Absolutely addicted to Hoi An with 6 unique dishes only locals know

However, hidden gems serving impressive Hoi An specialties, known only to locals, are rarely found on social media or search engines. In this post, Hoi An Memories Land, as a true "insider" of the ancient town, will reveal 6 delicious Hoi An eateries beloved by locals. Let's explore!

1. Da Tron (Mixed Pork Skin Salad) - Mrs.Hiep

• Address: 123 Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An
• Opening hours: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 20,000 VND per portion (~$0.85)

For over forty years, Mrs.Hiep’s mixed pork skin salad has become a familiar stop for local diners. Each bowl is a harmonious combination of crisp, cool shredded papaya, fresh herbs, and golden roasted pork skin, fish, and squid. The refreshing sweet and sour flavor of the papaya, mixed with the rich taste of the meat and the special spicy sauce, creates a flavor that’s hard to forget. Each strand of papaya is carefully marinated, absorbing the seasoning perfectly, making every bite satisfying. With an affordable price of 40,000 VND (~$1.70) for a portion that’s enough for two people, along with delicious side dishes like coconut rice paper, grilled squid, and grilled fish, Mrs.Hiep’s mixed pork skin salad is an ideal stop for anyone looking to explore Hoi An food.

Mrs.Hiep’s mixed pork skin salad has truly become a favorite among local food lovers.

2. Jellyfish with Fish Sauce - Moi Grilled & Hotpot

•  Address: 55 18/8 Street, Hoi An
• Opening hours: 2:30 PM - 11:30 PM
• Price range: 69,000 VND - 79,000 VND (~$2.85 - $3.25)

Just a short walk from the Hoi An Night Market, Moi Grilled & Hotpot has quickly become a must-visit destination for food lovers. With its open, airy space designed in a trendy street style, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience. The diverse menu includes flavorful grilled dishes like pork ribs, beef in chili sauce, and Thai-style octopus, along with refreshing traditional hotpots, all made from the freshest ingredients. Especially popular is the jellyfish with fish sauce, priced at just 29,000 VND (~$1.20). The dish is a “best-seller,” featuring crunchy jellyfish soaked in a tangy and spicy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. With friendly, attentive staff, Moi BBQ is definitely a spot you shouldn't miss when exploring Hoi An food.

Jellyfish with fish sauce is a local specialty in Hoi An.

3. Clam Porridge at Mrs.Gio’s Stall

• Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Cam An, Hoi An (Near An Bang Beach)
• Opening hours: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Price range: 15,000 – 20,000 VND (~$0.60 – $0.85)

On a chilly day in Hoi An, a steaming hot bowl of clam porridge from Mrs.Gio’s stall will warm your heart instantly. With 20 years of experience selling porridge, Mrs.Gio has perfected a special, unforgettable flavor. Fragrant rice and creamy mung beans are simmered with rich pork bone broth, blending with the fresh sweetness of clams from Quang Nam's coastal waters. Each bowl is a harmonious combination of ocean and countryside flavors. The clams are fresh, sweet, and firm, meticulously prepared to eliminate any fishy taste. The pork bones, carefully selected from meaty rib cuts, add extra flavor to the dish. Topped with crispy fried shallots and a dash of spicy pepper, this porridge offers an irresistible taste. Mrs.Gio’s humble stall has captivated countless diners, from locals to visitors from afar. If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, don’t miss the opportunity to try this simple yet flavorful Hoi An food at Mrs.Gio’s clam porridge stall.

Mrs.Gio’s clam porridge is a must-try dish in Hoi An.

4. Pho Lien Hoi An – A Legendary Dish with a Well-Deserved Reputation

• Address: 25 Le Loi, Minh An, Hoi An
• Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 10:30 AM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
• Price range: 45,000 - 60,000 VND (~$1.85 - $2.45)

For nearly 70 years, Pho Lien has been an indispensable part of Hoi An’s culinary landscape. This small, time-worn pho shop has captured the hearts of countless diners. What makes Pho Lien truly special is its clear and subtly sweet broth. The soup is simmered from beef bones, cooked for hours, and infused with secret spices, creating a unique flavor you can only find in Hoi An. The thinly sliced beef, cooked to perfection, is tender and wonderfully flavorful. The handmade, dry pho noodles, crafted by the skilled hands of local artisans, offer a distinct texture that sets them apart from regular pho.

To fully enjoy the flavors of Pho Lien, diners can pair it with fresh herbs, spicy chili, crispy peanuts, and tangy pickled papaya. One unique feature of this dish is the use of long-cut green onions instead of regular onions, giving the dish its own signature twist. Pho Lien is not just a delicious meal, it’s a part of the soul of Hoi An. If you ever visit the ancient town, don’t miss the chance to stop by Pho Lien and experience the traditional flavors and discover a small but important piece of Vietnamese culinary culture.

>> See more: The list of 15 must-try restaurants for authentic Hoi An food

Discover Pho Lien – an essential part of Hoi An food.

5. Banh Kep and Liver Salad – Mrs.Mai

• Address: 182 Ly Thai To, Hoi An City
• Opening hours: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 15,000 VND - 50,000 VND (~$0.60 - $2.05)

A trip to Hoi An wouldn’t be complete without trying the famous Hoi An food – Mrs.Mai’s Banh Kep (Vietnamese grilled rice paper sandwiches). These crispy, hot rice paper sandwiches, filled with sunny-side-up eggs or fragrant pate, are served with a rich dipping sauce that has made them a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Each banh kep at Mrs.Mai's shop is carefully handmade, from selecting the ingredients to grilling. The rice paper is toasted to crispy perfection, the egg is cooked just right, and the aromatic pate adds an unforgettable flavor.

In addition to banh kep, Mrs.Mai's shop offers other delicious options such as grilled rice paper with toppings, rice paper rolls, mixed rice paper with pork skin, and dried squid. One standout dish not to be missed is the liver salad, made from fresh pork liver and green papaya, which has become a crowd favorite. Although the shop is small, it’s always bustling with customers, especially local youth. With its affordable prices and high-quality food, Mrs.Mai's banh kep shop is definitely a must-visit culinary spot in Hoi An.

>> Check out: 20 Famous Hoi An Street Foods Starting under $2

When visiting Hoi An, you absolutely shouldn't miss the local favorite, "Banh Trang Kep Mrs.Mai"

6. Banh Yen To – Mrs.Diep

• Address: Mrs.Diep is usually at the corner of Hai Ba Trung and Phan Chau Trinh Streets
• Price: 10,000 VND per piece (~$0.40)

Mrs.Diep’s Banh Yen To is a delicate culinary masterpiece you cannot miss when visiting Hoi An. In just a few moments, what starts as a small lump of sticky sugar transforms into thin, silky strands resembling shimmering spider webs, all thanks to Mrs.Diep’s skilled hands. These fragile threads are neatly placed atop a crispy waffle and covered in finely shredded coconut. The balance of flavors and textures is a delight—subtle sweetness from the sugar, richness from the coconut, and the crunch of the waffle. This Hoi An food not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a unique experience in witnessing its creation. It's the perfect example of the simple yet refined beauty of Hoi An's cuisine.

>> Check out: Best spots to enjoy Hoi An's irresistible sweet soups 

Mrs.Diep’s Banh Yen To is truly a culinary gem of Hoi An.

Hoi An is not just a charming ancient town; it’s also a food lover’s paradise, filled with delightful surprises. With these recommendations from Hoi An Memories Land, we hope you’ve found some exciting options to add to your list of must-try Hoi An foods. Let these dishes become a cherished part of your memories from this beautiful town. Wishing you a wonderful and memorable journey!

>> See more: Tips for Hoi An travel guide saving money