Hoi An Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Eat (2025)
Hoi An isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s also one of Vietnam’s most flavorful culinary hotspots. This charming riverside town in Central Vietnam is known for its fusion of cultures and unforgettable street food. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a passionate foodie, or someone planning their first Vietnam trip, this guide will help you explore Hoi An’s rich and diverse food scene.
From sizzling street snacks to heritage recipes passed down through generations, discover what to eat in Vietnam’s tastiest town. This guide includes everything from must-try Vietnamese dishes and iconic Hoi An street food to tips for navigating local markets and food tours.
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Contents
Why Hoi An is a Foodie Favorite
Hoi An’s vibrant food culture is a rich tapestry woven from its fascinating past as a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. As merchants and settlers from China, Japan, India, Portugal, and France passed through its shores, they left behind more than just architecture and commerce—they infused the town’s cuisine with global influences that seamlessly blended with traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques. This cultural fusion gave rise to dishes that are truly one-of-a-kind, reflecting an East-meets-West heritage that’s still alive on the plate today.
Signature recipes like Cao Lau exemplify this fusion—not just in taste but in method. These chewy rice noodles are made using water from the ancient Ba Le Well, said to be essential for achieving the dish’s distinct texture. Hoi An’s central Vietnamese flavor profile stands out for its richness, boldness, and spiciness, often complemented by fresh herbs and aromatic broths. Whether you’re savoring a multi-course tasting menu at a riverside restaurant or slurping noodles from a humble street-side stall, the food here is both deeply rooted in history and easily accessible. In Hoi An, every meal is a window into centuries of cultural exchange, local ingenuity, and a passion for flavor.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes in Hoi An
1. Cao Lau
- What it is: Thick, chewy rice noodles served with slices of roast pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers.
- Why it’s special: The noodles are made with lye water drawn from Ba Le Well, giving them a unique texture and flavor. This dish is exclusively found in Hoi An.
- Where to try: Cao Lau Thanh (26 Thai Phien Street) or Hoi An Central Market.
2. White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)
- What it is: Steamed rice flour dumplings filled with minced shrimp and wrapped to resemble delicate white roses.
- Why it’s special: Made by a single family and supplied across town, it’s a secret recipe with French colonial influence.
- Where to try: White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung Street).
3. Mi Quang
- What it is: Yellow turmeric rice noodles topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, quail eggs, and crispy sesame rice crackers.
- Why it’s special: A Central Vietnam staple, it’s colorful, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
- Where to try: Mi Quang Ong Hai (6A Truong Minh Luong Street).
4. Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
- What it is: Fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, served with shredded chicken, herbs, onions, and a light chili sauce.
- Why it’s special: It’s Hoi An’s version of Hainanese chicken rice, with a spicier, herbier twist.
- Where to try: Com Ga Ba Buoi (22 Phan Chu Trinh Street).
5. Banh Mi Hoi An
- What it is: A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with pâté, grilled meats, pickled vegetables, coriander, and chili sauce.
- Why it’s special: The bread is light and crispy, and the fillings in Hoi An are known for being exceptionally rich and flavorful.
- Where to try: Banh Mi Phuong (2B Phan Chau Trinh Street) – made famous by Anthony Bourdain.
6. Banh Xeo
- What it is: A crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
- Why it’s special: The central version is smaller and crispier than in the south, and is wrapped in fresh herbs and rice paper before dipping.
- Where to try: Bale Well Restaurant (45/51 Tran Hung Dao).
7. Mot Hoi An
- What it is: A refreshing herbal drink made with lemongrass, lime, lotus leaf, and traditional medicinal herbs.
- Why it’s special: Served cold with a lotus petal in an eco-friendly cup, it’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
- Where to try: Mot Hoi An (150 Tran Phu Street).
Hoi An Street Food Guide
Want to taste the best street food in Hoi An? Just walk through the lantern-lit alleys of the Old Town or head to the riverfront at dusk. Here’s where to go:
Top Spots for Hoi An Street Food
- Nguyen Thai Hoc Street: Known for grilled skewers, pancakes, and sweet sesame snacks.
- Hoi An Night Market : Try Banh Xeo, mango cake, spring rolls, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.
- Around the Japanese Covered Bridge: Hidden vendors with grilled seafood, sweet rice cakes, and coconut pancakes.
🕔 Best time to go: 5 PM to 9 PM. That’s when food stalls are most active.
The best place to try different Vietnamese Street Food in Hoi An is at the Lantern Street in the evenings.
Thats when the whole street comes alive.
Local Food Markets to Visit in Hoi An
Hoi An Central Market
- Why visit: It’s the city’s main market, where locals buy produce and food vendors prep meals on the spot.
- What to eat: Cao Lau, Banh Xeo, fresh noodles, grilled meats, and tropical fruits.
- When to go: Early morning (6–9 AM) for the most authentic experience.
Night Market (Hoi An)
- Why visit: Great for sampling Hoi An’s best street food under colorful lanterns.
- What to eat: Coconut pancakes, BBQ skewers, dumplings, and banana roti.
Vegan & Vegetarian Eats in Hoi An
Plant-based foodies will love Hoi An. Many traditional dishes are made vegetarian on request.
Top Vegetarian Restaurants
- Quan Chay Dam (71/20 Phan Chu Trinh): Buffet-style, 100% vegan, family-run.
- Annen Vegetarian (471 Cua Dai Street): Vegan wellness cafe with spring rolls, tofu clay pot, and smoothies.
Must-Try Vegan Dishes
- Vegan Mi Quang
- Tofu in Clay Pot
- Papaya and Mango Salad
- Stir-fried morning glory with garlic
The Beauty of Hoi An – Pretty Corners everywhere
Tips for First-Time Travellers in Hoi An
Carry cash (Vietnamese Dong):
While major restaurants and cafes in the city may accept credit cards or digital wallets, most street food vendors and small local eateries operate on a cash-only basis. Always keep small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) handy, as vendors often won’t have change for larger notes. This is especially important when buying snacks, drinks, or small dishes from roadside stalls or markets.
Stay hydrated:
Vietnam’s tropical climate can be intense, especially when you’re hopping between food stalls in the afternoon heat. Always carry a bottle of sealed, bottled water, particularly if you’re indulging in spicy or salty dishes like Hu Tieu, Bun Bo Hue, or grilled street meats. Avoid tap water and be cautious with ice—only consume it if you’re sure it’s made from purified water.
Eat where locals eat:
The best rule of thumb for finding safe, delicious, and authentic food is to follow the crowds—particularly the locals. If a food stall is bustling with Vietnamese customers, it’s usually a sign that the food is not only tasty but also hygienically prepared. A long queue is often a better indicator of quality than flashy signage or tourist reviews.
Control the spice level:
Vietnamese food can pack a punch—especially dishes from the South, where chili sauces and fresh chilies are liberally used. If you’re sensitive to heat, politely tell the vendor “không cay” (pronounced: khong kai), which means “no spicy.” If you’re unsure, try a small portion first or ask to have the chili served on the side.
Prioritize food safety:
To avoid any unwanted stomach troubles, choose food that is cooked fresh to order and served hot. Steer clear of raw leafy vegetables or herbs unless you’re dining at an established restaurant with a strong reputation for cleanliness. When in doubt, observe how the vendor handles food, how clean the stall appears, and how the ingredients are stored.
Food Experiences Worth Booking in Hoi An
Cooking Classes
- Red Bridge Cooking School: Includes market tour, boat ride, and hands-on cooking.
- Vy’s Market Restaurant: Interactive stations for learning traditional cooking techniques.
Basket Boat + Cooking Tour
- Paddle a basket boat in the coconut forest, catch crabs, and cook a traditional Vietnamese meal with locals.
Guided Food Tours
- Join a walking or cycling food tour. Some combine food tasting with cultural exploration.
Here are some of the Best Hoi An Tours that you should check out, including Hoi An Cooking Classes, Lantern Making Classes, and Hoi An Food Tours, which also feature on this list of the Best Street Food Tours in Southeast Asia.
Hoi An’s food isn’t just delicious—it’s storytelling through flavor, culture, and time. Every bite you take in this historic town is a reflection of its rich past and multicultural heritage.
Whether you’re a solo traveler on a flavor quest, a couple looking to add a romantic culinary twist to your getaway, or a curious foodie wanting to uncover hidden gems, eating in Hoi An is an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Dining here isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about connection: to the land, to its people, and to a culinary heritage that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
Where to Stay in Hoi An?
Continue Your Vietnam Food Journey
- Hanoi Food Guide
- Best Street Food Tours in Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide
- Vietnam Travel Itinerary
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Chúc ngon miệng! – Happy eating!
