Top 15 must-try Hoi An street food dishes you can’t miss
Hoi An street food has long been one of the most captivating culinary experiences for visitors to this ancient town. Not only a place that preserves the rich cultural heritage of Central Vietnam, the street food here is renowned for its unique flavors, traditional preparation methods, and incredible variety. From simple snacks to famous local specialties, Hoi An street food never fails to enchant food lovers and inspire them to explore every corner of the town.
Cao Lau
Cao lau is a famous noodle dish you must try when visiting Hoi An. The noodles are golden yellow, thicker, and chewier than regular noodles. They are made from special high-quality rice and wood ash water from local forest trees. This gives the noodles a unique firmness and softness.
The dish includes boiled noodles served with thin slices of roast pork, fresh herbs, and crispy grilled rice crackers cut into small pieces. Everything is lightly mixed with a rich broth made from pork bone stock. This creates a balanced flavor of fat, sweetness, and freshness.
The taste of cao lau is not only appealing because of the mix of ingredients but also because of its attractive presentation. Diners can enjoy the dish while feeling the unique culinary culture of Hoi An. Each restaurant has its own secret recipe for spices and broth, making cao lau diverse and irresistible to those who love traditional Central Vietnamese food.
Read more: Food in Hoi An: A Journey through tradition and flavor
Hoi An banh mi
Hoi An banh mi has gone beyond Vietnam’s borders and has been praised by many international food websites as the “best banh mi in the world”. The special feature is its crispy but not too hard crust, combined with a rich filling of creamy pate, flavorful grilled meat, fresh herbs, and a unique sauce that creates its distinct taste.
The two most famous names when it comes to Hoi An banh mi are Banh Mi Phuong and Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen. Each place has its own secret recipe, but both attract long lines of customers waiting to buy. With just one banh mi, you can clearly feel the free-spirited and creative spirit of the ancient town’s cuisine.
Mi Quang
Mi Quang is not only a familiar dish of Quang Nam people but also a favorite in Hoi An. The noodles are soft and yellow, with a light, thick broth rich in the flavor of simmered bones. The dish is usually served with shrimp, meat, quail eggs, grilled rice crackers, and fresh herbs, creating a harmonious blend of taste and color.
Each restaurant may add its own exciting variations to Mi Quang, but the dish always keeps its simple and close-to-nature spirit. Enjoying Mi Quang in Hoi An, especially at long-established places like Ong Hai or Di Hat, visitors not only taste the flavor but also feel the sincere warmth that Central Vietnamese people put into every bowl.
Banh Bao – Banh Vac
Banh bao – banh vac is often called the “white rose” because of its pure white, soft appearance that resembles a shy flower petal. The dough is made from carefully filtered rice flour, rolled thin, and wrapped around a fragrant shrimp and pork filling, then steamed to perfection. The dish is usually topped with golden fried shallots and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce made from pure anchovy fish sauce.
Although found in many restaurants in the ancient town, the most highly rated place is White Rose restaurant on Hai Ba Trung Street, known for its secret family recipe passed down through generations. Enjoying this dish is like appreciating a piece of art – beautiful, elegant, and full of the old charm of Hoi An.
Banh dap with stir-fried clams
Banh dap is a combination of a crispy grilled rice paper layer and a soft steamed rice cake underneath. When eating, diners “smash” the two layers together by hand, then dip them into spicy fermented fish sauce. What makes this dish even more special is the side of stir-fried clams – a specialty made from fresh clams from the Tra Que River, sautéed with fragrant lemongrass and chili.
No need for fancy tables or chairs; just sitting in a small riverside eatery in Cam Nam village is enough to fully enjoy the deliciousness of banh dap with stir-fried clams. The crunchiness of the cake, the rich sweetness of the clams, and the distinctive fermented fish sauce create a rustic dish that leaves a memorable impression in your culinary journey through Hoi An.
Hoi An Banh Xeo
Hoi An banh xeo has its own style with a small size and a crispy shell, thanks to being fried over high heat. The filling includes shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Each pancake is cut in half, then wrapped with rice paper and fresh herbs, and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. When eating, the creamy rice batter blends perfectly with the shrimp, meat, and fresh greens, making it hard to stop at just one bite.
One of the famous places to enjoy banh xeo is Gieng Ba Le restaurant, which serves traditional-style banh xeo with a unique flavor. In the early evening, the place is packed with tourists and locals eager to taste the crispy, hot pancakes fresh from the pan, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.
Wonton
Wonton is a dish originating from the Chinese community but has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes and become an essential part of Hoi An’s cuisine. There are three popular styles: crispy fried wonton, wonton in clear broth, and full wonton noodle soup. The wonton wrapper is thin and chewy, filled with flavorful shrimp and pork, while the broth is clear and carefully simmered from bones.
One of the best places to enjoy this dish is Van Loc Restaurant or Thanh Cao Lau. No matter which version you choose, you will experience a delicate blend of Chinese culinary influence and Hoi An’s unique flavors. It is an ideal light meal for late afternoon or evening strolls in Hoi An.
Banh uot with grilled pork
Banh uot with grilled pork is a simple yet irresistible dish of Hoi An cuisine. The steamed rice sheets are made from fine rice flour, rolled very thin and soft. They are served with fragrant grilled pork, marinated with rich spices. The pork is evenly cooked, golden in color, tender and sweet. It blends perfectly with the smooth white rice sheets, creating a harmonious combination of flavor and texture.
This dish is usually served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a special dipping sauce that is both sweet and mildly spicy, leaving a memorable aftertaste. It is a great choice for breakfast or a light meal, offering a gentle, fresh feeling while still being full of flavor, making diners long for Hoi An.
Hoi An fried spring rolls
Hoi An fried spring rolls are a popular snack loved for their golden, crispy rice paper exterior and a filling of pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh water chestnuts. The spring rolls are fried evenly to maintain a lasting crispiness without being greasy, making them tempting from the very first bite.
Enjoy the spring rolls with fresh herbs and a bowl of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy dipping sauce to complete the dish. This is one of Hoi An’s standout specialties and is considered a street food icon, perfect for those who love crispy, fragrant, and flavorful food that’s not too heavy.
Grilled skewers
Hoi An grilled skewers are a simple street food favorite, known for their delicious and bold flavor. The meat is marinated with a special mix of spices, then grilled over hot charcoal. This gives the outside a slightly charred, smoky aroma while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
You can enjoy the skewers wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs, dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce. This creates a flavorful and satisfying experience. More than just a snack, grilled skewers reflect the simplicity and charm of Hoi An cuisine, winning the hearts of many visitors.
Banh Beo Chen
Banh beo chen is a rustic dish that showcases delicacy in both preparation and taste, making it a standout among Hoi An street food offerings. Made from rice flour, the batter is steamed in small cups until the surface becomes soft, slightly chewy, and fragrant with the scent of rice. On top, the cakes are topped with minced shrimp sautéed with crispy shallots, adding a rich and savory layer of flavor.
This petite dish is served with a special dipping sauce made from fish sauce, which is sweet, mildly spicy, and perfectly balanced. Banh beo chen is ideal for a light afternoon snack and is beloved by visitors exploring Hoi An street food, who want to enjoy the town’s cuisine in a simple, traditional way.
Grilled rice paper
Banh Trang Nuong is a popular Hoi An street food, made by grilling thin rice paper over charcoal until it becomes crispy and golden. The surface is topped with ingredients like beaten egg, scallions, dried shrimp, pate, or various toppings depending on personal taste. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, enhanced by the savory flavors of the toppings.
This light and easy-to-eat snack is perfect for an afternoon stroll or a casual meet-up with friends. Its versatility and rich flavors have made banh trang nuong an essential part of Hoi An’s vibrant street food scene.
Tofu pudding
Hoi An’s tofu pudding is a familiar and beloved street snack that brings a gentle, refreshing feeling amidst the ancient town’s atmosphere. Carefully selected soybeans are soaked and finely ground to create tofu pudding that can be served either chilled or warm according to your preference. This dish is usually enjoyed with a warm ginger syrup or a mildly sweet syrup, balancing the creamy richness of the tofu.
What makes Hoi An’s tofu pudding special is not only its smooth texture and delicious taste but also its traditional and delicate flavor blend. Vendors often prepare it by hand, preserving the simple, rustic charm of the dish. You can easily find tofu pudding at street stalls around Hoi An Market, along the Hoai River banks, or tucked away in small alleys, making it an indispensable part of your culinary journey through the ancient town.
Coconut roll ice cream
Coconut roll ice cream and street rolled ice cream are highly popular snacks, especially when the ancient town lights up in the evening. Made fresh on a cold stone surface, these ice creams use simple ingredients like fresh milk, fruits, chocolate, or coconut. Just minutes after ordering, you can watch the vendor skillfully mix and roll the ice cream into neat, cylindrical rolls, which are then arranged attractively in cups or waffle cones.
In Hoi An, the ice cream is mildly sweet and not overly rich, combined with toppings like roasted peanuts, green rice flakes, or coconut cream, creating a refreshing and delightful eating experience. These ice cream carts often gather near busy spots such as Nguyen Hoang Night Market, the Hoai River square, or close to local refreshment stalls. Stopping for a cup of rolled ice cream while strolling the streets is a wonderfully authentic and memorable way to enjoy Hoi An.
Exploring Hoi An street food is not just about tasting delicious dishes but also about discovering the unique cultural stories behind each bite. Every dish carries its own tale, contributing to the vibrant and diverse culinary tapestry of Hoi An. If you want to fully experience the sophistication and richness of Vietnamese cuisine, don’t miss the chance to dive into Hoi An street food on your next trip.
Read more: Hoi An food market: A must-visit foodie destination
For those seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and authentic culinary experiences, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is an ideal destination. This wonderful resort not only offers comfortable accommodations but also features a restaurant that serves a wide variety of traditional Hoi An dishes. After a day of street food exploration, you can unwind in style and continue to enjoy the flavors of Hoi An in a serene and elegant setting.
