Hoi An cuisine: savoring traditional vietnamese flavors in every dish

Hoi An food is also one of the top 7 reasons why Hoi An is considered one of the must-visit cities in Southeast Asia (according to CNN Travel). Let’s explore the distinctive features of Hoi An food culture and discover 9 delicious dishes from the ancient town that will leave you craving more!

1. Hoi An on the vietnamese culinary map

TPO - The SCMP newspaper has rated Hoi An as Vietnam’s culinary capital due to its diverse ingredients and attractive flavors. In 2017, during the Hoi An International Food Festival, Thomas Andreas Gugler, President of the World Chefs Association, awarded a certificate officially recognizing Hoi An as the "Culinary Capital of Vietnam". This recognition is a great pride for the local people and serves as proof of the irresistible appeal of the region’s cuisine.

For a long time, Hoi An has been famous for its unique dishes that carry a strong Vietnamese cultural identity. Crunchy banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) with rich pate and tender char siu pork; com ga Ba Buoi (Ba Buoi chicken rice) with perfectly cooked chicken, golden skin, fragrant rice, and sweet-salty dipping sauce; or cao lau — the "specialty of specialties" — combining chewy noodles, rich broth, thinly sliced pork, crispy pork skin, and refreshing herbs. These Hoi An food dishes are like symphonies of flavor, captivating anyone who tries them for the first time.

The recognition of "Culinary Capital of Vietnam" is not only an honor but also a motivation for Hoi An to continue developing and promoting its unique culinary traditions to the world.

Hội An is the "Food Capital of Vietnam."

2. Distinctive features of hoi an cuisine

Located along the peaceful Thu Bon River, Hoi An attracts visitors with its heritage and unique food flavors. The cuisine here reflects the rich diversity of central Vietnam, but also holds distinct characteristics that make it stand out.

In the traditional Hoi An food family meal, fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, and clams always play a starring role. This is why dishes like mi Quang, com hen (clam rice), crispy banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), and banh dap hen xao (crushed rice cracker with stir-fried clams) have become popular specialties in this area.

Hoi An food is not just about the food; it's also a cultural story told through ingredients and spices. The cooking style "Chat to kho man" (big cuts and salty cooking) is a signature of the local culinary culture, reflecting the straightforward, honest, and simple character of the people of Quang Nam. Beyond its local borders, Hoi An also embraces culinary influences from other cultures, especially Chinese.

From the 17th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a bustling trading port where many cultures intersected. The passage of time has preserved dishes with strong Chinese influences, such as cao lau, banh bao (steamed buns), and hoanh thanh (wontons). Moreover, the large Chinese community in Hoi An has contributed to the formation of a distinctive culinary identity. During the Lunar New Year, special dishes like bun xao Phuoc Kien, kim tien ke, com chien Duong Chau, and phach xoi are enjoyed by the Chinese community, preserving the flavors of their homeland.

>> See more: Absolutely addicted to Hoi An with 6 unique dishes only locals know

3. 9 must-try dishes of the ancient town that will make you "forget the way back"

Due to the variety and richness of its culinary offerings, it's impossible to list all of Hoi An’s delicious dishes in just a few pages. Therefore, Hoi An Memories Land has gathered the 9 most notable Hoi An food dishes below. Let's take a look!

3.1. Grilled pork with wet rice cake

Among the many delicious Hoi An food dishes, grilled pork with wet rice cake stands out as a culinary icon, beloved by food enthusiasts. This simple and rustic dish captures the essence of the ancient town, leaving everyone who tastes it in awe.

The wet rice cake is soft, chewy, and thinly spread over the charcoal grill, emitting a fragrant aroma. The pork is marinated with rich spices, skewered, and grilled over hot coals. When the meat turns golden and releases a savory fragrance, a sprinkle of sesame seeds is added, intensifying its irresistible appeal.

The highlight of this dish is the dipping sauce, which combines the tangy taste of lime, the spicy heat of chili, the balanced sweet-salty flavor, and the rich, savory taste of fish sauce.

Address:

• Bánh ướt thịt nướng Hai Bà Trưng Hội An: 45/51 Trần Hưng Đạo, P. Minh Anh, Hội An
• Bánh ướt thịt nướng Bà Hường: 31 Tiểu La, P. Minh An, Hội An
  Price range: 15,000 – 45,000 VND (about $0.60 - $1.80 USD) per dish

Grilled Meat with Wet Cake

>> See more: Have you tried crushed rice crackers with stir-fried clams in Hoi An?

3.2. Vegetarian cao lau

Vegetarian Cao Lau is made from vegetarian ingredients such as rice noodles, mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables. The broth is cooked from mushrooms, seaweed, and various vegetarian seasonings, creating a light yet rich flavor. Vegetarian Cao Lau from Hoi An is often served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, chili, and crispy vegetarian pork skin.

Address:

• Veggie Saigon Vegetarian Restaurant: 47/32 Trần Hưng Đạo, Minh An, Hoi An City
• Tâm Quang Minh Vegetarian Restaurant: K170 Lý Thường Kiệt, Sơn Phong, Hoi An City
  Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (about $1.20 - $2.00 USD) per serving

Vegetarian cao lau, delicious food in Hoi An 

3.3. Hoi An pancakes (Bánh xèo)

Hoi An pancakes are not just a delicious dish but also a symbol of the delicacy in the culinary culture of the Quang people. The appeal of Hoi An food pancakes lies in the perfect combination of several elements:

Crispy golden crust: Made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk, creating a crispy texture and a rich, fragrant taste.
Varied filling: Usually includes shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and wood ear mushrooms, all stir-fried just right to preserve their sweetness and rich flavor.
Sweet and sour dipping sauce: A special blend of fish sauce, lime, chili, garlic, and sugar, creating a balanced and flavor-packed sauce that stimulates the taste buds.
Fresh herbs: The pancakes are often served with fresh herbs like lettuce, Vietnamese mint, and other leafy greens, which balance the richness and add a refreshing element to the dish.

Address:

• Bánh Xèo Quán Giếng Bá Lễ: 45/51 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
• Bánh Xèo Sông Hoài: 59/32 18th August Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
• Bánh Xèo Hải Đảo: 160 Lý Thái Tổ, Cẩm Châu Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam

Price range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND (about $0.80 - $1.60 USD) per piece

Hoi An pancake 

3.4. Quang noodles with frog (Mì Quảng Ếch)

Mì Quảng ếch is a signature dish of Hoi An food with a distinctive flavor that's hard to resist. The noodles are chewy and golden, mixed with a rich, savory broth and tender frog meat, creating an irresistible culinary experience.

Address:

• Mì Quảng Bà Bê: 22 Phan Châu Trinh, Hoi An City
• Mì Quảng Ếch Ông Há: 18 Trần Cao Vân, Hoi An City
• Mì Quảng Ếch Bếp Trang: 47 Phan Châu Trinh, Hoi An City

Price range: 35,000 - 55,000 VND (about $1.40 - $2.20 USD) per bowl

Quang noodle with egg 

3.5. Ba Buoi chicken rice (Cơm Gà Bà Buội)

Since 1955, Ba Buoi Chicken Rice has become a well-known brand, drawing visitors who come to explore the ancient town of Hoi An. Famous for its shredded chicken rice with a distinctive flavor, Ba Buoi Chicken Rice captivates diners with a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and traditional secret recipes.

• Address: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
  Price range: 30,000 VND - 50,000 VND (about $1.20 - $2.00 USD) per plate

Ba Buoi chicken rice 

>> See more: Save these 10 must-try chicken rice restaurants in Hoi An

3.6. Mrs. Quýt’s rice noodles (Bánh canh Bà Quýt)

Mrs. Quýt’s Rice Noodles is one of the delicious, nutritious, and affordable dishes in Hoi An, attracting tourists with its distinct flavor and reasonable price. This dish entices diners with its simplicity and elegance, featuring delicate white rice noodles and a light, sweet broth made from pork bones or pig’s trotters, combined with golden, fragrant fish cakes.

• Address: 51 Thanh Hóa, Tân An, Ancient Town, Hoi An
• Price range: 15,000 VND - 20,000 VND (about $0.60 - $0.80 USD) per bowl

Mrs. Quýt’s rice noodles

3.7. Nam Ô fish salad (Gỏi cá Nam Ô)

Nam Ô Fish Salad is a famous dish from Da Nang, but it can also be found in Hoi An. The dish is made from fresh mackerel mixed with fresh herbs, rice paper, fermented shrimp paste, chili, and garlic, creating a delicious and savory flavor.

• Address: Grilled Stingray Restaurant Cô Huê: Trung Hà Village, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Price range: 50,000 VND - 80,000 VND (about $2.00 - $3.20 USD) per serving

Nam O fish salad 

3.8. Hoi An pork meatball sandwich (Bánh mì xíu mại)

Bánh mì xíu mại is a popular dish in Hoi An, made from a crispy baguette filled with soft, aromatic pork meatballs, fresh herbs, and flavorful sauce. Hoi An food is often served at various street food stalls in the ancient town.

• Address:
  Bánh Mì Bích: 51 Phan Chu Trinh
  Bánh Mì Madam Khánh: 22 Phan Châu Trinh
• Price range: Bánh mì xíu mại in Hội An typically ranges from 20,000 VND - 30,000 VND (about $0.80 - $1.20 USD) per sandwich.

Hoi An pork meatball sandwich 

3.9. Hue beef noodles (Bún bò Huế)

Hoi An’s version of Bún bò Huế is famous for its rich, deep flavor, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who tries it. This dish blends the unique characteristics of Hue cuisine with the culinary finesse of Hoi An food, resulting in a distinctive and memorable taste.

• Address:
  Bún Bò Huế Gia Huy: 362A Cửa Đại, TP. Hội An
  Bún Bò Bà Nghĩa: Hẻm 62 Phan Châu Trinh, TP. Hội An
  Bún Bò Huế Lê Hà: Lý Thường Kiệt, Phường Cẩm Phổ, TP. Hội An
• Price range: 30,000 VND - 45,000 VND (about $1.20 - $1.80 USD) per bowl.

Hue beef noodle 

>> See more: What to eat in Hoi An for less than $2? 20+ Must-Try food specialties in the Ancient Town