Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient streets but also known as a food paradise with unique and enticing dishes that satisfy any foodie. Below are the top 20 specialties of Hoi An that visitors cannot miss when coming to this ancient town. Let’s explore with DanangPrivateCar.com!
Enjoy Hoi An specialties right on the spot.
Hoi An is a place where Vietnamese people and people from around the world come together to exchange cultures. Therefore, this ancient town has a rich cuisine where visitors can find many unique dishes. The distinctive flavors are clearly reflected in the following Hoi An dishes that you cannot miss!
Famous Banh Mi Hoi An enjoyed worldwide.
Hoi An’s old town is one of the best places to find delicious bread in Vietnam, especially Phuong bread and Madam Khanh bread. These are two local shops that sell the best bread in Hoi An.
All the ingredients inside the bread make Hoi An bread more impressive than other dishes. You can choose one of the fillings such as pate, fried egg, pork floss, grilled pork, chicken, tuna, etc.
In addition to the main fillings, the bread also has many types of fresh vegetables such as papaya, carrots, herbs, etc. And of course, the special sauce that is prepared separately makes the Hoi An bread even more famous.
Address to enjoy Hoi An bread:
- Banh Mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
- Banh Mi Madam Khanh – 115 Tran Cao Van Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
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Cao Lau is a specialty that cannot be ignored in Hoi An.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Cao Lau is the “soul” of Hoi An cuisine. Or if you have never tried Cao Lau, you have never been to Hoi An. Because this dish is considered a characteristic dish of the ancient beauty of this old town.
The cook of this Hoi An specialty must go through a meticulous process, from choosing ingredients, herbs to vegetables, to create a perfect Cao Lau bowl with a rich flavor.
Cao Lau Hoi An is best served with grilled pork, crispy pork skin, and a special sauce, bringing a unique flavor. Don’t forget to enjoy it with fresh vegetables and herbs. All the simple ingredients combined together create a wonderful dish for tourists on their Hoi An trip.
It is not difficult to find a standard Cao Lau stall in Hoi An. From street vendors to crowded food stalls, visitors can easily find a place to enjoy this dish.
Address to enjoy standard Cao Lau in Hoi An:
- Hoi An Market – 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
- Thanh Cao Lau – 26 Thai Phien Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
Hoi An Chicken Rice is beloved by many tourists.
Hoi An Chicken Rice has become a popular specialty that many tourists love. The pieces of chicken with rice and chicken fat are arranged on a plate, making the dish look very attractive and colorful.
The chicken rice is prepared very elaborately. The rice is seasoned with spices, cooked with boiling water and pandan leaves, and then cooked on a wood stove. After the chicken is cooked, it must be shredded and mixed with countless spices and characteristic Tra Que herbs. A complete plate of chicken rice must include papaya, cucumber, coriander, and a hot soup bowl.
Address to enjoy chicken rice in Hoi An:
- Ba Buoi Chicken Rice – 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Xi Hoi An Chicken Rice – 47/2 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Quang-style Noodles, a famous Hoi An specialty throughout the country.
Another dish that you must try when coming to Hoi An is Quang-style noodles. Quang-style noodles are a common specialty of the Central region, but Hoi An still has its unique features. Hoi An’s Quang-style noodles have brought an unforgettable taste to those who have tried it once.
The Quang-style noodles are soft, with a milky white color, slightly chewy, and still retain the fragrant smell of rice mixed in a rich, creamy broth. This dish is served with raw vegetables, roasted peanuts, shrimp, meat, boiled eggs, and of course, a crispy rice paper.
Address to enjoy Hoi An’s Quang-style noodles:
- Ong Hai Quang-style Noodles – 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Di Hat Quang-style Noodles – 4 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Banh bao – banh vac of Hoi An with exclusive dipping sauce.
Banh bao – banh vac or white rose cake is one of the most popular specialties. It is a type of shrimp dumpling made from white sticky rice flour. The outer layer of the cake is made to look like a white rose.
Bánh bao – bánh vạc is eaten with fragrant garlic and sweet dipping sauce. What makes diners amazed when eating is the unique dipping sauce made from dried shrimp, spicy chili, lime, and sugar. This dish is loved by many tourists not only for its delicious taste but also for its attractive appearance.
Address to try the delicious bánh bao – bánh vạc in Hoi An:
- Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc Lò – Bông Hồng Trắng – 533 Hai Bà Trưng Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Trong Com Restaurant – 92 Bach Dang Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Banh beo – a must-try dish when visiting Hoi An.
This Hoi An specialty is a type of rice cake served with sweet and spicy fish sauce, eaten with a spoon. It is a small rice cake steamed with a sauce made of dried shrimp, minced pork, scallions, oil, and rice vinegar. The cake is then dipped in garlic chili fish sauce.
A serving of bánh bèo is usually a round tray with five small cups of rice cakes. Besides, there are small flat spoons for customers to easily scoop the cake out. In addition, the seller adds shrimp and peanut sauce on top to bring out the unique flavor.
Because it is arranged around a round tray, this dish looks very “instagrammable”, catching the attention of many photo enthusiasts. Bánh bèo is sold at street vendors and restaurants.
Address to taste the authentic bánh bèo in Hoi An:
- Bánh Bèo Bà Bảy – 02 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Bánh Bèo 17 – 17 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Banh xeo – a specialty of the Old Quarter with a unique flavor.
Bánh xèo is one of the famous dishes throughout Central and Southern Vietnam. The main ingredients of the cake are a mixture of rice milk, water, and turmeric powder to create an attractive yellow color.
The chef will pour this mixture into a hot pan on charcoal and then add meat or seafood, bean sprouts afterwards. This step creates a sizzling sound that gives the dish its name. When the cake becomes crispy, they fold it in half and can cut it into pieces to make it easier for diners to eat.
In Hoi An, many people will use rice paper to wrap bánh xèo with pickled vegetables, cucumber, and thinly sliced mango, raw herbs. To add more flavor, you can dip it in peanut sauce or a mixture of fish sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and chili.
Where to eat banh xeo in Hoi An:
- Banh xeo Quán Giếng Bá Lễ – 45/51 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Banh xeo Hai Đao – 160 Ly Thai To, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Rice Paper Pork Rolls (Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo) – addictive Hoi An delicacy.
Rice Paper Pork Rolls (Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo) is also a specialty of Hoi An that satisfies the taste buds of food lovers. The method and ingredients of this dish are similar to the bánh cuốn dish. In which, the soft rice paper is used to wrap grilled skewered meat, peanuts, raw vegetables, and a salty-sweet dipping sauce that is very addictive.
The most distinctive feature of this dish compared to other dishes is the skewers of meat. The chef will split the bamboo chopsticks in half, leaving a portion behind. Then, they will thread a piece of marinated pork onto the stick and tie the remaining end with a string that is easy to untie. The meat is then grilled on the stove.
Address for eating Rice Paper Pork Rolls (Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo) in Hoi An:
- Rice Paper Pork Rolls Hai Ba Trung – 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Minh Anh Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Rice Paper Pork Rolls Ba Huong – 31 Tieu La, Minh Anh Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Banh dap – a famous specialty dish.
Banh dap is a traditional dish only found in Cam Nam Village, about a 10-minute drive from the ancient town of Hoi An. Bánh đập, also known as đập dập bánh tráng, is made by crushing fresh rice paper into small pieces before eating.
This simple dish consists of two pieces of rice cake stuffed with fresh rice paper in the middle and served with fish sauce. A typical serving of bánh đập includes the rice cake, dipping sauce with fried shallots, boiled meat, stir-fried clams with herbs and raw vegetables.
Where to eat banh dap in Hoi An:
- Quán Cẩm Nam – 679 Hai Bà Trưng, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Bánh đập Quán Bà Già – Thôn 1, Cam Nam, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Stir-fried Clams – A traditional dish in Hoi An.
Stir-fried clams are a traditional dish in Hoi An from Cam Nam Island. This dish is often served with bánh đập, another specialty dish of Hoi An. Clams are caught from Thu Bon River and seasoned with light spices before being stir-fried with scallions to preserve their natural flavor. Crushed peanuts are added on top of the clams and served with fish sauce and rice paper. Diners scoop the clams onto the rice paper and dip them into the sauce to enjoy.
Where to eat stir-fried clams in Hoi An:
- Quán Cẩm Nam – 679 Hai Bà Trưng, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Quán Bà Già – Thôn 1, Xã Cẩm Nam, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Sweet Corn Pudding – A popular snack in Hoi An.
Sweet corn pudding is a popular snack in Hoi An. The special ingredient in this dish is the sweet corn from Central Vietnam. Cam Nam corn has its origins from Cam Nam Island.
This specialty dish has a natural sweetness from the corn and a chewy texture. Besides sweet corn, sweet corn pudding also includes sticky rice or cassava starch. The pudding is usually served in a cup or bowl. You can enjoy it cold with ice or hot in the winter for a warmer sensation.
The best place to enjoy sweet corn pudding is on Cam Nam Island, which is a short walk from Hoi An. Along the Cam Nam River, next to the main road, there are several restaurants serving local cuisine, including sweet corn pudding.
Where to eat sweet corn pudding in Hoi An:
- Quán Ăn Bến Tre – 98/1 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam, Xuyen Trung, Quang Nam.
- Quán chè bắp Cô Nga – 45 Le Loi, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Pho Hoi An – Hoi An’s own style of pho.
Pho is a famous Vietnamese dish originating from the North Central region of Vietnam. However, the pho in Hoi An has its own unique style, with some differences from Northern-style pho. Hoi An pho is said to be a beautiful combination of Southern and Northern styles.
The basic ingredients of pho are still the same, such as using broth made from bones and spices cooked slowly, with beef being the main meat. However, the noodles used in Hoi An pho are dried and therefore chewier and crunchier. The accompanying herbs include sliced ripe papaya soaked in vinegar, blanched bean sprouts, and various fragrant herbs from Tra Que village.
To add more flavor, diners can dip the pho into local-style chili sauce, fish sauce, lime or pickled onions, and carrots. This Hoi An specialty is usually sold and eaten at any meal of the day.
Recommended places to enjoy Hoi An pho:
- Pho Lien Hoi An – No. 25 Le Loi, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Pho Tung – No. 51/7 Phan Chau Trinh, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Fried wonton in Hoi An with pure Vietnamese flavor.
Wonton is one of the most addictive specialty dishes. Hoi An’s wonton has been localized and therefore has a very pure Vietnamese flavor. Ground pork and shrimp are mashed together with onions, wrapped in a thin layer of rice flour to form a cake shape, and fried at high heat until crispy and golden.
Delicious wontons are fried until crispy and golden while still retaining a soft texture that hugs the shrimp and pork filling inside. This specialty dish is often served with pork liver, Chinese chives, and quail eggs. In addition to fried wontons, Hoi An also has wonton soup and wonton noodles, which are also worth trying.
Where to eat authentic Hoi An wontons?
- Anh Dung Wonton – No. 14 Ba Trieu, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Cang Wonton Shop – No. 5 Do Dang Tuyen, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Xi ma – Hoi An’s unique specialty.
Xi ma is a sweet dessert soup with a dark color and black sesame seeds as the main ingredient. Therefore, xi ma is also called black sesame seed soup. This dish is sold on all the streets of Hoi An’s ancient town.
Xi ma has a delicious, thick, and not too sweet taste. This specialty dish is usually eaten hot. In addition to black sesame seeds, xi ma also contains pennywort, an herb that is very good for health.
Famous places to eat xi ma in Hoi An:
- Che Xi Ma Phu – No. 108 Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Hoi An has many delicious dishes that you should explore if you have never been to this ancient town.
Top specialty products to buy as gifts in Hoi An.
Thanks to its ancient and refined cultural features that differentiate it from other places in Vietnam, Hoi An has left a mark in the minds of many tourists. Tourists come to the ancient town not only for its unique architecture but also for the following amazing specialty gifts!
Banh it – a popular and beloved food in Hoi An.
Banh it is one of the specialties in Hoi An that is commonly used in ancestral worship and wedding ceremonies. Nowadays, banh it has become a light food that can be tasted at any time. The cake is wrapped in thorn or banana leaves and has a pyramid shape. This cake is made from sticky rice, green bean or coconut filling.
Where to buy banh it in Hoi An:
- Banh It Ba 4 Mua – No. 30/2 Tran Hung Dao, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Hoi An mung bean cake with a distinctive flavor.
Hoi An mung bean cake dates back to the 19th century and is a precious gift to offer to officials. This is one of the most famous specialties in Hoi An. With green bean, sticky rice, and sugar filling, Hoi An mung bean cake has a unique taste and presentation that differs from other places.
Hoi An mung bean cakes are round or square and not too large. Made from green beans, the cake is not too tough or soft like Hai Duong mung bean cake. The cake has a sweet, rich, and fragrant flavor of beans.
Where to buy Hoi An mung bean cake:
- Banh Dau Xanh BONG – No. 195 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Cam Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Ba Trinh’s Green Bean Cake Oven – No. 62 Le Loi, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Hong Dao wine, a common specialty during Tet.
When traveling to Hoi An, tourists cannot miss the famous Hong Dao wine, which is a specialty with a strong cultural identity in Quang Nam province. Hong Dao is a type of rice wine that has been praised in folk songs from ancient times in Quang Nam.
This Hoi An specialty is for those who are fond of rice wine and is often seen during Tet. It is a precious gift that Hoi An people often give each other to wish each other a happy new year. Hong Dao wine is a valuable gift from the ancient town of Hoi An that many tourists choose to give to their friends and family.
Where to buy Hong Dao wine in Hoi An:
- Quang Da Specialty – No. 95 Tran Cao Van, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Thanh Ha pottery – a famous specialty of Hoi An.
When traveling to Hoi An, do not miss the Thanh Ha pottery village. This village is located 2km west of the old town. Here, visitors can not only see the pottery products but also experience this job with the locals.
It’s amazing when you can make your own pottery and give it to your loved ones. Besides making your own, you can also choose from many different pottery items here as gifts.
Where is Thanh Ha pottery village in Hoi An?
- Thanh Ha pottery village – by Thu Bon river, Pham Phan, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Custom-made Ao Dai with unique designs in Hoi An.
If you are a fashion lover, then the Ao Dai in Hoi An is a must-have item. The Ao Dai in Hoi An is a perfect blend of traditional and modern beauty, humble yet sophisticated. The tailoring service will bring you the most perfect and fitted Ao Dai.
Famous addresses for ordering custom-made Ao Dai in Hoi An:
- Bao Khanh Silk – 101 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Thu Thuy Silk – 60 Le Loi Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Lanterns – colorful specialty of Hoi An.
The ancient streets, old tiled roofs cannot be without lanterns. You can see lanterns appearing everywhere in Hoi An. With various shapes, colors, and convenience, lanterns are definitely a gift not to be missed when traveling to Hoi An.
Lanterns are a lovely gift because they have become a characteristic symbol of Hoi An. From bamboo frames and colorful silk fabric, artisans have skillfully created lanterns of various shapes and sizes.
Where to buy lanterns in Hoi An:
- Anh Khoa lantern – 84 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Ha Linh production facility – 72 Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Lantern street in Hoi An – Tran Phu, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.
Hoi An Lantern Festival 2023 – 2024: Immerse yourself in the traditional beauty of the old town
Tips for buying specialty products in Hoi An when you travel here.
In addition to the specialty dishes that can be enjoyed on-site, tourists can easily find many other specialty products to give as gifts. To buy unique and high-quality gifts in Hoi An, pay attention to some issues such as:
- You can bargain and compare prices with other vendors to get the best price. Some shops offer better prices if you buy in bulk.
- When you want to buy leather or fabric products, you should check the quality of the leather first to ensure it is still good.
- You should buy lanterns at night when they are lit up.
- Check online reviews before buying any other specialty products.
Hoi An is a must-visit destination for food lovers. From street food to upscale cuisine, Hoi An’s specialty dishes always contain unique and delicious flavors. The top 20 delicious dishes recommended by DanangPrivateCar.com’s above are evidence of the famous cuisine of Hoi An.
