Discover the best food in Hoi An, from Cao Lau and Banh Mi to chicken rice, White Rose dumplings and local street food.

If you are visiting Hoi An, one of the best ways to experience the town is through its food.

From a simple bowl of Cao Lau to crispy Banh Mi, Hoi An is full of small local restaurants, street food stalls and traditional family-run eateries. Many of the most famous dishes are affordable, full of flavor and deeply connected to the culture of the town.

Here are some of the foods and restaurants we recommend trying during your stay in Hoi An.

1. Cao Lau – A Must-Try Hoi An Specialty

Cao Lau is probably the dish most closely associated with Hoi An.

It is made with thick, chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs and crispy pieces of fried noodles, served with a small amount of flavorful sauce. Unlike pho, Cao Lau is not a soup – you mix everything together before eating.

Where to try it:

Cao Lau Thanh
26 Thai Phien Street

A popular local choice for traditional Cao Lau. It is located just a short walk from the Ancient Town and is a great place to start your Hoi An food journey.

Cao Lau Ba Le
49/3 Tran Hung Dao Street

Another well-known spot for Cao Lau, offering a casual and traditional atmosphere.

Quán Cao Lầu Thanh

Quán Cao lầu Bá Lễ

2. Banh Mi – Simple, Fast and Delicious

Vietnamese Banh Mi is perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch or snack.

A crispy baguette is filled with different combinations of meat, pâté, herbs, vegetables and special sauces. Hoi An has become famous for its Banh Mi, and trying one from a local shop is a must.

Where to try it:

Banh Mi Phuong
2B Phan Chau Trinh Street

One of Hoi An’s most famous Banh Mi shops. It is usually busy, but the sandwiches are worth trying if you want to experience one of the city’s iconic food stops.

Bánh Mì Phượng

If you prefer a smaller local spot, Banh Mi Co Ba on Tran Cao Van Street is another highly rated option.

Bánh Mì Cô Ba – Hoi An Bread

3. Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An-style chicken rice is another local favorite.

The rice is cooked with chicken stock and turmeric, giving it a beautiful golden color. It is served with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, onions and a flavorful sauce.

For a traditional taste, look for small family-run restaurants rather than large tourist restaurants.

4. White Rose Dumplings

White Rose, locally known as Banh Bao Banh Vac, is one of Hoi An’s most distinctive dishes.

These delicate steamed dumplings are made from thin rice flour wrappers and usually filled with shrimp or pork. Their beautiful flower-like shape makes them as attractive as they are delicious.

They are usually served with a light dipping sauce and crispy fried shallots.

This is a great dish to order if you want to try something that is closely connected to Hoi An’s culinary heritage.

5. Banh Dap and Hen Xao

For something a little different, head towards Cam Nam Island and try Banh Dap with Hen Xao.

Banh Dap is made from layers of crispy rice paper and soft steamed rice paper, which you gently break together before eating.

Hen Xao is stir-fried baby clams seasoned with herbs and spices. Together, they make a simple but very local Hoi An meal.

This is especially nice in the late afternoon when you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere around the river.

6. Local Vietnamese Restaurants

If you are travelling with family or friends and want to try several Vietnamese dishes together, a local restaurant is a good choice.

MẸT Hội An – Vietnamese cuisine & Vegetarian options 7 is located in the Ancient Town and offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including options for vegetarians.

Hoa Hiên – Vietnamese Restaurant Hoian is another option for Vietnamese food in a more relaxed restaurant setting.

For a meal away from the busiest streets, Nhan’s Kitchen Restaurant is also worth considering.

7. Don’t Forget Hoi An Street Food

Some of the best food experiences in Hoi An don’t happen in fancy restaurants.

Visit the local market and small food stalls to discover noodles, dumplings, grilled snacks, sweet soups and other local specialties.

Hoi An’s Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot, so you can turn your sightseeing into a food tour and stop whenever something looks delicious.

A Simple One-Day Hoi An Food Plan

Breakfast: Vietnamese Banh Mi + Vietnamese coffee

Lunch: Cao Lau + fresh herbs

Afternoon: White Rose dumplings or a local snack

Late afternoon: Banh Dap + Hen Xao

Dinner: A traditional Vietnamese restaurant

After dinner: Walk through the Old Town and enjoy a local herbal drink or Vietnamese dessert.

Our Tip: Eat Like a Local

Don’t worry about finding the most expensive restaurant in Hoi An.

Some of the most memorable meals can be found in small local eateries with simple tables and a short menu. Look for places that are busy with local customers, order one of the restaurant’s specialties and take your time.

And of course, leave some room for a Vietnamese coffee afterwards.

Enjoy Hoi An one delicious dish at a time.

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More Hoi An Experiences

After exploring Hoi An’s food scene, why not discover another part of Vietnamese culture?

Join a Vietnamese coffee experience, learn how to brew traditional coffee with a phin filter and discover the story behind some of Vietnam’s most loved coffee drinks.

XUA ZONE Coffee & Craft – Hoi An

Come for the coffee, stay for the experience.