Top 9 Best Foods in Hoi An: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam’s Flavorful Heritage

Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient streets and vibrant lanterns but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. The city’s unique food culture, influenced by centuries of trade with foreign merchants, offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. From street food to local specialties, here’s a list of the top 9 must-try dishes in Hoi An, along with recommendations on where to eat and the average price.

Top 9 Best Foods in Hoi An: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam’s Flavorful Heritage

Cao Lầu

Where to eat: Cao Lầu Thanh – 26 Thái Phiên, Hội An
Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.70 – $2.50)
Cao Lầu is one of Hội An’s most iconic dishes. This noodle dish is made from thick, chewy noodles topped with slices of pork, crunchy croutons, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts, all mixed with a rich broth. The noodles are said to be made with water drawn from the ancient Bá Lễ well, giving them a unique texture.

Tip: Look for restaurants that use authentic Bá Lễ well water for the best taste.

Bánh Mì

Where to eat: Bánh Mì Phượng – 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hội An
Price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND ($1.00 – $1.70)
Bánh mì, the famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich, reaches new heights in Hội An. Bánh Mì Phượng is considered one of the best in Vietnam. The sandwich is filled with a variety of meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili sauce, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Tip: The lines can be long at Bánh Mì Phượng, but it’s worth the wait!

White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc)

Where to eat: White Rose Restaurant – 533 Hai Bà Trưng, Hội An
Price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND ($2.10 – $3.00)
These delicate dumplings, shaped like white roses, are made from thin rice paper filled with minced shrimp or pork. They are steamed and served with crispy shallots and a tangy dipping sauce. White Rose Dumplings are a signature dish in Hội An, and the recipe is a family secret passed down for generations.

Tip: Try them at the White Rose Restaurant, which is run by the family who created the original recipe.

Com Ga (Chicken Rice)

Where to eat: Cơm Gà Ba Buội – 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hội An
Price: 35,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.50 – $2.10)
Com Ga is a simple yet delicious dish made of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, topped with shredded chicken, herbs, and onions. It’s served with a side of flavorful chicken broth. This dish is light yet full of flavor, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Tip: Cơm Gà Ba Buội is one of the most popular spots for this dish, but arrive early as it tends to sell out quickly.

Mì Quảng

Where to eat: Mì Quảng Bà Minh – Cam Ha Commune, Hội An
Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)
Mì Quảng is another noodle dish, but unlike Cao Lầu, it’s served with a more soupy broth made from shrimp or pork. The noodles are wide and flat, and the dish is topped with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a crunchy sesame rice cracker. It’s often served with a side of fresh greens.

Tip: Mì Quảng Bà Minh is located slightly outside the main town, but it’s worth the trip for an authentic taste.

Bánh Xèo

Where to eat: Bale Well – 45/51 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hội An
Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.70 – $2.50)
Bánh Xèo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder. It’s filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, then wrapped in rice paper along with herbs and dipped in a savory peanut sauce. This dish is interactive, as you get to wrap and dip the pancake yourself.

Tip: Bale Well is known for serving some of the best Bánh Xèo in town, along with a variety of other local dishes.

Hoành Thánh (Wonton)

Where to eat: Vạn Lộc Restaurant – 27 Trần Phú, Hội An
Price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND ($2.10 – $3.40)
Hoành Thánh, or wonton, is a popular dish in Hội An with both Chinese and Vietnamese influences. The wontons are filled with pork or shrimp and can be served either fried or steamed. It’s often topped with a sweet and sour tomato sauce, creating a unique flavor profile.

Tip: Try the crispy fried wontons at Vạn Lộc Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in Hội An.

Xí Mà (Black Sesame Sweet Soup)

Where to eat: Xí Mà Phủ – 108 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, Hội An
Price: 10,000 VND ($0.40)
Xí Mà is a traditional Hội An dessert made from ground black sesame seeds, sugar, and rice flour. This sweet, thick soup is not only delicious but also believed to have health benefits. It’s a perfect treat to try after a day of exploring the ancient town.

Tip: Xí Mà Phủ is a small street stall run by a local family for over 70 years, serving the best black sesame sweet soup in Hội An.

Chè Bắp (Corn Sweet Soup)

Where to eat: Street vendors near the Hội An Market
Price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.60 – $0.85)
Chè Bắp is a popular Vietnamese dessert made from fresh corn, sticky rice, and coconut milk. It has a creamy, sweet texture and is perfect for a light, refreshing dessert. You can find this dish sold by street vendors near Hội An Market, often served in small plastic cups.

Tip: It’s a great way to enjoy a quick, inexpensive treat while wandering through the market.

Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of dishes that reflect the town’s unique cultural heritage. Whether you’re sampling street food or dining in a restaurant, these top 9 dishes are sure to give you an unforgettable taste of Hoi An’s culinary scene. From crispy pancakes to delicate dumplings, make sure to try these specialties on your next visit to this charming town.