Hoi An chicken rice – A must-try delicacy of central Vietnam

No trip to Hoi An is complete without tasting its famous chicken rice, a local delicacy that captures the essence of Central Vietnamese cuisine. Each plate features succulent chicken, buttery yellow rice, and a medley of herbs, pickled vegetables, and special sauce, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that lingers in every traveler’s memory.

The origin of Hoi An chicken rice

Hoi An chicken rice is believed to have appeared around the 1950s. Its roots are often traced to Tam Ky, a countryside area in Quang Nam Province famous for its tender and flavorful chicken. From there, the people of Hoi An, with their creativity and culinary craftsmanship, elevated the dish into something truly special.

Using fresh chicken from Tam Ky and fragrant, sticky rice grown along the Thu Bon River, locals created a meal that soon became a signature of the ancient town. In the early days, chicken rice was sold by street vendors carrying food baskets through the narrow alleys of Hoi An. Over time, the humble dish found its way into restaurants and eateries, gaining widespread popularity and becoming one of Hoi An’s most beloved culinary icons.

Why is Hoi An chicken rice so irresistible?

Elegant yet comforting, Hoi An chicken rice has long been a source of pride for the people of this ancient town. As the local saying goes, “You haven’t truly been to Hoi An until you’ve tasted its chicken rice.” What makes the dish so special is the way it captures the soul of Quang Nam cuisine — humble ingredients elevated through care, balance, and tradition.

A proper plate of Hoi An chicken rice begins with premium fragrant rice and farm-raised chicken weighing just over one kilogram. 

The dish is typically served with a bowl of savory chicken broth containing soft-boiled egg and giblets, and topped with a special sauce prepared from a secret local recipe. Together, these flavors create a taste that is both authentic and unforgettable, reflecting the warmth and simplicity of Hoi An itself.

Where to find the best Hoi An chicken rice – Top 3 must-try spots

If you’re spending a day exploring Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to taste one of its most iconic dishes — Hoi An chicken rice. Between sightseeing and wandering the lantern-lit streets, make time to stop by one of these beloved local restaurants for an unforgettable meal.

Ba Thuan chicken rice 

• Address: 17/4 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 25,000 – 100,000 VND per serving

Open until late evening, Ba Thuan Chicken Rice is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. The rice is soft and fragrant, the chicken flavorful, and the salad perfectly balanced. Even the most discerning diners will be impressed by the quality and consistency of each dish.

Xi chicken rice

• Address: 47/2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Price range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND per serving

At Xi Chicken Rice, you can enjoy a tasty, authentic meal for as little as 20,000 VND. The restaurant also serves chicken salad, refreshing drinks, and offers quick, friendly service that keeps guests coming back. It’s the perfect stop for a casual yet satisfying local experience.

Ba Buoi chicken rice

• Address: 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Price range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND per serving

No list of Hoi An chicken rice spots would be complete without Ba Buoi, one of the town’s oldest and most renowned eateries. The rice here is perfectly cooked — fluffy and rich in flavor — while the chicken is tender with a golden hue. Each serving comes with a small bowl of soup, making for a wholesome and satisfying meal that embodies the true flavor of Hoi An.

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