Central Vietnam, Vietnam
Hoi An’s cuisine is unique, reflecting its history as a major trading port. Chinese, Japanese, and Western (French) traders influenced its culinary traditions.
Dishes use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These include seafood from the coast, herbs from nearby villages, and rice from paddies. Flavors often combine sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes, with a strong focus on fresh herbs and subtle spices.
Rice and noodles are foundational ingredients, often as fresh noodles.
Fresh herbs like basil, mint, coriander, and fish mint are generously used. Seafood, pork, and chicken are common proteins.
Garlic, chili, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass provide common flavors. Nuoc Mam (fish sauce) is a foundational dipping sauce.
Hoi An's signature dish: thick, chewy noodles from a specific well's water, char siu pork, fresh greens, bean sprouts, rice crackers, and savory broth.
Find at: Cao Lau Thanh and many local restaurants.
Delicate, translucent shrimp or pork dumplings, steamed to resemble white roses, with crispy shallots and a sweet-spicy dipping sauce.
Find at: Bong Hong Trang (White Rose Restaurant).
Noodle dish with turmeric-infused broth, topped with pork, chicken, or shrimp, a hard-boiled egg, peanuts, rice crackers, and fresh herbs.
Find at: Local eateries, street stalls, and specialty restaurants.
Fresh, locally brewed draft beer, very affordable.
Strong, often with condensed milk (Ca Phe Sua Da for iced coffee). Also: Fresh Juices, Nuoc Mia (sugarcane juice).
Upscale restaurants in the Ancient Town offer refined Vietnamese cuisine with elegant ambiance, often showing French influence.
These are abundant throughout Hoi An, especially in the Ancient Town and An Hoi. They offer diverse menus, from local specialties to international dishes.
Hoi An is famous for its affordable and delicious street food. Discover a bustling culinary scene.
Many restaurants cater to visitors, offering Western, Italian, Indian, and other international cuisines.
Common in tourist areas of Ancient Town.
For those seeking a taste of home, a wide range of global flavors is found.
Pasta, pizza, curries, and burgers are readily available.
Increasingly common; many local dishes have "chay" (vegan) versions. HappyCow app is helpful.
Rice noodles/paper are GF, but sauces may contain gluten. Translation cards assist communication.
Language barriers exist; use translation apps or cards for specific allergies.
Limited options. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a good choice.
A short cycle ride from Hoi An, this organic vegetable village offers tours.
Learn about traditional farming methods and participate in farm work.
Some tours combine visits with cooking classes or basket boat rides, offering insights into local fishing and farming practices.
Experience traditional life.
Located on An Hoi Islet, this market buzzes with street food stalls and souvenir vendors in the evenings.
Inside the market, discover numerous food stalls offering authentic local dishes throughout the day.
Many homestays and small eateries still use traditional family recipes, passed down through generations.
Dishes are prepared with ingredients sourced daily from local markets, including herbs from Tra Que Village and fresh seafood.
Hoi An’s unique "big three" dishes (Cao Lau, White Rose, Mi Quang) are difficult to find authentically outside this region.
Vietnamese sweet dessert soups or puddings, often made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk.
Refreshing on a hot day.
A hearty thick noodle soup, often with pork or fish, distinct from pho with its thick, chewy rice or tapioca noodles.
A satisfying meal.
Avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Generally safe in established restaurants and hotels as it comes from filtered water. Use discretion at smaller stalls.
Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Ensure they are washed or peeled.
When exploring street food, pick places with high turnover where food is cooked fresh in front of you. This usually indicates popularity and freshness.
