5 Must-Try Food in Hoi An: A Local’s Food Guide

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most iconic culinary destinations — a place where ancient traditions blend with bold flavors. From vibrant street snacks to regional specialties found nowhere else, Hoi An’s food scene is unforgettable. Hoi An’s rich history as a trading port brought together culinary influences from China, Japan, and Europe, shaping its unique gastronomic identity. Today, Hoi An isn’t just famous for its lanterns and heritage streets — it’s a Must-Try food paradise loved by visitors and foodies alike. Here’s your ultimate Must-Try Food in Hoi An guide to explore the city through its delicious dishes and local favorites.

1. Cao Lau – The Signature Dish

Cao lau is Hoi An’s most famous dish — chewy rice noodles served with slices of pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers. What makes it be must – try food is the local water used in the noodles, traditionally drawn from Ba Le well for extra texture.

One of the most essential components of Cao Lau is its variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. This dish can be served with up to 12 different types of vegetables, including sour star fruit, cucumber, banana blossom, young mustard greens, fish mint, lettuce, bean sprouts, coriander, bitter herbs, chrysanthemum greens, basil, and mixed aromatic herbs.

Why it’s a must-try: Authentic, regional, and exclusive — you rarely find true Cao lầu outside Hoi An.

Must – try Restaurants:

Cao Lau Không gian xanh Hoi An – 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
Cao Lau Hoi An Trung Bac – 87 Tran Phu, Hoi An
Cao Lau Ba Thanh Hoi An – 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An
Cao Lau Liên Hoi An – 16 Thai Phien, Hoi An
Cao Lau Hoi An Ba Be – Hoi An Market

2. Mi Quang – Turmeric Noodle Classic

A vibrant Central Vietnamese noodle dish, Mi Quang features turmeric-infused noodles topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, fresh herbs, and just a splash of broth. One of the special material is a cake that called Banh Da – a traditional cake in Vietnam with a characteristic crispy taste. That must – try food is fatty, nutty and attractive by a range of toppings

Tip: Try it with quail egg and Banh Da for extra texture.

Must – try Restaurants:

My Quang Ong Hai – 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An
My Quang Di Hat – 81 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An, Hoi An
My Quang Ba Minh – 137 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An, Hoi An
My Quang Cô Sinh Hoi An – 202 Ly Thuong Kiet, Son Phong, Hoi An
My Quang, Com Ga Ba Linh – 137 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An

3. Com Ga – Hoi An Chicken Rice

This fragrant dish is rice cooked in chicken broth with turmeric, served with tender shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and pickles. It’s salty, savory, and deeply satisfying. Rice in Hoi An Chicken Rice has signature yellow color. It make this food not only be eye – catching but also have a sweet, fragrant taste.

Salad in Chicken Rice made by papaya, onion, other vegetables and signature mixed sauce. Moreover, a soup with premature eggs is a side dish add spice. In Hoi An, we have a sentence: “No Chicken Rice, no having a trip to Hoi An”. Therefore, you must try that food when you go to Hoi An.

Best for: A hearty meal that feels like home.

Must – try Restaurants:

Com ga ba Buoi – 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
Com ga ba Thuan – 14/1 Nhi Trung, Hoi An
Com ga co Huong – 60 Le Loi, Minh An, Hoi An
Com ga ba Nga – 8 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An

4. Banh Mi Hoi An – Vietnamese Food Must-Try

Hoi An’s take on the classic Banh Mi features a crispy baguette stuffed with savory meats, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s world-famous with notable spots like Banh Mi Phuong and Madame Khanh celebrated by food lovers.

You can find Banh Mi almost anywhere across Vietnam. However, Banh Mi in Hoi An has its own unique character that sets it apart from versions found in other regions. Banh Mi Hoi An still features a perfectly crispy crust and a dense yet soft interior with a rich wheat aroma. What truly makes it special lies in the filling. The bread is generously stuffed with a harmonious blend of meats, pork rolls, or fish, combined with flavorful sauces, rich pâté, creamy cheese, and a hint of spicy chili. All of this is balanced by the freshness and fragrance of accompanying herbs and vegetables, creating an irresistibly delicious street food experience.

Eat it: Great as a snack or quick breakfast on the go.

Must – try Restaurants:

Banh mi Pho Co – 2 Le Loi, Hoi An
Banh mi Madam Khanh – 115 Tran Cao Van, Minh Anh, Hoi An
Banh mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
Banh mi co Ngoc – Nguyen Truong To Street, Hoi An

5. Banh Dap & Hen Xao – Rustic Local Favorites

To truly taste local life, Banh dap & hen xao is a dish you should not miss. Simple, rustic, and deeply flavorful, this pairing reflects the everyday cuisine of people living along the Thu Bon River, especially in Cam Nam area of Hoi An.

Banh dap is a crispy rice cracker made from two layers:

One layer of grilled rice paper for crunch
One layer of steamed rice paper for softness

These layers are pressed together (“đập” means to smash) and eaten with a strong, savory dipping sauce.

Hen xao is a stir-fry of small river clams cooked with onions, chili, peanuts, herbs, and spices. Lightly spicy and aromatic, it balances perfectly with the neutral rice cracker.

Together, they create a contrast of crispy – soft – savory – spicy, making this dish a true must-try food in Hoi An.

How to eat: Break a piece of Banh Dap to scoop up Hen xao

Must – try Restaurant: