7 Most Authentic Local Tastes You Must Try in Hoi An

A note on Hoi An culinary

Hoi An is renowned not only for its ancient town and serene river adorned with colorful lanterns but also as a culinary paradise of Central Vietnam. The food in Hoi An represents a perfect fusion of various cultural influences, integrating unique Asian and European traits into its dishes.

Names like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Dap, and Nuoc Mot ignite excitement in food lovers from across the nation. More than just tantalizing flavors, Hoi An’s culinary offerings showcase the meticulous care of their creators, reflected in the elegant presentation of each dish. Every plate is a feast for both the palate and the eyes, making it worth every cent.

If you have just a few days to explore Hoi An, make sure to include at least one of the following must-try local specialties on your culinary adventure.

Nuoc Mot

One of the cherished drinks to cool down in Hoi An during the summer—or provide warmth in winter—is Nuoc Mot (Mot water). It’s a common sight to see both locals and tourists clutching cups of this herbal tea, often adorned with a pink lotus petal.

Nuoc Mot is made from a blend of herbs including chamomile, monk fruit, green tea leaves, cinnamon, licorice, and lemongrass. These ingredients are boiled to create a refreshing herbal tea, with the pulp filtered out for a smooth finish.

Photo: @toithichdoanngon

This delightful drink was created by a local Hoi An resident several years ago. Initially, visitors may confuse its name, as "Mot" sounds akin to "mat" (cool) in Vietnamese. However, "Mot" is indeed the name of its creator, which locals adopted when referring to the tea. A cup of this tea typically costs around 12,000 VND, making it an affordable pleasure that leaves you wanting more. The refreshing taste is truly enchanting.

The first and most authentic shop for Mot tea is located at 150 Tran Phu, in the heart of the ancient town, named Mot Hoi An. While it offers indoor seating, many visitors prefer the takeaway option, sipping on this herbal tea as they stroll through the picturesque streets. The shop is open daily from around 2 PM until 10 PM, offering flexibility for anyone eager to enjoy this drink.

Cao Lau

Next on the list is the beloved Cao Lau, a dish that can be found in nearly every street of Hoi An—whether at upscale restaurants or with street vendors. Cao Lau is the essence of Hoi An cuisine and has won the hearts of many.

Cao Lau is a type of Vietnamese dry noodle served in a small bowl. The most authentic Cao Lau features bright yellow noodles, made with rice flour mixed with lye from wood ash, imparting a distinct flavor. The dish is typically topped with poached bean sprouts, fresh greens, tender slices of char siu, and a sprinkle of crispy pork skin, accompanied by a small ladle of sweet broth. Occasionally, a plump shrimp may be added. When consumed, eaters will experience a delightful combination of chewy noodles and a blend of sour, bitter, and sweet flavors. For those who enjoy heat, adding chili flakes enhances the experience. The balanced flavor profile creates a craving that lingers even after finishing a bowl.

Photo: @bep_monngonxuquang

Numerous local eateries known for their Cao Lau offer this phenomenal dish at reasonable prices, ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 VND per bowl. These small restaurants are typically bustling during lunch and early dinner as people seek their next meal.

• Thanh Cao Lau - 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An
• Cao Lau Ong Hai - Hoi An fabric market
• Cao Lau Ba Be - local market on Tran Phu street, Hoi An

Com Ga Hoi An

Another essential dish to sample in Hoi An is Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice). This beloved classic captivates visitors with both its taste and presentation, reflecting the sophisticated culinary tradition of the region.

This dish is crafted using aromatic sticky rice that has been marinated with turmeric and cooked in chicken broth, resulting in a vibrant yellow color and rich flavor. The chicken is deboned, shredded, and tossed with green onions (and sometimes fried scallions), pepper, and Vietnamese coriander. The combination of white chicken, yellow rice, and green vegetables creates a visually appealing dish. Some restaurants enhance the meal with a side of sweet, sour, and spicy papaya salad and a bowl of soup brimming with chicken innards.

Photo: @cooky.vn

The well-regarded Ba Buoi Chicken Rice, located at 22 Phan Chau Trinh, is reputed as the best place to enjoy chicken rice in Hoi An. With a history dating back to the 1950s, this eatery originally operated as a street-sided stall. Today, it has expanded to a larger restaurant managed by her children, open from 11 AM to 7 PM daily, with prices ranging from 35,000 to 50,000 VND per portion.

If Ba Buoi is busy, consider these alternative options, which also guarantee delicious chicken rice:

• Ba Nga chicken rice - 8 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
• Huong chicken rice - 56 Le Loi, Hoi An

Mi Quang

No visit to Hoi An would be complete without trying Mi Quang (Quang Nam noodle). This simple yet flavorful dish epitomizes Hoi An's culinary scene. While often compared to Cao Lau because of its visual similarity, Mi Quang remains distinctly Vietnamese.

This dish comprises rice noodles topped with poached eggs, shrimp, meat, fresh vegetables, and a few pieces of grilled rice paper, all complemented by a warm broth known locally as nuoc leo, derived from simmering shrimp, pork, or chicken—occasionally including snakehead fish or beef. While the broth doesn't need to be rich in color, it must be clear and sweet. Unlike Pho, Mi Quang’s broth is just enough to coat the noodles and toppings.

Photo: @eatwithly

The noodles, crafted from milled rice flour, are pale white, delicate, and slightly chewy—cut into long strands. When combined, the aroma of the noodles melds harmoniously with the sweet broth and bitterness of the fresh greens, such as fish mint and basil.

Here are a few recommendations of places to enjoy authentic Mi Quang:

• Mi Quang Ong Hai - 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An
• Mi Quang Ba Linh - 137 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
• Mi Quang Phu Chiem - 14 Phan Thanh, Hoi An

Banh Dap

Banh Dap (cracker) is a popular snack unique to Central Vietnam, especially in Hoi An. This dish combines two types of rice paper—a crispy grilled layer and a soft steamed layer—creating a unique flavor experience. Banh Dap is traditionally served with hen (corbicula) and dipped in a special sauce for added taste.

The dish comprises two main layers: the crispy outer layer of grilled rice paper and the inner soft layer of wet rice paper, often topped with fried scallion oil, shrimp powder, minced meat, or mashed green beans. Diners use both hands to clap the two layers together—a gesture that inspired the dish's name. The ideal Banh Dap is thin to deliver the best flavor.

Photo: @buncatran

The corbicula some are stir-fried with spices, Vietnamese coriander, onion, and fried scallions until fragrant. The dipping sauce is a mix of raw fish sauce, sugar, fried scallion, minced pineapple, garlic, and chili. The preparation is simple but delivers a surprisingly delicate taste, with Banh Dap available at street stalls around Hoai River or Hoi An market. The most traditional stall is Ba Gia, located in Village 1, Cam Nam commune, where Banh Dap is served at a fair price starting from 20,000 VND per dish.

Banh Bao and Banh Vac

No trip to Hoi An is complete without sampling Banh Bao and Banh Vac (Hoi An steamed dumplings)—two exclusive delicacies. While they may seem uncomplicated, the preparation requires great attention to detail. Each crystal-white dumpling is skillfully shaped, earning the nickname "white rose dumpling."

Though they are distinct types of dumplings, Banh Bao and Banh Vac often share a dish, both resembling Chinese dumplings but featuring more intricate flavors.

Photo: @paulbaoluo84

The transparent outer layer is made from minced rice flour, chosen for its stickiness and light fragrance. Banh Bao is filled with pork, sliced mushrooms, and green onions, while Banh Vac is stuffed with crushed shrimp, pepper, scallion, lemongrass, and garlic, all seasoned with distinctive spices. This secret blend of flavors is what makes Banh Bao and Banh Vac uniquely delicious in Hoi An. The dish is served on a large plate topped with fried scallions and accompanied by a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

While many restaurants serve these dumplings, consider visiting Hoa Hong Trang restaurant at 533 Hai Ba Trung to enjoy these treats while witnessing the preparation process. On a rainy afternoon, there’s nothing more poetic than relishing a plate of warm Banh Bao and Banh Vac while watching the old streets sparkle in the drizzle.

Banh Mi Hoi An

Last but not least is Banh Mi. Though this iconic Vietnamese sandwich can be found throughout the country, Banh Mi Hoi An has its distinct characteristics. Trying a Banh Mi in Hoi An is a must during your travels. Even with similar fillings to other locations, the preparation and especially the sauce elevate the flavor, earning Banh Mi Hoi An accolades from international media as some of the best in Vietnam.

The char siu meat within Banh Mi Hoi An is prepared to be exceptionally tender and juicy. The pate is intricately made with various ingredients, while the meat rolls, ham, and a golden fried egg are generously coated in a layer of creamy butter, combining to form an irresistible culinary experience.

Photo: @eatwpeach_

Over the years, numerous Banh Mi stalls have flourished in Hoi An, consistently favored by locals and travelers alike. Vendors typically set up early each morning, and the stalls become crowded within just 10 to 15 minutes. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long for a sandwich, as ingredients are pre-prepared, and service remains prompt.

Beyond the well-known Banh Mi Phuong located at 2B Phan Chau Trinh, which has gained fame and expansion into multiple locations, you should also try Banh Mi Madam Khanh. Often dubbed the "Banh Mi Queen," this small stall at 115 Tran Cao Van Street, located slightly further from the ancient town, prides itself on serving fresh, crispy bread. A typical Banh Mi costs around 30,000 VND.