Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s great food towns, with dishes you will only find here alongside street-food classics. Here are 8 things to eat in Hoi An — what they are, and where to find the best versions.
1. Cao lau
Hoi An’s signature noodle dish — thick, chewy noodles, slices of char siu-style pork, fresh greens and crunchy croutons with just a little savoury broth. The recipe is unique to Hoi An and traditionally made with water from a local well.
2. White rose (banh vac)
Delicate steamed shrimp dumplings shaped like little rose petals, topped with crispy shallots — another dish you will only find here.
3. Banh mi
Hoi An’s banh mi is famous worldwide — a crisp baguette packed with pate, cold cuts, fresh herbs, pickles and a rich house sauce. A perfect cheap lunch.
4. Com ga (chicken rice)
Fragrant turmeric rice topped with poached, shredded chicken, herbs and a tangy papaya salad.
5. Mi Quang
The signature dish of Quang Nam province — turmeric-yellow noodles with a little rich broth, shrimp or pork, peanuts and crispy rice crackers.
6. Banh xeo
Crispy, sizzling savoury pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped in peanut sauce.
7. Northern favourites
For a change of pace, try northern-style banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and bun cha — see more on our Hoi An food and culture page.
8. Che and Vietnamese coffee
Finish with a bowl of che (sweet bean-and-jelly dessert) or a strong ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk).
Where to eat
- The Central Market and back lanes for cheap, authentic bowls.
- Long-running local spots — look for busy stalls with high turnover.
- An Bang beach for fresh seafood.
Eat your way around by scooter
Many of the best spots are spread across town and the surrounding villages. A scooter lets you find them all at your own pace. Anh Khoa Hoi An delivers a bike to your hotel — book at hoianit.com, or plan your route with our getting around guides.
FAQ
What food is Hoi An famous for?
Cao lau, white rose dumplings and banh mi are the three dishes most associated with Hoi An.
Is street food in Hoi An safe to eat?
Generally yes — choose busy stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked food.
Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Hoi An?
Very — Hoi An has many vegetarian (an chay) restaurants, and most dishes can be made meat-free.
