Stepping into Hoi An is like opening a vibrant cookbook where every street corner tells a flavorful story. Known for its golden lantern-lit nights and charming heritage, this ancient town is also a culinary paradise that leaves travelers craving more. In this guide, we’ll take you on a delicious journey through 12 must-try dishes that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Bánh mì Hội An (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)
If there is one dish that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of Hoi An, it is the famous bánh mì. Unlike its counterparts in other Vietnamese cities, Hoi An’s version stands out with its extra-crispy crust, light and airy interior, and a filling that bursts with flavor.
Each baguette is generously packed with layers of grilled pork or roast chicken, creamy pâté, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, and fragrant coriander. A final touch of homemade chili sauce or mayonnaise ties everything together, creating a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy bite.
Whether you enjoy it fresh from a street vendor in Hoi An Old Town or at a local bakery renowned for its recipe, this Vietnamese baguette sandwich is an unmissable part of the best food in Hoi An experience.
Bánh mì Phượng in Hoi An
2. Cao Lầu (pork rice noodles)
A true symbol of Hoi An’s culinary heritage, cao lầu is a noodle dish that tells the story of the town’s history in every bowl. Its thick, chewy noodles are made with rice flour soaked in water drawn from the ancient Ba Le well, giving them a unique texture you won’t find elsewhere in Vietnam.
Served with slices of tender pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers, the dish is lightly dressed with a fragrant soy-based sauce instead of broth. The combination is both hearty and refreshing, offering a medley of flavors – savory, slightly sweet, and herbal – that reflect the town’s fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences.
Eating cao lầu in Hoi An is more than just having a meal; it’s experiencing a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations.
Cao lầu – Pork rice noodles
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3. Cơm Gà Hội An (Hoi An chicken rice)
Fragrant, colorful, and full of flavor, cơm gà Hội An is a comforting dish that locals have perfected over generations. The rice is cooked in rich chicken broth with a hint of turmeric, giving it a beautiful golden hue and a subtle aroma. It is served with tender, shredded poached chicken, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and lime juice, then topped with fresh herbs like Vietnamese coriander.
Pickled vegetables and a small bowl of savory chicken soup accompany the dish, adding freshness and balance to each bite. Simple yet satisfying, cơm gà Hội An is a warm embrace of home-style cooking that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Hoi An chicken rice
4. Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc / Bánh Vạc (white rose dumpling)
Delicate and visually stunning, bánh bao bánh vạc – known to visitors as the white rose dumpling – is one of Hoi An’s most unique specialties. Each dumpling is meticulously handcrafted from translucent rice flour wrappers shaped like blooming petals, encasing a savory filling of minced shrimp, garlic, and herbs. The dumplings are gently steamed to preserve their soft yet slightly chewy texture, then topped with crispy fried shallots for a fragrant crunch.
Served with a light, tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, and chili, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors: sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. More than just a treat for the taste buds, the white rose dumpling is a work of edible art that reflects Hoi An’s elegance and culinary creativity.
Bánh bao bánh vạc – White rose dumpling
5. Mì Quảng (Quang noodles)
Bright yellow noodles nestled in a shallow pool of rich, aromatic broth, that’s the first thing you notice when a bowl of mì Quảng arrives at your table. Unlike most Vietnamese noodle soups, mì Quảng is not meant to be drenched in liquid. Instead, just enough broth is added to coat the thick, turmeric-infused rice noodles, allowing their flavor to shine.
The toppings are a vibrant mix of seasoned pork, shrimp, or chicken, paired with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and the signature crunch of toasted sesame rice crackers. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds a nutty finish, while a squeeze of lime brings everything to life.
Eating mì Quảng is an explosion of colors, textures, and flavors, a joyful reminder that sometimes, less broth means more taste.
Mì Quảng
6. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancake)
The sound of batter hitting a hot pan, followed by the irresistible sizzle, that’s when you know bánh xèo is being made. In Hoi An, these golden, crispy pancakes are smaller and lighter than in other regions, making them perfect for rolling up with fresh herbs and dipping in sweet-sour fish sauce.
Each one is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, creating a delicious contrast between the crunchy shell and tender filling. The combination of textures and flavors makes bánh xèo one of the best food in Hoi An experiences, especially when enjoyed hot off the pan at a bustling street stall.
Bánh xèo or Vietnamese pancake
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7. Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork over vermicelli)
A fragrant bowl of bún thịt nướng is a celebration of balance, light yet satisfying, simple yet bursting with flavor. Soft rice vermicelli forms the base, topped with slices of smoky, char-grilled pork that have been marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and a touch of honey.
Fresh herbs, crisp lettuce, and pickled vegetables bring brightness to each bite, while a generous drizzle of sweet-sour fish sauce ties everything together. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds the final touch, giving the dish a subtle nuttiness.
Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, bún thịt nướng is one of those meals that leaves you feeling both refreshed and content.
Bún thịt nướng – Grilled pork over vermicelli
8. Phở Bò (Vietnamese beef noodles)
Hoi An’s version of phở bò may share the same name as Hanoi’s iconic noodle soup, but it tells a very different flavor story. The broth here is lighter in appearance yet deeply aromatic, infused with hints of star anise, cinnamon, and local herbs that give it a warmer, slightly sweeter profile.
The rice noodles are softer and wider, allowing them to absorb more of the fragrant soup. Tender slices of beef – often a mix of rare, brisket, and tendon – are layered on top, then crowned with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.
While Hanoi’s phở focuses on clarity and subtlety, Hoi An’s phở invites you in with a rounder, more comforting richness that reflects the town’s Central Vietnamese palate.
Phở bò Hội An
9. Bánh Khọt Trứng Cút (mini pancake with quail eggs)
Golden, bite-sized, and irresistibly tempting, bánh khọt trứng cút is a street food delight that wins over visitors at first glance. Each tiny pancake is made from a rice flour batter poured into small, round molds, sizzling until the edges turn crisp.
A fresh quail egg is cracked into the center, its creamy yolk adding richness to the light, airy base. Often topped with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a hint of dried shrimp, these mini pancakes are best enjoyed wrapped in lettuce with fresh herbs, then dipped into a sweet-sour fish sauce.
The result is a perfect harmony of crunchy, soft, and savory, a simple snack that captures the charm of Hoi An’s street food scene.
Bánh khọt trứng cút or mini pancake with quail eggs
10. Bánh ướt thịt nướng (steamed rice rolls with grilled pork)
Among the best food in Hoi An, bánh ướt thịt nướng stands out for its irresistible mix of textures and flavors. Soft, silky steamed rice sheets are laid out like delicate ribbons, ready to be paired with slices of smoky, lemongrass-marinated grilled pork.
Fresh herbs, cucumber, and pickled vegetables add a burst of freshness, while a generous dip in sweet-sour fish sauce brings everything together. The contrast between the tender rice rolls and the charred, flavorful meat creates a satisfying bite that’s both light and indulgent – perfect for a quick snack or a leisurely meal.
Bánh ướt thịt nướng or steamed rice rolls with grilled pork
11. Bánh Bèo (steamed rice cake)
Served in tiny porcelain dishes, bánh bèo is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. These soft, delicate rice cakes are topped with a savory mix of minced shrimp, crispy fried shallots, and sometimes crunchy pork cracklings for extra texture.
A spoonful of light, slightly sweet fish sauce is poured over just before eating, allowing each bite to be moist yet still retain its gentle chewiness. The subtle flavor of the rice cake contrasts beautifully with the bold, umami-rich toppings, making bánh bèo a humble yet unforgettable taste of Hoi An’s culinary charm.
Bánh bèo or steamed rice cake
12. Bánh Đập & Hến Xào (cracked rice pancake & stir-fried baby clams)
A rustic specialty beloved by locals, bánh đập & hến xào offers both texture and flavor in every mouthful. The “bánh đập” is made by layering crispy rice crackers over soft steamed rice paper, then gently cracking it by hand to create a satisfying crunch. It’s served alongside a plate of hến xào – tiny, tender baby clams stir-fried with lemongrass, onions, and a hint of chili for gentle heat.
To enjoy it the Hoi An way, scoop the savory clams onto the cracked pancake, wrap it in fresh greens, and dip into tangy fish sauce. This simple yet flavorful pairing captures the essence of coastal living and the laid-back charm of Central Vietnam.
Bánh đập & hến xào – Cracked rice pancake and stir-fried baby clams
Discovering the best food in Hoi An is not just about tasting delicious dishes, it’s about experiencing the town’s vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality. With HoaBinh Tourist, you can join curated Hoi An tours that combine food adventures with guided walks through the ancient streets, visits to local markets, and interactions with skilled chefs such as:
From savoring signature street snacks to enjoying traditional meals in hidden gems, every moment is designed to bring you closer to the heart of Hoi An. Contact us via hotline (+84) 939 311 911 – (+84) 913 311 911 and let us craft a flavorful journey you’ll never forget.
