Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming towns. You’ll find colorful lanterns, ancient houses, and even street food stalls everywhere. While the town is famous for its historic Old Town, the best food in Hoi An is just as memorable as its scenery.
Food here is fresh, flavorful, and full of local traditions. Many dishes can only be found in this part of Vietnam because they rely on local ingredients, recipes passed down through generations, and even water from historic wells.
Here’s a quick look at the 8 best foods in Hoi An you should try. If you want to know where to find each dish, keep reading!
Best foods to try in Hoi An
- Cao Lầu – Hoi An pork noodle dish
- Bánh Bèo – Steamed rice cakes with shrimp
- Chả giò – Fried spring rolls
- Bánh Xèo – Savory Pancake
- White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Hoa Hồng Trắng) – Shrimp dumplings
- Cơm Gà Hội An – Hoi An chicken rice
- Mót Herbal Tea – Lemongrass herbal drink
- Hoành Thánh Nước – Wonton soup
1. Cao Lầu (Pork Noodles)
Cao Lầu with spring rolls | Photo Credits: Alpha on Flickr
If you’re searching for the best food in Hoi An, start with a bowl of Cao Lầu. The noodles are thick, chewy, and slightly smoky because they’re traditionally made using water from the historic Ba Le Well and lye from wood ash.
It also includes slices of tender pork, crunchy pork cracklings, fresh herbs, and a small amount of broth. The dish isn’t soupy like pho. Instead, it’s more like a flavorful noodle bowl that balances salty, savory, and herbal flavors in every bite.
Because this dish is so iconic, it’s one of the highlights of many local food tours. Booking a food experience like the Hoi An city food tour is a great way to try Cao Lầu with other local dishes.
Where to eat Cao Lầu?
- Cao Lầu Thanh
- Cao Lầu Không Gian Xanh
- Morning Glory Restaurant
- Hoi An Central Market stalls
How much does Cao Lầu cost?
- 30,000 – 50,000 VND
2. Bánh Bèo (Shrimp Dish)
Bánh Bèo | Photo Credits: Alpha on Wikimedia Commons
Another must-try when exploring the best food in Hoi An is Bánh Bèo, often called water fern cakes. These tiny steamed rice cakes are served in small dishes and topped with dried shrimp, crispy pork skin, and fragrant scallion oil.
The texture is soft and silky, while the toppings add crunch and savory flavor. Locals usually spoon the cakes out of their little dishes and dip them into fish sauce for extra taste.
If you join a Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour, you’ll stop by Hoi An Ancient Town that has market stalls serving fresh bánh bèo made right in front of you.
Where to eat Bánh Bèo
- Bánh Bèo Bà Bảy
- Bánh Bèo Bà Mỹ
- Hoi An Market food stalls
How much does Bánh Bèo cost?
- 20,000 – 40,000 VND per plate
3. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Chả Giò
Crispy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, Chả Giò is one of Vietnam’s most popular snacks and a must-try when exploring the best food in Hoi An. These Vietnamese fried spring rolls are made with rice paper wrappers filled with a flavorful mixture of minced pork, shrimp, glass noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables.
The rolls are deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crunchy outer layer that contrasts perfectly with the juicy filling inside. They’re usually served with fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and a tangy fish sauce dipping sauce called nuoc cham.
You can easily try it while on a Hoi An street food tour!
Where to eat Chả Giò
- Morning Glory Restaurant
- Cargo Club Restaurant
- Hoi An Central Market food stalls
- Local Vietnamese eateries around Old Town
How much does Chả Giò cost?
- Typically 40,000 – 70,000 VND per serving (about 4–6 rolls)
4. Bánh Xèo (Savory pancake)
Vietnamese pancake | Photo Credits: Eric Hoffman on Food & Drink Destinations
Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, Hoi An Pancake (Bánh Xèo) is one of the most exciting dishes to try when exploring the best food in Hoi An. The name bánh xèo actually comes from the sizzling sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan.
The pancake is made from a rice flour batter mixed with turmeric, which gives it a bright yellow color. It’s typically filled with shrimp, slices of pork, bean sprouts, and sometimes mushrooms. Once cooked until crispy, the pancake is folded in half and served with fresh herbs and lettuce.
Want to make it yourself? You can book a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An, where guides will teach you how to make beef noodle soup (Pho Bo), crispy deep-fried spring rolls (Nem Ran/Cha Gio), and of course Hoi An pancake (Banh Xeo).
Where to eat Bánh Xèo?
- Bánh Xèo Giếng Bá Lễ
- Bánh Xèo Hải Đảo
- Hoi An Market food stalls
- Street vendors around Hoi An Old Town
How much does Bánh Xèo cost?
- Typically 30,000 – 60,000 VND per pancake
5. White Rose Dumplings
White rose dumplings | Photo Credits: Chainwit on Wikimedia
One of the most beautiful dishes in Hoi An is Bánh Hoa Hồng Trắng, also known as White Rose Dumplings. These dumplings are shaped like blooming flowers and filled with shrimp or pork.
The translucent rice dough is soft and slightly chewy, while fried shallots add a savory crunch on top. The dumplings are usually served with a light dipping sauce that enhances their subtle flavors.
This dish is especially special because the original recipe is believed to come from one family in Hoi An. Today, it’s still prepared in a traditional way.
Where to eat White Rose Dumplings
- White Rose Restaurant (original recipe)
- Morning Glory Restaurant
- Cargo Club
How much does White Rose Dumplings cost?
- 60,000 – 90,000 VND
6. Cơm Gà Hội An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
Hoi An Chicken Rice | Photo Credits: ElliottKillian from Pixabay
If you’re looking for a filling meal, try Cơm Gà Hội An, the city’s famous chicken rice. This dish features fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, which gives it a rich golden color and deep flavor.
The rice is topped with shredded chicken, herbs, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. Each bite balances savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
If you want to skip the hassle of finding where to get Cơm Gà Hội An, join a Hoi An private food tour, where you’ll eat and travel like a local as you tour around popular food stops on a motorbike!
Where to eat Cơm Gà Hội An
- Cơm Gà Bà Buội
- Cơm Gà Bà Nga
- Cơm Gà Ty
How much does Cơm Gà Hội An cost?
- 40,000 – 70,000 VND
7. Mót Herbal Tea
Vietnam herbal tea | Photo Credits: Traverlertopia
Not all the best food in Hoi An comes on a plate. One of the city’s most famous drinks is Mót Herbal Tea, a refreshing drink made from lemongrass, ginger, lime, and local herbs.
The drink is lightly sweet and served with a lotus leaf garnish, which makes it both fragrant and photogenic. You can often see people grab a cup while walking through the lantern-filled streets of Old Town. But buy it from the original shop, Mot Hoi An Herbal Tea!
Where to drink Mót Herbal Tea
- Mot Hoi An Herbal Tea (Old Town)
How much does Mót Herbal Tea cost?
- 12,000 – 20,000 VND
8. Hoành Thánh Nước (Wonton Soup)
Hoành Thánh Nước | Photo Credits: Huyzee Vu on Flickr
For something comforting, try Hoành Thánh Nước, a light wonton soup filled with pork or shrimp dumplings. The broth is clear but full of flavor, making it a simple yet satisfying dish.
Fresh herbs are often added for fragrance, and some versions include noodles. The soft dumplings and warm broth make this dish perfect for a quick lunch or late-night meal.
While it’s not as famous as pho, many locals consider this dish a hidden gem among the best food in Hoi An.
Where to eat wonton soup?
- Thanh Cao Lau Restaurant
- Morning Glory Restaurant
- Hoi An Market noodle stalls
How much does Hoành Thánh Nước cost?
- 30,000 – 50,000 VND
Tips for your Hoi An food trip
1. Stay connected with a Vietnam eSIM
Use the Vietnam eSIM, so you can easily navigate markets, find restaurants, and book food tours while exploring the city.
2. Save time at the airport
Book the Da Nang International Airport Fast Track Service to skip long immigration lines and start your food adventure sooner.
3. Explore Old Town after dark
Start your food trip at night! Many of the best restaurants in Hoi An and street food stalls open in the evening, especially around the night market and riverside streets.
FAQs about food in Hoi An
What food is Hoi An famous for?
Hoi An is most famous for dishes like Cao Lầu, White Rose dumplings, and Hoi An chicken rice. These recipes are closely tied to the region and often use local ingredients that are difficult to find elsewhere. That’s why many travelers consider them the best food in Hoi An.
Another famous dish is banh mi. In fact, the Anthony Bourdain Hoi An banh mi from Banh Mi Phuong helped put the city’s sandwiches on the global food map.
Where can you find the best local food in Hoi An?
The best local food is often found in markets, street stalls, and family-run eateries around Old Town. Hoi An Central Market and the Night Market are especially popular places to sample different dishes. You’ll also find many small restaurants serving authentic meals, some of which are considered the best banh mi in Hoi An.
Are there unique foods you can only try in Hoi An?
Yes, several dishes are unique to Hoi An. Cao Lầu noodles are the most famous example because their texture comes from a special preparation method using local water and ash. White Rose dumplings are another unique specialty. These dishes make Hoi An stand out from other Vietnamese food destinations.
Is street food safe to eat in Hoi An?
Street food in Hoi An is generally safe if you choose busy stalls with high turnover. Locals usually line up at the best vendors, which is a good sign that the food is fresh. Following guided food tours can also help you discover safe and reputable stalls.
Are food tours worth doing in Hoi An?
Yes, food tours are a great way to experience the city’s culinary culture. Guides often introduce you to dishes and restaurants you might not find on your own.
They also explain the history behind many of the best food in Hoi An, which makes the experience even more memorable.
Come hungry in Hoi An!
Exploring the best food in Hoi An is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the city’s culture. Walk through lantern-lit streets, follow the smell of grilled pork, and try dishes you’ve never tasted before.
Ready to plan your food adventure? Browse Klook’s Hoi An tours, food experiences, and travel essentials to make your trip even easier and much more delicious!
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