Hoi An is a small ancient town in central Vietnam, famous for its lantern-lit streets, old merchant houses, and peaceful riverside charm. But beyond the beauty of its architecture and history, Hoi An is also known for its unique local food. The town has a rich food culture that reflects its past as a trading port, with dishes that are full of flavor and often found nowhere else in the country. From street stalls to family-run restaurants, you’ll find meals that are simple, fresh, and unforgettable. In this article, we’ll guide you through the Top 10 Best Dishes To Try In Hoi An—the ones we believe you should not miss if you want to taste the true flavor of this charming town.

Top 10 Best Dishes To Try In Hoi An

#1 Chicken Rice (Com Ga)

Chicken rice in Hoi An is simple but delicious. The rice is cooked in chicken broth with a bit of turmeric, so it turns yellow and tastes rich. It’s not oily like in other parts of Asia, but soft and fragrant. The chicken is usually shredded or chopped, depending on the place. You’ll often get pickled papaya, fresh herbs, and a small bowl of sauce on the side. Restaurants usually have chili jam or soy sauce ready on the table for those who need a kick.

We recommend you try Com Ga Ba Buoi (22 Phan Chu Trinh Street). This place is famous and always busy. The portions are not too big, so if you’re hungry, maybe order a second plate. Another good spot is Com Ga Xi, which is cheaper and more local, located at 47/2 Tran Hung Dao Street. 

The flavor of Hoi An chicken rice is light but flavorful. It’s not spicy unless you add chili, so most people can enjoy it. If you're looking for a quick and safe meal, this is a good choice.

#2 Cao Lau

Cao Lau is one of the most unique dishes in Vietnam, and you’ll only find it in Hoi An. The noodles are thick, chewy, and slightly yellow. They’re made with rice flour, but the process is special. Locals say the water used has to come from the Ba Le well in town, and they soak the noodles in ash water made from a local tree. We’re not sure if all places still do that, but the texture is very different from pho or regular noodles.

The bowl usually comes with slices of pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy croutons made from deep-fried noodle dough. It’s a dry dish, there’s just a little bit of sauce at the bottom, so you need to mix everything well before eating. The flavor is savory, a little sweet, and very satisfying.

One of our favorite places is Thanh Cao Lau at 26 Thai Phien Street. It’s a small family-run shop and they only serve this one dish. That’s always a good sign. The bowl is well-balanced, and the pork is tender. If you want to try a place inside the old town, Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh (687 Hai Ba Trung Street) is also a popular choice. The setting is more relaxed and good for first-time visitors.

#3 Banh Mi

You might have heard of bánh mì already. It’s Vietnam’s most famous sandwich. But in Hoi An, it has its own twist. The bread is crusty on the outside and soft inside. It’s usually filled with pork, pâté, cucumber, pickled vegetables, spring onions, herbs, and chili sauce. Some shops also add egg, chicken, or sausage. The secret is in the sauces, which we think might have Mam Nem added (a fermented fish sauce commonly served in Central Vietnam). They’re rich, complex, and very tasty.

In Hoi An, the most famous place is Bánh Mì Phượng (2B Phan Chu Trinh Street). Anthony Bourdain ate here, and since then, people line up every day. The sandwiches are very good, but expect to wait. If the line is too long, you can try Madam Khánh – The Bánh Mì Queen at 115 Tran Cao Van Street. Her sandwiches are just as good, and the service is quick and friendly. If you’re staying a few days, try both and see which one you like more.

#4 Mi Quang

Mì Quảng is another famous noodle dish from central Vietnam. It’s more common in Da Nang, but Hoi An has great versions too. The noodles are wide, flat, and yellow from turmeric. The broth is thick and very little—this is not a soup. You’ll get toppings like pork, shrimp, or chicken. It also comes with crushed peanuts, crispy rice crackers, fresh herbs, banana flower, and lime.

The flavor is strong and bold. It’s salty, slightly sweet, and full of texture—soft noodles, crunchy crackers, tender meat, and fresh greens. You need to mix everything well before eating.

We suggest going to Mi Quang Ong Hai at 6A Truong Minh Luong Street. It’s been around for a long time and has a strong local following. Another option is Mi Quang Ba Minh in Cam Ha village, if you don’t mind riding a bike out of town. It’s more local and quieter.

#5 White Rose Dumplings (Banh Vac)

White Rose Dumplings are one of Hoi An’s most delicate and beautiful dishes. They are small steamed dumplings made with translucent rice dough. The shape looks like a white flower, which is why people call them “white rose.” Inside, there’s usually minced shrimp or pork, seasoned with pepper and garlic. On top, you’ll find crispy shallots, and they come with a light dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and lime.

The dumplings are soft, slightly chewy, and full of flavor. The shrimp version is sweet and salty, while the pork one is richer. The sauce brings everything together without overpowering the dumplings. It’s a light dish, so don’t expect to feel full after just one plate. We usually eat it as a snack or order it with other dishes.

You can try them at the original place that makes them—the White Rose Restaurant at 533 Hai Ba Trung Street.

#6 Banh Uot Thit Nuong

Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng is a dish made of grilled pork skewers, thin steamed rice sheets, herbs, and dipping sauce. You take a rice paper or a rice noodle sheet, add grilled pork, herbs like mint and basil, maybe some pickled veggies, and then roll it all up like a spring roll. Then you dip it into a sweet and tangy sauce—usually made with peanut or fermented soy, depending on the place.

The pork is the highlight here. It’s marinated with lemongrass, garlic, and chili, then grilled until smoky and juicy. Combined with the herbs and sauce, it gives you a full burst of flavor: sweet, salty, fresh, and just a little spicy. This is a fun dish to eat, especially if you enjoy wrapping your own food.

We recommend trying it at Banh Uot Thit Nuong Ba Huong at 31 Tieu La Street. It’s casual, tasty, and full of locals.

#7 Banh Xeo

Bánh Xèo means “sizzling pancake” in Vietnamese, named after the sound it makes when the batter hits the hot pan. The batter is made from rice flour, water, and turmeric, giving it a golden color. Inside, it usually has shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Once cooked, it’s folded in half and served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and dipping sauce.

To eat it, you cut a piece of the pancake, wrap it in rice paper with herbs, then dip it into the sauce. The sauce is usually made from fermented soy or peanut, and it’s thick and savory. The crunch of the pancake, the soft pork and shrimp, and the fresh herbs make it one of the most enjoyable dishes in Hoi An.

For the best experience, go to Ba Le Well Restaurant at 45/51 Tran Hung Dao Street. It’s hidden in a small alley, but the staff is friendly and they show you how to eat everything properly. They also serve grilled meat and spring rolls as part of the set, so come hungry.

We like to eat bánh xèo in the evening. It’s not too heavy, and it pairs well with a cold drink after a long day walking around the old town.

#8 Banh Dap

Bánh Đập is a fun snack that’s not well known to many tourists, but locals love it. The name means “cracked rice paper.” It’s made by placing a steamed rice noodle sheet on top of a crispy rice cracker. You break it into pieces and dip them into mắm nêm. It smells strong but tastes better than it smells: salty, bold, and just slightly sweet.

Sometimes, it’s served with hến xào (sautéed baby clams) on the side, which adds even more flavor. The combination of textures is what makes this dish interesting—soft, chewy, and crunchy all at once. If you enjoy bold flavors, this one is worth trying.

The best place to try Bánh Đập is Bánh Đập Bà Già in Cam Nam village. It’s very local, simple, and cheap. There’s also Quan Banh Dap Hoi An Phuc, also in Cam Nam, which serves both bánh đập and baby clams.

We don’t suggest eating this on an empty stomach or late at night—it’s more of a fun afternoon snack. Bring a tissue or two. The dipping sauce gets messy!

#9 Che Bap

Chè Bắp is a sweet corn pudding that’s popular in Hoi An, especially in the countryside. It’s made with sticky glutinous corn grown on Cam Nam Island, just across the bridge from the old town. The corn is cooked until soft, then combined with sugar and sometimes tapioca pearls or rice flour to give it a smooth, slightly chewy texture. It’s topped with a little coconut cream, which makes it rich and fragrant.

The flavor is light and sweet, not too sugary like some other Vietnamese desserts. The corn gives it a natural sweetness and a soft crunch. You can eat it hot or cold, depending on the weather.

One of the best places to try it is at 136 Nguyen Thai Hoc. If you like sweet corn or light desserts, this one is worth a try. It’s also vegetarian and easy on the stomach, so it's a nice break from heavier dishes.

#10 Banh Dau Xanh

Bánh Đậu Xanh means “mung bean cake,” and while you can find the cube-shaped treat in other parts of Vietnam, the Hoi An version of “Banh Dau Xanh” is different. The cake is made from mashed mung beans, sugar, and a little oil. It’s shaped into small squares or discs with a special print.

You’ll mostly find it in souvenir shops in Hoi An. A popular place is Daichi’s House at 8 Cao Hong Lanh, Cam Pho. Another place you can buy it is at Hoi An Market, within the ancient town.

We don’t eat this as a full dessert, it’s more of a tea-time treat. It also makes a nice gift to bring home since it travels well and has a long shelf life. Just make sure to check the ingredients if you have allergies.

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An

The Soul Restaurant

The Soul Restaurant offers a range of vegan options, including a vegan Hoi An rice pancake. The restaurant provides a pleasant dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Address: Inside RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa

Nourish Eatery

Located on the edge of the old town, Nourish Eatery serves a vegetarian menu that can be made fully vegan upon request. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm, offering a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options in a relaxed setting.

Address: 220A Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Tam Quang Minh

Tam Quang Minh is a Vietnamese Buddhist-inspired restaurant offering a wide selection of mock meats, tofu, and vegetable dishes. They provide free water refills and include a bowl of soup with every meal.

Address: 170 Ly Thuong Kiet

Ba Dam

Ba Dam is a fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant featuring a menu and a buffet where you can choose from eight different options. They are open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, offering affordable and hearty meals.

Address: 71/20 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An

Chickpea Eatery

Chickpea Eatery is a fully vegan restaurant known for its fresh and healthy dishes, including vegan versions of popular Hoi An’s dishes. They also offer vegan cooking classes, providing an opportunity to learn how to prepare plant-based Vietnamese cuisine.

Address: 86/5 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An

Conclusion

Hoi An is not only a place to see but also a place to taste. Each dish you try here adds something special to your experience, from the crunchy Banh Xeo to the sweet Chè Bắp. We hope this guide to the Top 10 Best Dishes To Try In Hoi An helps you eat well and explore deeper. If you're ready to enjoy Hoi An with all your senses, let us help you plan your trip. Book a tour with our agency and we’ll make sure you get to discover not only the sights but also the amazing food that makes this town so memorable.

>>> ​How many days should you stay in Hoi An?