Hoi An’s Local Food: 10 Must-Try Specialties For Tourists

Looking for the best local food in Hoi An that’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly? Join us on a culinary journey through Hoi An’s rich food culture as we explore 10 delectable specialties that not only satisfy your taste buds but also make your trip an unforgettable one.

Best Local Food in Hoi An: Cao Lau (Pork Rice Noodle)

Cao Lau, Hoi An’s renowned specialty, is a unique dish featuring yellow noodles served with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and a light broth. The distinctive yellow color of the noodles comes from being mixed with ashes from a local tree.

When you savor Cao Lau, you’ll experience the delightful crunch of the noodles combined with the complex flavors of sourness, spiciness, a slight bitterness, and the freshness of the herbs, making it an extraordinary culinary experience. This dish is typically priced at around 25,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

Speaking of best local food in Hoi An, Hoi An’s Banh Mi has not only captured the hearts of domestic tourists but also gained international recognition. Renowned chefs worldwide have praised this local delicacy. It’s a hearty sandwich filled with various fresh herbs, cold meat and sausage, creating a myriad of enticing flavors. The famous Banh Mi shops in Hoi An always draw large crowds, with eager customers queuing up, even late into the night, to savor this legendary and delicious sandwich.

Mi Quang (Quang-style noodle)

Mi Quang is a one of the best food in Hoi An Vietnam. It features a bowl of noodles with ingredients like pork, shrimp, and occasionally chicken or boiled eggs, depending on preferences, served with a broth made from simmered pork bones. The broth is typically minimal, giving it a mixed dish sensation. Mi Quang is enhanced when enjoyed with roasted peanuts, rice crackers, fresh herbs, and chopped spring onions.

This delightful noodle dish typically costs between 25,000 to 40,000 VND per bowl, offering a tasty and fulfilling meal with a unique blend of flavors and textures.

Banh Bao Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings)

When it comes to best local food in Hoi An, you can’t miss Banh Bao Banh Vac, also known as White Rose Dumplings. These delicate dumplings are meticulously crafted, with thin, translucent rice paper delicately wrapping a filling of shrimp and pork, forming a beautiful, tender, flower-like shape. White Rose Dumplings are a blend of modern and traditional cuisine, highly appreciated by many travelers, making them one of must-try local dishes in Hoi An for a delightful and visually appealing culinary experience.

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh Xeo is one of the famous Hoi An cuisine. The pancake’s crispy, golden exterior contrasts with the tender, flavorful filling of lean meat and succulent shrimp. What truly sets this dish apart is the meticulously prepared dipping sauce, a closely guarded secret in the region.

It’s crafted with ground peanuts, sesame seeds, and simmered pork liver, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering blend. Priced at just 10,000 VND per piece, Banh Xeo is readily available at various renowned tourist spots in Hoi An, making it a popular and affordable treat.

Hoanh Thanh Chien (Fried Wonton)

Hoanh Thanh Chien derived from Chinese cuisine, has evolved over time to suit Vietnamese tastes and become a renowned delicacy in Hoi An. These fried wontons come with various fillings like shrimp, pork, shiitake mushrooms, and more. The intricately rolled and thin pastry exudes a fragrant rice aroma. Hoanh Thanh can be enjoyed steamed or fried, offering a delightful choice based on your preference. With both versions, they provide a unique blend of flavors and textures that make them a popular snack or appetizer in Hoi An.

Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

Hoi An Chicken Rice, among the town’s esteemed specialties, has gained widespread acclaim. There are several outstanding chicken rice eateries you can explore these best restaurant in Hoi An Old Town, such as Ba Buoi Chicken Rice, Ba Nga Chicken Rice, and Anh Xi Chicken Rice. Each serves meticulously prepared chicken rice dishes featuring tender and flavorful chicken, complemented by soft and fragrant rice.

Hoi An’s renowned chicken rice is cherished for its delectable taste and freshness, making it a must-try dish for locals and visitors alike.

Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork over Vermicelli)

Bun Thit Nuong in Hoi An is a must-try when visiting this charming town. It offers a delectable fusion of silky vermicelli noodles, aromatic grilled pork, and fresh, crisp greens, promising a delightful culinary experience. The generously marinated and grilled pork exudes an enticing fragrance that pleases the senses. The tender noodles complement the grilled meat, a slice of flavorful pork sausage, a touch of pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, creating a perfect bowl of Bun Thit Nuong. The savory-sweet sauce, along with sprinkles of sesame and peanuts, adds irresistible allure to this dish.

Banh Dap (Crushed Rice Cracker)

Banh Dap, as its name suggests, involves using your hands to press down on the rice cracker until it breaks into multiple pieces. You then dip each piece into a unique dipping sauce made from fermented fish sauce, featuring ricefish and wild shallots.

This simple yet delightful snack offers a satisfying and affordable treat, typically priced at just 20,000 – 25,000 VND, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful experience in Hoi An without breaking the bank.

Banh Can (Mini Pancake)

Banh Can, also known as Banh Khot in the southern region, features golden, crispy, round pancakes with delightful shrimp or quail eggs on top. Locals prefer enjoying Banh Can in the evening, considering it a tasty snack before dinner in Hoi An. To ensure the pancakes remain hot and crispy, they are freshly made upon ordering.

These pancakes come with two filling options: shrimp and quail eggs. For the egg version, the egg is added as the pancake cooks on one side, resulting in a fragrant and crispy Banh Can. For the shrimp version, a shrimp is placed on the batter, and after a short while, the pancakes are ready to be served.

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Above is a list of 10 must-try specialties in Hoi An, suggested by Asia Legend Travel. These dishes will definitely satisfy your taste buds and make your trip memorable. Take the chance to enjoy the best local food in Hoi An!

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