Hoi An street food tour – Discover the authentic flavors of ancient town

Hoi An is not only famous for its lantern-lit streets and historic architecture, but it is also a paradise for food lovers. A Hoi An street food tour offers travelers the perfect opportunity to taste authentic local dishes while wandering through the charming alleys of the ancient town. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning foodie, these tours provide an immersive experience that combines culture, history, and unforgettable flavors.

Introduction to Hoi An street food

Hoi An is not only famous for its peaceful ancient streets, rich in historical charm, but it is also a street food paradise offering a wide range of unique and traditional dishes. Strolling through the narrow alleys, visitors can easily encounter the enticing aroma of Mi Quang, Cao Lau, Hoi An chicken rice, or the crispy, flavorful Hoi An Banh Mi, all creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Street food in Hoi An is not just about tasting delicious dishes, but also about exploring the local culture and the rhythm of life in the ancient town. Each dish tells its own story: from traditional recipes preserved over generations to simple yet elegant presentations, reflecting the lifestyle and culinary taste of Hoi An residents.

Thanks to the perfect combination of food experience and ancient town exploration, Hoi An street food tours attract many travelers. In the evening, when colorful lanterns light up the streets, the ancient town becomes even more vibrant, and the aroma from street food stalls makes the experience more lively and unforgettable than ever.

Hoi An street food highlights

Hoi An is famous for its rich and diverse street food, offering flavors unique to Central Vietnam. These dishes are not only delicious but also reflect the culture and lifestyle of the ancient town. Here are 8 must-try street foods in Hoi An:

Hoi An Banh Mi

Hoi An’s banh mi is a famous street food with a crispy baguette exterior and a rich variety of fillings: creamy pate, flavorful cold cuts, soft Vietnamese pork sausage, fresh greens, and sometimes cucumber slices. Some stalls add a special sauce or mayonnaise, making each bite savory and perfectly balanced. 

Locals often enjoy banh mi with iced coffee or iced tea, while some visitors like adding fresh chili or chili sauce for extra spiciness. At popular places like Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh, you can watch the baguettes being baked and filled on the spot, creating a warm, fragrant experience while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Hoi An’s streets. 

• Price range: 20,000 – 35,000 VND per piece.

Mi Quang

Mi Quang features yellow, chewy noodles typical of Central Vietnam, served with chicken, shrimp, egg, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. Its broth is light but flavorful, perfectly coating each noodle strand. People usually eat it with fresh herbs and slices of fresh chili, sometimes with a squeeze of lime to enhance the taste. At long-established stalls like Mi Quang Ba Mua or Mi Quang Ong Hai, you can experience traditional flavors and appreciate the meticulous preparation.

• Price range: 25,000 – 40,000 VND per bowl.

Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a specialty dish unique to Hoi An, with thick, chewy noodles served with roasted pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. Its special sauce blends with the noodles, creating a perfect balance of soft and crunchy textures in each bite. It is usually eaten with fresh herbs to add freshness and balance the flavors. At places like Cao Lau Thanh or Cao Lau Hoi Quan, visitors can see chefs skillfully presenting each bowl, delivering a satisfying visual and taste experience. 

• Price range: 30,000 – 45,000 VND per bowl.

Bun Thit Nuong

Bun Thit Nuong is a light but flavorful dish consisting of fresh rice noodles, grilled pork, Vietnamese pork sausage, fresh greens, and roasted peanuts, topped with sweet-sour fish sauce. Each bite combines the sweet aroma of grilled meat, the crunch of peanuts, and the fresh taste of herbs, creating a harmonious and lively eating experience. 

Locals often roll the noodles with herbs before dipping in the sauce, enjoying the fragrance and flavor simultaneously. Popular spots include Bun Thit Nuong Ba Buoi and Bun Thit Nuong Thanh. 

• Price range: 25,000 – 40,000 VND per bowl.

Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An chicken rice features fragrant, fluffy rice served with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and chili fish sauce. The tender chicken, infused with seasoning, blends perfectly with the rice and aromatic herbs, providing a filling yet light meal. It is often eaten with cucumber slices or additional fresh herbs for extra freshness. Com Ga Ba Buoi and Com Ga Hoi An Madam Khanh are well-known spots, suitable for both lunch and dinner. 

• Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per portion.

Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo are crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and sweet-sour dipping sauce. When bitten, the crunchy exterior and hot, savory filling combine with the freshness of herbs and the aromatic dipping sauce, creating an enjoyable texture and flavor experience. Some people like to roll the pancake with herbs before dipping in the sauce for the perfect bite. Famous stalls include Banh Xeo Ba Duong and Banh Xeo Hoi An. 

• Price range: 20,000 – 35,000 VND per piece.

White Rose (Banh Bao Banh Vac)

White Rose dumplings are steamed shrimp dumplings with translucent thin wrappers and fresh shrimp filling, served with sweet-sour fish sauce. Each bite reveals the delicate softness of the wrapper and the natural sweetness of shrimp, with a subtle, fragrant aroma. They are usually enjoyed with a bit of fresh herbs and dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. Notable places include White Rose Restaurant and Madam Khanh White Rose, which serve the authentic Hoi An version. 

• Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per plate of 5 pieces.

Desserts – Che & Sweet Treats

Che (Vietnamese sweet soups), green bean cakes, ice cream, and sugarcane juice are perfect for a refreshing dessert. Each type of che offers unique flavors, from the gentle sweetness of lotus seeds to the creamy richness of coconut milk and the cold refreshment of shaved ice or ice cream. Visitors often enjoy che after a meal or on hot afternoons, combining a cooling sensation with traditional flavors. Famous spots include Che Lien and Banh Dau Xanh Phuong. 

• Price range: 10,000 – 25,000 VND per portion.

Read more: Top 15 must-try Hoi An street food dishes you can’t miss

Hoi An street food tour – Explore the cuisine of the Ancient Town

Hoi An is not only famous for its lantern-lit ancient streets but also a paradise for street food lovers. Joining a food tour allows you to enjoy the city’s signature dishes while learning about its culture, history, and daily life.

Hoi An street food tour 1: Classic walking tour (2.5 – 3 hours)

This Hoi An street food tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the authentic tastes of Hoi An’s ancient town. You will stroll through the charming streets while sampling a variety of iconic local dishes.

• Departure Point: Tran Phu Ancient Town
• Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Estimated Price: 300,000 – 350,000 VND/person

Detailed itinerary:

• Start with Banh Mi Hoi An at Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh, savoring crispy bread with pate, cold cuts, pork roll, and fresh vegetables.
• Head to Mi Quang Ba Mua, enjoying golden chewy noodles with rich broth, chicken, shrimp, and egg toppings.
• Stop at Cao Lau Thanh, tasting thick noodles with fresh greens and crunchy rice crackers.
• Try Bun Thit Nuong Ba Buoi, featuring grilled pork, pork roll, roasted peanuts, and sweet-sour fish sauce.
• End with mixed sweet soup (Che) at Che Lien to cool down and enjoy traditional flavors.

Hoi An street food tour 2: Night Market & Street Delights (3 – 3.5 hours)

Explore the vibrant night scene of Hoi An with this tour. Perfect for evening adventurers, it combines the excitement of the night market with tasting a wide range of street foods.

• Departure point: Hoi An Night Market
• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Estimated price: 360,000 – 410,000 VND/person

Detailed itinerary:

• Start with Banh Xeo Ba Duong, roll with fresh greens and dip in sweet-sour fish sauce.
• Taste White Rose Dumplings at Madam Khanh White Rose, enjoying translucent dumplings stuffed with fresh shrimp.
• Visit Com Ga Ba Buoi, savoring fragrant rice with shredded chicken and signature fish sauce.
• Explore the night market, try fresh sugarcane juice, Hoi An ice cream, and various local sweets.

Hoi An street food tour 3: Cooking Class & Food Exploration (4 – 5 hours)

This tour combines hands-on cooking with tasting. Ideal for food enthusiasts who want to learn how to make Hoi An’s famous dishes while enjoying an immersive culinary experience.

• Departure Point: Bliss Office or central meeting point
• Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Estimated Price: 500,000 – 550,000 VND/person

Detailed itinerary:

• Join a cooking class at Bliss, learning to prepare Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and Banh Xeo.
• Taste your own creations along with other signature dishes such as Banh Mi and Bun Thit Nuong.
• Walk through the ancient town, try Com Ga Hoi An and White Rose Dumplings.
• Finish the tour with a lantern-lit evening stroll, take photos, and shop for souvenirs.

Hoi An street food tour 4: Street food tour by car (4 hours) by Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness

Ideal for families or groups, this Hoi An – street food tour provides a comfortable way to explore Hoi An’s street food scene by car. Our street food tour routes are carefully crafted to let you experience all the must-try specialties without missing a thing.

• Departure Point: Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness
• Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Price:

• 1,380,000++ VND per person (minimum 2 persons)
• Children under 6: FOC (Free of Charge)
• Children aged 6 to under 12: 50% of adult rate

Detailed Itinerary:

• Travel by private car to explore famous local street food stalls.
• Enjoy signature dishes: Banh Mi Hoi An, Mi Quang, Cao Lau, Bun Thit Nuong.
• Stop at Banh Xeo and White Rose Dumplings, savoring authentic local flavors.
• Finish with Mixed Sweet Soup (Che) or sugarcane juice to refresh.

Experience Hoi An’s best street food with Bliss Hoi An!

Discover the true flavors of Hoi An with Bliss Hoi An, your trusted guide for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Our Hoi An Street Food Tours are carefully designed to help you taste all the city’s signature dishes while exploring the charming ancient town.

With Bliss Hoi An, you will enjoy:

• Convenient transportation service: Comfortable pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or resort, ensuring a hassle-free tour experience.
• Expert local guides: Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about Hoi An’s culinary culture, history, and hidden gems.
• Authentic local flavors: Taste a curated selection of Hoi An’s best dishes at top local eateries, from Banh Mi and Mi Quang to Cao Lau and White Rose Dumplings.
• Elevated fine dining experiences: If you wish to enjoy Hoi An cuisine on a higher level, Bliss Hoi An also offers fine dining experiences at Binh Minh restaurant, combining traditional flavors with a sophisticated setting.

Read more: Explore Central Vietnam cuisine: The best street foods & Traditional meals

Tips for joining a Hoi An street food tour

Joining a Hoi An street food tour is a wonderful opportunity to taste signature dishes and explore the vibrant life of the ancient town. To make the most of your experience, consider the following tips:

• Carry enough cash: Many small local eateries only accept cash, so it’s best to prepare the right amount to enjoy all the dishes without hassle.
• Eat wisely: Tours usually include multiple dishes, so have a light meal beforehand and savor each dish slowly to avoid getting full too quickly.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: Expect a fair amount of walking, so choose comfortable footwear and light, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Stay healthy and hygienic: Wash your hands before eating, choose clean eateries, and stay hydrated, especially during hot seasons.

With expert guides, curated tasting routes, and the chance to explore both bustling night markets and hidden local gems, you will experience ancient town’s cuisine through Hoi An street food tour like a true local. Whether you choose a walking tour, a cooking class, or a private ride from Bliss Hoi An Resort, every moment promises delicious flavors and cultural discoveries. Book your tour today and let your taste buds explore the authentic flavors of Hoi An’s ancient streets.