The 5 Hoi An Cuisines You Cannot Afford To Miss

Cao Lau

Hoi An remains the birthplace of “cao lau,” a must-try local specialty for anyone visiting the city. This dish exemplifies Hoi An cuisine, showcasing ingredients sourced from the region, including rice noodles, fresh herbs from the renowned Tra Que gardens, and water from the ancient Cham wells. The pork is marinated and roasted for about an hour before being combined with chewy, udon-like rice noodles, beansprouts, croutons, and a savory pork-based gravy. Traditionally, it is garnished with spring onions, chili paste, and lime relish. The best “cao lau” is typically found at simple street food stalls, where you can enjoy it while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Cao Lau - Photo: @vietnamese.foody

Com Ga Hoi An

Hoi An chicken rice is similar to the classic chicken rice known in China, but when it comes to flavor, locals prefer fragrant rice and tender, shredded chicken sourced from local farms. After seasoning, high-quality rice is cooked using chicken broth, turmeric, and pandan leaves over a wooden stove to achieve its signature pale yellow color and delightful aroma. Fresh chicken is boiled and then tossed with fried onions, salt, and pepper to enhance its taste. To eat like a local, top your dish with black pepper, chili paste, and accompany it with onions, sour papaya, fresh herbs, and soy sauce.

Com Ga Hoi An - Photo: @cooky.vn

Mi Quang

“Mi Quang” (Quang-style turmeric noodles) is a dish you are unlikely to find outside Hoi An. Similar to “cao lau,” this dish is constructed from locally sourced rice noodles combined with fresh herbs and greens. Traditionally, “mi Quang” consists of yellow rice noodles, a light broth flavored with fish sauce, and a variety of meat options, including chicken, pork, or beef, complemented by fresh herbs. As culinary creativity expands, “mi Quang” now features diverse toppings such as squid, boiled quail eggs, and frog legs. A perfect bowl is often topped with assorted herbs like basil, peanuts, and sliced banana flowers.

My Quang - Photo: @duyeennn

Banh Xeo

Banh xeo, a crispy fried pancake, varies widely across Vietnam, yet Hoi An offers one of the standout versions. This flavorful dish is crafted from rice flour mixed with coconut milk and turmeric, with fillings ranging from vermicelli noodles to chicken, pork, shrimp, sliced onions, beansprouts, and mushrooms. It’s a popular street food that you can easily find at roadside stalls, local markets, and restaurants in Hoi An. Create your own delightful bite by wrapping a piece of “banh xeo” in lettuce leaves or rice papers, adding “nem lui” (lemongrass pork skewers), fresh basil, and dipping it into a rich fermented peanut sauce.

Banh Xeo - Photo: @thanh.hang.pham 

Banh Mi Hoi An

The Vietnamese baguette is often hailed as one of the world’s best sandwiches. When in Hoi An, be sure to indulge in the iconic “banh mi Phuong.” This dish features a crusty baguette filled with an array of meats, including “heo quay” (roasted pork belly), “cha ca” (fried fish with turmeric and dill), “cha lua” (Vietnamese pork sausage), “xiu mai” (meatballs), and fried eggs. Additional toppings include pickled vegetables, pâté, butter, soy sauce, chili, and fresh peppers, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. Quick, satisfying, and distinctly Vietnamese, this dish is truly breakfast perfection.

Banh Mi Hoi An - Photo: @eatwpeach_