Renowned for its ancient architecture and Instagrammable streets, the charming town of Hoi An, Vietnam has always been one of the best destinations in Vietnam. After spending hours filling up your phone’s storage with photos, never miss out on the town’s vibrant food scene!
The town’s flavour is a delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a unique local twist.
Follow our local Mango Tiger staff, hop on a food tour and try out these 5 best dishes you must savour when visiting Hoi An and where to try them:
1. Cao Lau
A signature dish of Hoi An, Cao Lau features thick rice noodles, tender slices of pork, and crispy rice crackers. What sets this dish apart is its rich, savoury broth flavoured with a blend of spices and herbs. Often garnished with fresh greens and bean sprouts, Cao Lau offers a unique taste of Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
Where to try this amazing dish? Here are the best restaurants to have Cao Lau:
- Cao Lau Trung Bac – Located in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town, this humble eatery is renowned for its authentic Cao Lau made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
- Ms. Vy’s Market Restaurant & Cooking School – Offers a refined take on Cao Lau in a vibrant market setting, providing both an excellent meal and a cultural experience.
2. White Rose Dumplings
These delicate dumplings are a local specialty, shaped like tiny roses and filled with a mixture of minced pork or shrimp. The translucent rice flour wrappers are steamed to perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce. White Rose Dumplings are a visual and culinary treat.
Best places to try white rose dumpling in Hoi An includes:
- White Rose Restaurant (Nha Hang Bánh Bao Vạc) – A family-run establishment dedicated to perfecting Banh Bao Vac. Situated near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it’s a convenient spot to enjoy this delicate dish.
- Morning Glory Restaurant – Known for its commitment to preserving traditional recipes, they serve exceptional White Rose Dumplings alongside other Hoi An specialties.
3. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a flavorful noodle dish that combines turmeric-infused noodles with a variety of ingredients like pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The dish is typically served with a small amount of broth, and is topped with roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. The vibrant yellow colour and aromatic spices make Mi Quang a standout meal.
Where do you find the best Mi Quang? Here are our favourite place:
- Mi Quang Ong Hai – A local favorite tucked away in a quiet alley, renowned for its authentic Mi Quang served with a variety of toppings and a rich, flavorful broth.
4. Banh Mi
Hoi An definitely has its own take on the iconic Vietnamese baguette. The Hoi An Banh Mi is renowned for its crunchy baguette, savoury fillings such as pork, pate, and pickled vegetables, and a variety of sauces and fresh herbs. It’s a must-try street food for anyone visiting the town.
Where to have the best banh mi Hoi An? Here are the top spots:
- Banh Mi Phuong – Arguably the most famous spot for Banh Mi in Hoi An, thanks in part to Anthony Bourdain’s visit. Expect long lines, but the crispy baguettes filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients are worth the wait.
- Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen – Another popular choice known for its fresh ingredients and generous portions, offering a diverse menu of Banh Mi options.
5. Chicken Rice (Com Ga)
This simple yet flavourful dish features tender, poached chicken served with aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth. The dish is often accompanied by a tangy and spicy dipping sauce made from lime, chilli, and salt. Garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables, Com Ga is a perfect example of the region’s ability to elevate humble ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
Enjoy it at one of Hoi An’s local restaurants for an authentic taste:
- Com Ga Ba Buoi – Famous for its fragrant chicken rice, Ba Buoi’s version of Com Ga is celebrated for its tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice.
- Com Ga Ba Nga – A beloved local joint where you can savor Com Ga prepared with meticulous attention to detail, offering a true taste of Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
Whether you’re strolling through the ancient streets or relaxing by the river, these dishes will give you a deep dive into the Vietnamese flavours that define this charming town!
Mango Tiger DMC Hoi An
If you are currently in Hoi An or have plans to travel here soon, look for the best activities in Hoi An with Mango Tiger DMC. Mango Tiger is a DMC specialised in unique travel experiences throughout South-East Asia.
Mango Tiger DMC operates tours in and around Hoi An, so please reach out if you want any advice or book some of our best tours in Hoi An, like:
- Local Hoi An Food Tour to try and learn about all of these amazing dishes with our local staff
- Quang Nam Jeep Tour, where we explore the ancient ruins and witness the stunning beauty of the natural wonders West of Hoi An
- Nam Giang Loop, an epic overnight adventure takes you into uncharted territory of mountains, waterfalls, lakes & valleys further West of Hoi An
- Cocktails & Canapes, where we visit local food places & a mix of local/fancy bars with eclectic cocktails in Hoi An
- Cham Island Trip for the beach lovers, with either local homestay or camping as accommodation
- Local House Party where you can have the best home-cooked food and drink beers with new local friends
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Hoai River of Hoi An to catch the best sunset in town!
Want to learn more about the best things to do in Hoi An? Drop by Mango Tiger’s Hoi An office in the middle of the old town to learn more about us, or contact us here!
