What to eat in Hoi An: A delicious journey through 5 must-try local dishes

Where to eat authentic Hoi An specialties that are delicious, high-quality, yet budget-friendly? That’s the question many travelers ask when arriving here.

Cao Lau 

When it comes to what to eat in Hoi An, the answer almost always begins with Cao Lau. This dish is considered the culinary symbol of the ancient town — simple yet unforgettable. 

A bowl of Cao Lau is typically served with succulent slices of pork, char siu, shrimp, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Its thick, flavorful sauce ties everything together, delivering a taste that is both rustic and deeply distinctive — just like Hoi An itself.

Mi Quang

Another must-try dish in Hoi An is Mi Quang, a humble yet flavorful specialty that beautifully captures the essence of Central Vietnam. The noodles are wide, flat, and slightly chewy, with a pale white color that perfectly complements the rich toppings.

Its broth is light yet savory, carrying a delicate balance of richness and freshness — a flavor that pleases almost every palate. A bowl of Mi Quang typically includes shrimp, pork, soft-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, rice crackers, and a generous serving of fresh herbs, creating a wonderful harmony of textures and tastes in every bite.

Mot Herbal tea 

A stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town wouldn’t be complete without trying Mot, a fragrant herbal drink that has become a symbol of the city’s charm. This refreshing tea is brewed from lime, ginger, lemongrass, chrysanthemum, dried lotus leaves, green tea, and honey, creating a perfectly balanced flavor — light, soothing, and naturally sweet.

There’s only one small shop in the ancient town serving this signature herbal tea, so make sure you don’t miss it when you visit Hoi An.

Banh Canh

Another must-try dish in Hoi An’s food scene is Banh Canh, a hearty and flavorful noodle soup loved by both locals and visitors. The noodles are made from rice flour or wheat flour, giving them a soft yet pleasantly chewy texture.

You can choose from several delicious variations, such as Banh Canh Gio Heo (pork knuckle noodles), Banh Canh Cua (crab noodles), or Banh Canh Cha Ca (fish cake noodles) — each offering its own rich, savory taste that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.

Banh dap Hen xao

One of Hoi An’s most beloved local specialties is Banh Dap Hen Xao, a dish that every visitor should try at least once. It features fresh baby clams stir-fried with a fragrant mix of spices, Vietnamese coriander, onions, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and chili sauce.

The dish is served with crispy rice crackers or “banh dap” (crushed rice paper), and a side of sweet-and-sour dipping sauce that ties all the flavors together.

>> Discover refined flavors in our Dine & Drinks