Cao lau Hoi An – The culinary essence of the Ancient Town

This dish is like a familiar part of the slow-paced life of Hoi An locals. The rustic yet captivating flavor of cao lau makes anyone who has tasted it want to come back for more.

Learn about Cao lau

Cao lau is a signature noodle dish of Hoi An, featuring golden chewy noodles served with a bit of broth simmered from pork bones, topped with slices of char siu pork, shrimp, tender pork, and fresh herbs. Crispy rice crackers or fried wonton pieces are added on top, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Although its name might make some people think it has Chinese origins or even resemble Udon noodles from Japan, cao lau is actually a purely Vietnamese dish. Its unique preparation method, distinctive taste, and rich cultural spirit in every bowl have created an identity unlike any other cuisine.

The origin of Cao lau

It is said that cao lau first appeared in the 17th century, when Hoi An was a bustling trading port welcoming merchant ships from Japan and China. Culinary influences from these two cultures gradually blended together, creating a dish with a uniquely cross-cultural flavor.

Over time, cao lau was adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes and eventually became a specialty of Quang Nam Province. The name “cao lau” evokes an image of elegance, as if it were once a delicacy enjoyed from above - where diners could savor each strand of noodles while gazing over the moss-covered rooftops of the ancient town bathed in golden afternoon light.

The distinctive flavor of Cao lau

According to many diners, from the very first bite of Cao lau, they can clearly sense the harmony in every component. The golden noodles are both chewy and slightly crispy, lightly soaked in rich pork-bone broth, the char siu pork is tender and mildly sweet and the fresh herbs are crisp, carrying the signature taste of Hoi An.

From the selection of ingredients to the preparation process, every step is done with great care and strict adherence to standards to ensure both the quality and the distinctive flavor of the dish.

Each element in a bowl of cao lau plays its own role, blending harmoniously without overpowering one another, creating a whole that is rich yet delicate. This balance is what gives cao lau its unique identity and helps affirm its place in the culinary culture of Quang Nam.

Top 5 Cao lau eateries in Hoi An

Cao lau Ba Le

• Address: 49/3 Tran Hung Dao street, Hoi An ward, Da Nang.
• Price range: 40,000 – 180,000 VND.
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon – Fri), 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sat – Sun).

At Ba Le, Cao lau is celebrated for its one-of-a-kind preparation that sets it apart from other places in town. The owner explains that the noodles are made from the finest rice, soaked in water infused with rice-straw ash to create their signature chewy, springy texture. Alongside cao lau, the restaurant also serves local favorites like Mi Quang, grilled pork, and chicken rice - giving you plenty of tempting choices for a satisfying meal.

Cao lau Ba Be

• Address: 19 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An market, Da Nang.
• Price range: 20,000 – 45,000 VND.
• Opening hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Ba Be is widely praised for serving flavorful Cao lau in Hoi An. The broth here is rich and savory, the pork is well-marinated and perfectly fried, the fresh greens are crisp and the noodles are delightfully soft yet chewy. Besides its clean and welcoming space, the eatery is also known for its very affordable prices, making it a great choice for many visitors. Conveniently located inside Hoi An Market, it’s easy to stop by while exploring the area, saving you both time and effort.

Cao lau Co Lien

• Address: 21B Thai Phien street, Hoi An ward, Da Nang.
• Price range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM.

Serving diners for over 30 years, Co Lien is one of the oldest eateries in Hoi An, renowned for its family recipe Cao lau that wins the hearts of visitors. Each order is freshly prepared with the noodles blanched and assembled only when served, ensuring they stay hot, springy and flavorful. The eatery is also highly praised for its warm and attentive service.

Cao lau Ong Ty

• Address: 71 Phan Chu Trinh street, Hoi An ward, Da Nang.
• Price range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Although Ong Ty may not be as famous as other Cao lau spots in Hoi An, its quality and flavors are just as impressive. A bowl of cao lau with rich, flavorful broth, served with slices of char siu pork, crispy pork cracklings and various toppings will warm you up and fuel you with energy for your journey through Hoi An.

Cao lau Phuc

• Address: 11 Phan Chu Trinh street, Hoi An ward, Da Nang.
• Price range: 30,000 – 400,000 VND.
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM.

Phuc is a well-loved spot for Cao lau in Hoi An, earning plenty of praise from diners. A generous bowl filled with golden noodles and plenty of toppings will leave you full and satisfied, letting you fully savor this signature local dish. It’s a popular, no-frills eatery that often draws large crowds, making it a great option to consider during your visit.

Cao lau is not only a signature dish of Hoi An but also a symbol of the culinary culture of Quang Nam. With its distinctive flavor and meticulous preparation, this dish has become an unforgettable experience for travelers visiting the ancient town. Savoring a bowl of cao lau is a way to truly embrace the gentle, unhurried rhythm of life in the old quarter by the peaceful Hoai River.

>> Check our Dine & Drinks category for more food reviews and local picks.