Hoi An is renowned for its poetic scenery, charming ancient streets, and peaceful atmosphere. Alongside its timeless beauty is a rich culinary heritage featuring countless mouthwatering dishes. Embark on your own Hoi An Street Food Tour to eat your way through this enchanting town with these 10 irresistibly delicious local specialties!

Introduction Of The Ancient Town In Hoi An, Vietnam

A Glance At Hoi An Ancient Town 

The Hoi An Ancient Town is a renowned tourist destination located about 30 km southwest of Da Nang city center. Unlike bustling urban areas, Hoi An offers a sense of tranquility and timeless charm. The allure of this 400-year-old town lies in its well-preserved architecture, moss-covered tiled roofs, and streets adorned with colorful lanterns.

On December 4, 1999, at its 23rd session, UNESCO officially recognized Hoi An Ancient Town as a World Cultural Heritage Site, based on two main criteria:

• Hoi An is an outstanding example of a well-preserved traditional Asian trading port.
• Hoi An represents an exceptional material manifestation of the fusion of cultures over time within an international commercial port.
• Besides, there are some international honors that have brought Hoi An to the global stage:
• Listed among the Top 10 most romantic cities in the world
• Named one of Asia’s most beloved destinations
• Ranked #1 in the list of the 15 best cities in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine.
• "Hoi An Memories” acclaimed as the most beautiful live performance show in the world

What Makes Hoi An’s Street Food So Unique

Hoi An’s cuisine is not just a delightful blend of traditional flavors and cultural fusion—it is the soul that gives the ancient town its unique appeal. From humble street food to renowned local specialties, each dish carries its own distinctive flavor—captivating the hearts of countless food lovers.

The culinary landscape of Hoi An reflects a remarkable cultural exchange, gracefully combining traditional Vietnamese flavors with Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to balance taste and aesthetics—from the careful seasoning to the vibrant presentation.

What sets Hoi An’s cuisine apart is its simplicity and the authenticity of locally sourced ingredients, paired with time-honored family recipes. This distinctive blend creates flavors that are both comforting and unforgettable, captivating both local visitors and international travelers alike.

Another unique aspect of Hoi An’s food culture is the way people savor their meals—slowly and mindfully, appreciating every layer of taste. From street vendors with rustic baskets to century-old eateries, each place offers a different yet authentic experience. Many dishes are prepared with seasonal, fresh ingredients, further enhancing the refinement and elegance of Hoi An’s culinary heritage.

Top 10 Must-Try Dishes When Having A Hoi An Street Food Tour

Quang Noodle (Mì Quảng)

Quang noodles (Mì Quảng) in Hoi An are among the most iconic dishes of the region’s cuisine, celebrated for their rich flavor and distinctive preparation. The noodles are thick, wide, and chewy—made from rice flour and naturally colored with turmeric for a vibrant golden hue.

Unlike pho or other Vietnamese noodle soups, the broth in mì Quảng is minimal—just a ladleful of intensely flavorful stock made from simmered bones and paired with toppings such as shrimp, pork, chicken, frog, or snakehead fish.

The dish is served with various fresh local herbs, crispy grilled rice crackers (bánh tráng nướng), and roasted peanuts, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

Some well-known places to enjoy mì Quảng in Hoi An include

Mì Quảng Ông Hai: 6A Trương Minh Lượng, phường Cẩm Châu, thành phố Hội An, tỉnh Quảng Nam 

Mì Quảng Minh: 268 Hùng Vương, phường Thanh Hà, thành phố Hội An, tỉnh Quảng Nam

Quán Bà Minh: 61 Đường 18/8, phường Minh An, thành phố Hội An, tỉnh Quảng Nam

Cao Lau Noodle Soup (Cao Lầu)

Cao lầu is one of Hoi An’s most iconic and unique dishes—deeply rooted in the ancient town’s culinary heritage and best experienced in its place of origin. What sets cao lầu apart is its firm, yellow noodles, made from rice soaked in lye water derived from the ashes of firewood from Cù Lao Chàm (Cham Island). This combination gives the noodles their signature chewy texture and distinct flavor.

The dish is served with savory slices of char siu-style pork, fresh local herbs, and crispy pork cracklings. Instead of serving a full bowl of broth like pho or bún, the dish includes only a small amount of concentrated sauce—just enough to infuse flavor while preserving its dry-style nature. Another essential element is the water used to make the noodles, traditionally drawn from the ancient Bá Lễ well in Hoi An.

If you’re visiting Hoi An, here are some popular spots to enjoy authentic cao lầu:

Cao Lầu Thanh – 26 Thái Phiên, Minh An Ward, Hoi An

Cao Lầu Hai Chiến – 19 Trần Phú Street, Hoi An Ancient Town

Banh Mi Hoi An (Bánh Mì Hội An)

Banh mi is one of Hoi An’s most beloved street foods, playing a key role in shaping the town’s culinary reputation. Unlike baguettes in other regions, Hoi An’s banh mi is known for its ultra-crispy crust, soft airy interior, and a generous filling packed with flavor. The fillings vary widely—from char siu pork, pâté, Vietnamese pork sausage, grilled meats, and eggs to fresh herbs, cucumber slices, and the secret house-made sauces that tie it all together.

The harmonious blend of ingredients and the bold, savory sauce are what distinguish Hoi An's banh mi, leaving a lasting impression on any foodie. Each vendor has their own secret recipe, offering a unique twist that makes every bite memorable. Both locals and international travelers are drawn to this handheld delight.

Top places to try banh mi in Hoi An:

Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen: 115 Tran Cao Van, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Banh Mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Fried Wontons (Hoành Thánh Chiên)

Fried wontons are a dish that carries the essence and distinctive style of Hoi An, Quang Nam. This delicacy brings together the sweetness of fresh shrimp, the tartness of pineapple and tomatoes, the fragrance of onions and bean sprouts, and the satisfying crispiness of deep-fried wonton wrappers.

No one knows exactly when fried wontons became a familiar part of Hoi An’s culinary landscape, but today, they are a beloved local specialty. Not only do the residents of the ancient town adore them, but tourists visiting Hoi An also fall in love with their rich flavors and irresistible crunch.

Top places to try Fried Wontons in Hoi An:

Ms Nam: Lot 5, Food court, 5 Nguyen Phuc Chu, An Hoi, Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An Vietnam

Mussel With Rice Pancake (Hến Xúc Bánh Tráng)

Hến xúc bánh tráng is a humble yet flavorful local dish that adds to the rich culinary diversity of Hoi An. This dish is made from fresh clams caught from the Thu Bon River, stir-fried with fragrant shallots, garlic, chili, and spices to create a savory and slightly spicy flavor. Once cooked, the clams retain their natural sweetness, fully infused with seasoning, and are served with crispy grilled rice crackers.

What makes this dish special is the pairing with fresh herbs like Vietnamese coriander and cucumber, which balance the richness and enhance the freshness of each bite. You’ll often find vendors selling clams with rice crackers along the riverside near the Hoai River, making them popular street snacks.

Popular places to enjoy this dish in Hoi An include

Lan Eatery: Xuyen Trung, Cam Nam Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Có Ngay Eatery: 76 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Hoi An Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Hội An)

Hoi An Chicken Rice is one of the signature dishes of Hoi An cuisine, attracting visitors with its rich flavor and refined preparation. The dish uses fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, which gives the rice a golden color and a rich, buttery aroma. The free-range chicken is boiled until tender, then shredded and mixed with onions, Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), and a tangy-sweet fish sauce, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and refreshing flavors.

Hoi An chicken rice is typically served with a bowl of light soup and pickled vegetables to enhance the overall taste. Compared to chicken rice in other regions, Hoi An’s version stands out thanks to its unique seasoning and the use of aromatic rice cooked in flavorful broth, resulting in fluffy yet moist grains. The dish is often paired with Hoi An’s signature spicy chili sauce for an extra kick.

Famous places to enjoy Hoi An Chicken Rice include:

Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province 

Ba Bay Chicken Rice: 117 Nguyen Truong To, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Sizzling Pancakes (Bánh xèo)

Bánh Xèo is a beloved rustic dish in Central Vietnam, especially among the locals of Hoi An. Unlike the larger versions found in other regions, Hoi An’s banh xeo is small in size, making it easy for one person to enjoy several pieces in one sitting. The pancake is best eaten hot and fresh, either dipped in fish sauce as a handheld snack or wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and vegetables to balance out the richness.

This savory treat is particularly popular during the winter months, with local eateries buzzing with customers in the last three months of the year. Nothing compares to the comfort of biting into a hot, crispy banh xeo on a chilly, rainy day—a taste that leaves a lasting impression on all who try it.

Top places to try sizzling pancakes in Hoi An:

Bánh xèo Hội An Bà 9: Kiệt 92 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam

Bánh xèo cô Anh sông Hoài: 09 Thoại Ngọc Hầu, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam

White Rose Dumplings (Bánh vạc)

White Rose Dumplings, also known locally as bánh bao–bánh vạc, are a signature delicacy of Hoi An with roots tracing back to Chinese har gow (shrimp dumplings). Brought by Chinese immigrants and reinvented in Hoi An, these dumplings are made from translucent rice flour wrappers delicately folded to resemble small white roses, each one encasing finely ground fresh shrimp.

The dumplings are steamed and served on green banana leaves, topped with crispy fried shallots and accompanied by a special sweet-sour fish sauce. With just one bite, you’ll experience the tender, silky texture of the wrapper, the natural sweetness of the shrimp filling, and the bold, tangy punch of the dipping sauce—a combination that leaves a lasting impression.

Here are some places to try White Rose Dumplings in Hoi An:

Hoi An Market: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam

White Rose Restaurant: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Water Fern Cake (Bánh Bèo)

Bánh Bèo is a humble yet captivating dish that showcases the culinary elegance of this ancient town. Each small, delicate bowl features a soft, translucent rice flour cake steamed to perfection. It’s topped with savory minced shrimp sautéed until just cooked, giving it a naturally sweet flavor and a vibrant orange hue.

To enjoy it, diners drizzle on a spoonful of specially mixed fish sauce. With every bite, you’ll taste the smooth texture of the cake, the rich umami of the shrimp, the crunch of crispy pork cracklings, and the fragrance of fresh scallions— a harmonious blend that creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

Here are some famous spots to try Bánh Bèo in Hoi An:

Bánh Bèo Bà Mỹ: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Bánh Bèo Bà Bảy: 2 Hoang Van Thu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Sweet Treats & Drinks (Chè, ..)

Hoi An is not only renowned for its signature savory dishes but also for the delightful variety of traditional sweet soups, known as chè. As you stroll through the ancient streets of the Old Town, you’ll easily come across roadside vendors and small shops offering an array of refreshing, flavorful chè to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

One of the most iconic local desserts is corn sweet soup (chè bắp), known for its naturally sweet flavor and smooth texture. Another popular choice is black sesame sweet soup (chè mè đen), with its mild sweetness and distinctive aroma, believed to help cool the body and detoxify. You’ll also find other beloved options like lotus seed sweet soup, mung bean sweet soup, mixed sweet soup (chè thập cẩm), and agar jelly dessert (xoa xoa).

Famous places to try traditional chè in Hoi An:

Tiệm Chè Xíu: 157 Tran Hung Dao, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Chè Bà Thọ: 3/1 Nguyen Hue, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Chè Đặc Sản Phố Hội (Street Vendor): 65 Le Loi, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Tips For Your Hoi An Street Food Adventure

How To Choose A Reputable Restaurant 

Hoi An is a food lover's dream, but with so many choices, how do you find those truly authentic local flavors? Choosing the right food tour is key to avoiding tourist traps and discovering hidden culinary gems. Here are our top tips for foreign travelers:

Read Reviews Wisely: Look beyond just star ratings. Seek out detailed comments mentioning specific dishes, local insights, and "non-touristy" experiences.

Prioritize Small Groups: Intimate group sizes (8-12 people) mean better interaction with your guide and access to charming, authentic local eateries that larger groups can't fit into.

Experience Hoi An's Best with Our Hoi An Street Food Tour Itinerary : By joining this culinary tour in Hoi An, you will enjoy an authentic journey through traditional Vietnamese cuisine, sampling local favorites such as Banh Mi, Cao Lau noodles, Banh Vac, … Along the way, you’ll gain cultural and historical insights into each dish, guided by a professional and friendly local expert with deep knowledge of Hoi An’s culinary traditions. The experience also includes a picturesque night walk through lantern-lit streets and riverside views, offering a perfect blend of taste, culture, and charm. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with clear pricing—no worries about being overcharged!

Best Time For A Hoi An Street Food Tour

The best time to visit Hoi An Ancient Town is from February to April, when the spring weather is cool, there’s little rain, and the sunshine is gentle—perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

From May to August, the weather is sunny and beautiful, though May and June can be quite hot on some days. However, this is also the ideal time to go snorkeling and admire coral reefs at Cu Lao Cham.

If you plan to travel to Hoi An during other months, it’s best to check the weather forecast in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Conclusion 

Here is all the ultimate information about exploring Hoi An Street Food Tour. For even more ideas and travel tips, be sure to check out Vietnam Original Travel Blog—you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your trip even more memorable!

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