Food tour Hoi An Vietnam – Explore the best culinary experiences in Hoi An

Hoi An is a haven for food lovers, where every alley, market, and street corner tells a story through its flavors. A food tour in Hoi An Vietnam lets you experience the city’s culinary culture up close, sampling iconic dishes while discovering hidden eateries and local secrets. Whether you prefer walking tours, Vespa rides, or hands-on cooking classes, Hoi An offers a variety of experiences that satisfy both the palate and the sense of adventure.

Must-try dishes in Hoi An 

Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise, with flavors that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. On a food tour in Hoi An Vietnam, these must-try dishes are often the highlights, giving travelers a chance to experience authentic local flavors while exploring the city’s vibrant streets. Below, we’ve listed the top dishes, where to find them, and what makes each one stand out, so you can plan your culinary adventure with confidence.

Cao Lau – The signature dish of Hoi An

Joining a food tour Hoi An Vietnam without tasting Cao Lau means missing out on the true culinary soul of the ancient town. This 300-year-old dish is one of Hoi An’s most iconic specialties. The highlight lies in its unique Cao Lau noodles – made from rice soaked in water from Ba Le well and mixed with ash from the Cham Islands’ firewood, giving the noodles their chewy texture, golden color, and subtle fragrance.

Almost every Hoi An food tour includes Cao Lau as one of the first stops. A perfect bowl comes with thick noodles, char siu-style pork, crispy pork cracklings, fresh Tra Que herbs, and crunchy rice crackers. 

A bowl costs around 40,000 – 50,000 VND, making it an affordable highlight of any best food tour Hoi An. Eat it fresh for the best texture, hot noodles, crunchy toppings, and rich, flavorful sauce. This is a dish you can only taste in its authentic form right here in Hoi An, thanks to its unique local ingredients.

Here are two must-try spots:

• Cao Lau Thanh – 26 Thai Phien Street: a small, traditional eatery open from morning until noon.
• Cao Lau Lien – 09 Thai Phien Street: more spacious, great for families or groups.

Mi Quang – Central Vietnam’s colorful noodle dish

No food tour Hoi An Vietnam is complete without a stop for Mi Quang, a beloved noodle dish from Central Vietnam. Unlike Cao Lau, Mi Quang features wide, flat rice noodles served with just a little broth, enough to coat the noodles but not turn it into a soup. The golden color of the noodles comes from turmeric, giving the dish its signature look.

Most Hoi An food tours introduce Mi Quang as a perfect breakfast or light dinner option. A typical bowl is topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. The broth is rich yet delicate, letting the herbs and toppings shine.

At around 30,000 – 45,000 VND per bowl, Mi Quang is an easy and affordable way to add variety to your best food tour Hoi An experience. It’s a dish that beautifully balances texture, soft noodles, crunchy crackers, and tender meat, making every bite satisfying.

Where to try Mi Quang during your food tour in Hoi An:

• Mi Quang Ong Hai – 6A Truong Minh Luong: famous for its flavorful broth and generous toppings.
• Mi Quang Di Hat – 81 Phan Chau Trinh: a local favorite with an authentic home-style taste.

Banh Mi 

Banh Mi has become a symbol of Hoi An’s street food culture and a highlight for anyone joining a food tour Hoi An Vietnam. The baguette here is smaller and crispier than in other cities, baked fresh throughout the day so every bite stays light and crunchy.

What makes Hoi An’s Banh Mi stand out is the harmony of flavors inside. Each loaf is carefully filled with layers of pâté, grilled pork or cold cuts, pickled papaya, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a house-made chili sauce that ties everything together. It’s a perfect mix of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy, all in a single bite.

With prices from 25,000 – 35,000 VND, Banh Mi is not just a snack but an experience, letting you taste the everyday flavors of Hoi An while wandering through its lantern-lit streets. It’s one of the simplest yet most satisfying moments of any food tour in Hoi An.

During most Hoi An food tours, guides will lead you to these local favorites:

• Banh Mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chau Trinh: famous for its smoky grilled pork and rich homemade sauces.
• Madam Khanh – 115 Tran Cao Van: also known as “The Banh Mi Queen,” serving more than 10 filling options to suit every taste.

Com Ga – Hoi An’s traditional chicken rice

Com Ga has been part of Hoi An’s food culture for generations, with recipes passed down in family kitchens. Joining a food tour Hoi An Vietnam is a great way to learn how locals prepare this dish, rice cooked in chicken broth with turmeric for its golden hue, then paired with free-range chicken that is boiled, shredded, and seasoned simply.

Unlike other rice dishes, Com Ga is always served with a plate of fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a bowl of hot broth on the side. Diners mix everything together, sometimes adding a bit of chili sauce or soy sauce to suit their taste. This communal way of eating reflects the warm, homey atmosphere of Hoi An.

With prices around 40,000 – 50,000 VND, Com Ga offers a taste of daily life in Hoi An rather than just a tourist experience, making it a meaningful stop on any food tour in Hoi An.

Places where travelers often stop during Hoi An food tours include:

• Com Ga Ba Buoi – 22 Phan Chau Trinh: one of the oldest spots in town, famous for its light, fragrant rice.
• Com Ga Xi – 47/2 Tran Hung Dao: a quieter spot where locals go for a quick, satisfying meal.

White Rose dumplings 

White Rose Dumplings, or “Banh Bao Banh Vac,” are a true culinary art form. They are handmade from a soft rice flour dough, shaped into little white flowers with a shrimp or pork filling inside. The dumplings are steamed until translucent, then topped with crispy shallots that add both flavor and texture. At around 70,000 VND per plate, it’s the most visually stunning dish on your Hoi An food tour, perfect for a photo before you take the first bite.

This dish is unique because it can only be made with water from a specific well in Hoi An, making it an experience you won’t find anywhere else. The dipping sauce, a blend of fish sauce, sugar, and chili, is light but flavorful, enhancing the natural sweetness of the filling.

The best place to enjoy this on a food tour Hoi An Vietnam is:

• White Rose Restaurant – 533 Hai Ba Trung: the only family-run place making authentic White Rose Dumplings for the entire town.

Banh Dap & Hen Xao

This duo of dishes is best experienced outside the ancient town, where small riverside eateries serve them fresh. Banh Dap is a simple yet fascinating snack: a warm, soft rice paper layered with crispy dry rice cracker. Diners “crack” the layers with their hands, dip them into a bowl of fermented fish sauce mixed with garlic and chili, and enjoy the contrast in textures.

Right next to it on the menu is Hen Xao, tiny clams sautéed with lemongrass, peanuts, and fresh herbs. The dish reflects Hoi An’s fishing tradition, as locals harvest these clams directly from the river before cooking. Many Hoi An food tours take guests to Cam Nam village, where these dishes are part of everyday life.

With prices often below 20,000 – 30,000 VND per dish, this combo is one of the most affordable treats you’ll find on a Hoi An Vietnam food tour, and a great way to taste the flavors of the Thu Bon River.

Recommended stops for travelers include:

• Quan Ba Gia – Cam Nam Village: one of the most popular spots, where you sit on bamboo stools overlooking the river.
• Local family-run stalls that serve Banh Dap and Hen Xao in the late afternoon, perfect for a short break from sightseeing.

Banh Uot Thit Nuong – Riverside Rice Paper Rolls

Banh Uot Thit Nuong is a beloved local snack, typically enjoyed in the early evening when riverside stalls start preparing their ingredients. Thin steamed rice paper is layered with fragrant grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickles, and crispy shallots. Diners roll the combination and dip it into a balanced fish sauce with a hint of chili and sweetness. A single roll usually costs around 20,000 – 30,000 VND, making it an affordable bite while exploring Hoi An.

Recommended spots:

• Night Market Banh Uot Thit Nuong – Nguyen Hoang Street
• Local family-run stall – Cam Pho Village

Bun thit nuong – Grilled Pork Vermicelli Bowl

Bun Thit Nuong is a satisfying dish often featured in any food tour Hoi An Vietnam. The bowl includes soft rice vermicelli, chargrilled pork, fresh lettuce, bean sprouts, pickled carrots, roasted peanuts, and crispy shallots. Sweet-savory fish sauce ties all the flavors together. A bowl costs around 30,000 – 45,000 VND, making it an affordable and filling option for lunch or an afternoon snack.

Recommended spots:

• Bun Thit Nuong Ba Le – 1 Nguyen Hue Street
• Central Market Food Court – 219 Tran Phu

Banh Xeo – Hoi An’s Crispy Pancake

Hoi An’s Banh Xeo stands out for its golden, crispy exterior and savory filling of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Diners wrap the pancake with fresh herbs and rice paper, then dip it into a slightly sweet and tangy fish sauce. Each pancake typically costs 35,000 – 50,000 VND, and many stalls prepare it right in front of you, making it a hands-on experience.

Recommended spots:

• Ba Le Well – Cam Nam Village
• Banh Xeo Cam Pho – 5 Phan Chau Trinh

Mango Cake (Banh Xoai) 

Banh Xoai is a small, chewy dessert made from glutinous rice filled with sweetened peanut and sesame paste, shaped like a miniature mango. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain mango, focusing instead on the nutty sweetness and chewy texture. Each piece costs only 5,000 – 10,000 VND, perfect for a light treat while strolling through Hoi An’s ancient streets in the evening.

Recommended spots:

• Street vendors along Tran Phu Street
• Ancient Town evening market – Nguyen Hoang Street

Special food tours in Hoi An

Hoi An offers more than just regular dining experiences, its special food tours provide an unforgettable way to explore the city’s culinary culture. Whether it’s riding through lantern-lit streets on a Vespa, sampling hidden street food gems at night, or joining a hands-on cooking class, these tours let you experience Hoi An like a local.

For anyone seeking a truly immersive adventure, these food tours in Hoi An Vietnam combine delicious flavors, local stories, and unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. Explore the options below to find the tour that best suits your taste and schedule.

Hoi An – Street Food Tour 

For anyone looking to explore Hoi An beyond the typical tourist spots, the Hoi An – Street Food Tour offers a unique way to experience the city’s culinary heart. This guided tour takes you through winding alleys, hidden street food stalls, and small local eateries that most visitors would never find on their own. Over the course of four hours, you’ll taste a wide range of Hoi An specialties, from the famous Banh Mi and flavorful Cao Lau to crispy Banh Xeo and refreshing herbal teas.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour not only satisfies your taste buds but also introduces you to the stories, culture, and traditions behind each dish. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this food tour in Hoi An Vietnam immerses you in the sights, smells, and flavors of the ancient town, making it a must-do experience for anyone passionate about authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Tour information

• Transportation: Car (convenient transfer between food stops)
• Tour route: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and its surrounding areas, winding through small alleys, street food stalls, and hidden local eateries that are hard to find without a guide
• Experience: Eat like a local and enjoy Hoi An’s signature dishes while soaking in the sunset and evening lantern-lit streets
• Food highlights:
  • Banh Mi Hoi An
  • Cao Lau
  • Banh Xeo (crispy pancake)
  • Banh Uot Thit Nuong (steamed rice rolls with grilled pork)
  • Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli)
  • Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice)
  • Herbal tea and local desserts
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, starting at 3:00 PM
• Group size: Small group, maximum 10 guests for a comfortable experience
• Included: Local guide, bottled water, entrance fees (if any)
• Price: Approximately 1,380,000 VND per person (minimum 2 participants)
• Child policy: Free for children under 6, 50% of adult price for children aged 6-12

Cooking class & basket boat tour

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and traditions of Hoi An, the Cooking Class & Basket Boat Tour by Bliss Hoi An is an unforgettable experience. This 5-hour journey takes you from the bustling local markets to the serene waterways of the countryside.

Begin your adventure by visiting a local market, where you’ll discover fresh ingredients and learn about the spices that define Vietnamese cuisine. Under the guidance of expert chefs, you’ll then roll up your sleeves and prepare traditional dishes like crispy spring rolls, Hoi An pancakes, and Hoi An salad.

After your culinary creations, hop into a traditional basket boat and glide through the tranquil canals of the Cam Thanh village, a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The tour concludes with a delightful lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor in a picturesque setting.

Tour information

• • Transportation: Car (comfortable transfers between locations)
  • Tour route: Visit a local market, join the cooking class at Bliss Hoi An, then explore the Cam Thanh village waterways on a basket boat

• Experience highlights:

Learn to prepare traditional Hoi An dishes such as:

• Fresh shrimp spring rolls
• Crispy Hoi An pancakes (Banh Xeo)
• Hoi An Papaya Salad – shredded papaya with fresh herbs, dried shrimp, and a sweet-sour fish sauce dressing

Paddle a basket boat through calm canals, enjoying the tranquil countryside

Enjoy a lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared while taking in the village scenery

• Duration: 5 hours, starting in the morning or afternoon depending on your schedule
• Group size: Small groups for a personalized, interactive experience
• Included: Local guide, bottled water, entrance fees (if any), cooking session, basket boat experience
• Price: Approximately 950,000++ VND per person (minimum 2 participants)
• Child policy: Free for children under 6; 50% of adult price for children aged 6-12

Night food tour

Hoi An at night is a feast for all the senses, and the Night Food Tour captures it perfectly. Walking through lantern-lit alleys, you’ll uncover hidden gems where locals grab their favorite evening bites. From crispy mini Banh Mi Hoi An and delicate steamed rice cakes to sweet, creamy Chè and refreshing herbal teas, every stop is a small adventure in flavor.

This tour doesn’t just fill your stomach, it immerses you in the sights, sounds, and aromas that make Hoi An’s night streets so unique. By the end of this night tour, you’ll have experienced the heart of the city’s culinary culture. For anyone seeking an authentic food tour in Hoi An Vietnam, this evening adventure is unforgettable.

Tour information

• Tour type: Evening street food tour / night food tour
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours, starting from 6:00 PM
• Transportation: Walking through Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring alleys and street corners
• Group size: Small group, 6 – 10 guests for a more intimate experience
• Included: Local guide, drinks (water or herbal tea), tasting portions of featured dishes
• Price: Approximately 650,000 – 850,000 VND per person (depending on operator)
• Experience highlights: Taste Hoi An’s signature evening dishes:

• Mini Banh Mi Hoi An – crispy baguette with grilled pork, pate, and fresh herbs
• Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc – small steamed rice cakes with shrimp, pork, and flavorful sauces
• Mini Banh Xeo – crispy pancakes in bite-sized portions
• Banh Trang Cuon Tom Thit – fresh rolls with shrimp, pork, and herbs
• Sweet Desserts & Chè – diverse local sweet soups with beans, fruits, and coconut milk
• Herbal teas & fresh juices – refreshing drinks to end the night

Vespa food tour 

For travelers looking for a dynamic and adventurous way to explore Hoi An’s culinary scene, the Vespa Food Tour is an unforgettable choice. Hop on a classic Vespa with a local guide and weave through the town’s winding alleys, bustling streets, and riverside lanes. Along the way, you’ll stop at hidden eateries and local street food stalls that are impossible to find on your own.

Taste Hoi An’s signature dishes, from crispy Banh Mi and savory Banh Xeo mini pancakes to fresh Papaya Salad and sweet Chè desserts. Riding through the lantern-lit streets in the evening gives the experience a sense of excitement and intimacy, making it more than just a food tour, it’s a cultural adventure. By the end of the night, you’ll have not only sampled delicious food but also gained a deeper connection to the city’s vibrant street life.

Tour information

• Tour type: Vespa food tour / evening culinary ride
• Duration: Approximately 3 – 4 hours, usually starting at 5:30 – 6:00 PM
• Transportation: Classic Vespa motorcycles, guided by a local driver
• Group size: Small groups, 2 – 6 guests per tour for safety and comfort
• Experience highlights:
  • Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and surrounding areas by Vespa
  • Stop at hidden street food stalls, local eateries, and riverside cafés
  • Taste signature dishes
  • Enjoy the lantern-lit evening ambiance of Hoi An streets
• Included: Local Vespa guide, safety helmets, tasting portions, bottled water
• Price: Approximately 850,000 – 1,050,000 VND per person (depending on operator)
• Child policy: Typically for ages 6 and above; children under 6 may not be allowed for safety reasons

Cooking class + Market tour

For anyone passionate about Hoi An’s culinary culture, the Cooking Class + Market Tour offers a hands-on, immersive experience. Begin by exploring a bustling local market with a knowledgeable guide, learning about fresh ingredients, herbs, and traditional spices that define Vietnamese cuisine.

After selecting ingredients, step into the kitchen and learn how to prepare authentic Hoi An dishes such as shrimp spring rolls, Hoi An Papaya Salad, and mini Banh Xeo pancakes. At the end of the class, savor the meal you prepared, enjoying the flavors you helped create while soaking in the charm of a traditional Vietnamese cooking environment. This is a must-do experience for anyone seeking a true food tour in Hoi An Vietnam.

Tour information

• Tour type: Cooking class + market tour
• Duration: Approximately 4 – 5 hours, starting in the morning
• Transportation: Walking through the local market, short transfers by car or scooter to the cooking venue
• Group size: Small group, 4 – 10 guests for personalized instruction
• Experience highlights:
  • Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients and learn about Vietnamese herbs, spices, and produce
  • Hands-on cooking session with a local chef, preparing dishes such as:
    • Fresh shrimp spring rolls
    • Hoi An Papaya Salad (Gỏi đu đủ Hội An)
    • Mini Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes)
  • Learn tips and techniques unique to Hoi An cuisine
  • Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared in a cozy, authentic setting
• Included: Local guide, chef instruction, all ingredients, tasting portion of dishes, bottled water
• Price: Approximately 950,000 – 1,200,000 VND per person (depending on operator)
• Child policy: Children under 6 usually free; 50% adult price for children 6-12

Compare & choose your culinary adventure

Hoi An is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of culinary experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. From walking through lantern-lit alleys to riding a Vespa with a local guide, each food tour in Hoi An Vietnam brings a unique way to taste the city’s flavors, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in its vibrant street food culture.

To help you decide which experience suits your style, we’ve compiled a detailed comparison of the top food tours in Hoi An, including street food tours, cooking classes, basket boat adventures, night tours, and Vespa rides. This guide highlights duration, group size, signature dishes, pricing, and what makes each tour special, so you can pick the perfect culinary journey.

Exploring Hoi An through its food is more than just a culinary journey, it’s a way to connect with the city’s culture, history, and people. From street food stalls to cooking classes and Vespa rides, each food tour in Hoi An Vietnam provides unique flavors and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these tours offer a perfect way to taste, learn, and experience the essence of Hoi An.