s Best Sandwich

Banh Mi Hoi An gained fame worldwide after Anthony Bourdain called it “a symphony in a sandwich.”
Crispy baguette, local pork, herbs, and homemade chili sauce — every bite bursts with flavor.

5. White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)

White Rose Dumplings are delicate steamed dumplings shaped like flowers, filled with minced shrimp and topped with fried garlic.
A dish that’s both an art and a symbol of Hoi An’s charm.

6. Banh Dap Hen Xao – A True Local Treat

Banh Dap Hen Xao combines cracked rice paper, stir-fried baby clams, and a mix of peanuts, herbs, and chili.
Crunchy, salty, and full of coastal flavor — this is Hoi An’s comfort food at its best.

7. Hoanh Thanh (Wonton)

Hoi An-style fried wontons are golden, crispy, and topped with sweet-sour tomato salsa and shrimp.
Think of them as “Vietnamese nachos” — perfect as a snack with a cold drink.

8. Che Hoi An – Sweet Desserts for the Soul

Che Hoi An is a local sweet soup made from mung beans, coconut milk, and jellies.
Refreshing, colorful, and loved by both locals and tourists after a long walk through the Old Town.

9. Grilled Pork Skewers with Rice Paper (Thịt nướng cuốn bánh tráng)

Tender grilled pork served with fresh herbs and rice paper, then rolled and dipped in spicy peanut sauce — a favorite street-side snack for every traveler.

10. Hoi An Coffee & Herbal Drinks

Don’t leave without trying Vietnamese coffee, coconut coffee, or local herbal teas.
Perfect for cooling down while watching the lanterns glow at night.
☕ Discover more in our article: Hoi An Coffee Culture – The Art of Sipping by the Ancient Town.

Where to Try All These Hoi An Specialties

At Hoi An Heart Restaurant, you can experience the full range of authentic Hoi An cuisine — from classic noodles to traditional desserts — all in one beautiful riverside setting.

• Authentic flavors, local ingredients

• Comfortable atmosphere near the Ancient Town

• Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Explore our menu or Book a table now.

FAQs About Hoi An Specialties

1. What is the most famous dish in Hoi An?

Cao Lau is considered the symbol of Hoi An cuisine — it’s unique to the region and cannot be found anywhere else in Vietnam.

2. Are Hoi An dishes spicy?

Most dishes are mildly spiced, but you can always add more chili or sauce based on your preference.

3. Is vegetarian food available in Hoi An?

Yes! Many local dishes have vegetarian versions, especially Mi Quang and Cao Lau with tofu or mushrooms.

4. Can I find street food easily in Hoi An?

Absolutely — the Ancient Town and night market are filled with food stalls offering everything from Banh Mi to Che.

5. What time should I visit Hoi An for the best food experience?

Early evening is perfect — when the lanterns light up and the food stalls are at their busiest.

Conclusion

Hoi An is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Each dish represents a piece of local history — flavorful, colorful, and unforgettable.

So when you’re here, don’t rush. Taste everything. Enjoy every bite.
And let Hoi An Heart Restaurant be your gateway to discovering the true heart of Hoi An cuisine.

Reserve your table today and start your Hoi An food adventure!