Hoi An is arguably Vietnam's food capital. The ancient trading port absorbed culinary influences from China, Japan, France, and beyond — creating a unique food culture found nowhere else in Vietnam. Here's what to eat and where.
Cao Lau
The dish that defines Hoi An. Thick, chewy noodles (legend says they're made with water from a specific Cham well), slices of char siu pork, crispy croutons, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs in a small pool of savory broth. The best bowl in town is at Cao Lau Ba Be on Tran Phu Street — three generations of the same family.
Banh Mi Phuong
Made globally famous by Anthony Bourdain, this humble stall serves Vietnam's most celebrated banh mi. Crispy baguette stuffed with five types of pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh chili, and a secret sauce. It costs less than a dollar and will ruin all other sandwiches for you.
White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)
Delicate translucent dumplings filled with minced shrimp, topped with crispy fried shallots, and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Only one family in Hoi An knows the full recipe — they supply every restaurant in town. Eat them at White Rose Restaurant, the family's own place.
Com Ga Hoi An
Hoi An chicken rice — shredded poached chicken, fragrant turmeric rice, fresh herbs, and a spicy dipping sauce. The local specialty spot is Com Ga Ba Buoi, where they've been making it the same way for decades.
Bánh Xèo
Crispy Vietnamese crepes filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. Wrap pieces in rice paper with fresh greens and dip in nuoc cham. Ba Le Well serves the best in Hoi An's old quarter.
