Hoi An, a charming city in Vietnam, is not only celebrated for its well-preserved Ancient Town but also for its vibrant culinary scene. From street food vendors to upscale restaurants, Hoi An offers a diverse range of dishes that reflect its rich cultural heritage and historical influences from Chinese, French, and Japanese cuisines. Whether you're embarking on a guided food tour or exploring on your own, Hoi An's gastronomic offerings are sure to impress. Here's a deeper look into some of the city's most iconic dishes, where tradition meets taste in a delightful culinary fusion.
Cao Lau is the quintessential Hoi An dish, deeply rooted in the city's identity. This unique noodle dish is made with thick rice noodles, slices of juicy barbecued pork, crispy croutons, fresh herbs, and sprouts, all sitting in a small amount of rich and flavorful broth. The secret to its distinct taste lies in the use of water drawn from the ancient Ba Le well, strictly local to Hoi An. Typically, a bowl of Cao Lau costs between VND 10,000 and VND 50,000, depending on the venue.
Mi Quang is a vibrant noodle dish often enjoyed as a breakfast staple in Hoi An. It features flat rice noodles tinted yellow with turmeric, topped with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and an assortment of herbs and peanuts, served with a minimal amount of broth. This dish is a colorful representation of the region's flavors, costing around VND 20,000 to VND 55,000.
This dish showcases the simplicity and elegance of Hoi An's cuisine. Com Ga, or chicken rice, is made with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock and turmeric, served with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a spicy chili jam. Influenced by Chinese cooking styles, this comforting meal is typically accompanied by a clear soup and can be found for about VND 30,000.
Banh Beo consists of small, steamed rice cakes topped with savory ingredients like chopped shrimp or pork, crispy fried shallots, and served with a fish sauce-based dipping sauce. These bite-sized treats are a popular snack in Hoi An, reflecting the city's penchant for steamed dishes. Prices are incredibly affordable, around VND 2,000 per piece.
Also known as "White Rose Dumplings," these are delicate and translucent shrimp or pork-filled dumplings, shaped like roses. They are steamed and served with a special dipping sauce made from shrimp broth, chilies, lemon, and sugar. This dish is a testament to the aesthetic and flavor sensibilities of Hoi An's culinary traditions.
Although originating from Hue, Bun Bo has made a significant mark in Hoi An. This spicy beef noodle soup is enriched with lemongrass and layered with flavors from beef shank, pork knuckles, and aromatic herbs. It's a hearty and warming dish, perfect for any meal of the day.
Banh Xeo is a crispy crepe bulging with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and egg, which is then folded into a pocket and eaten wrapped in mustard leaf, lettuce leaves, or rice papers. This dish is a fun and interactive way to enjoy Hoi An's street food scene, typically costing between VND 15,000 and VND 25,000.
While Pho is nationally beloved and not unique to Hoi An, the local variations of this noodle soup are worth trying. In Hoi An, Pho comes with a slightly different spice blend and presentation, reflecting local tastes and ingredients.
Hoi An Central Market: A bustling hub of activity, this market offers a wide array of local dishes at budget-friendly prices, with dishes starting around VND 30,000. It's a great place to sample different foods and observe local life.
Street Food Stalls and Riverside Vendors: For an authentic taste of Hoi An, visit the street food stalls and riverside vendors, especially in the evenings when the Ancient Town lights up and the food scene becomes even more vibrant.
Hoi An's food scene is a dynamic blend of history and modernity, where each dish tells a story of cultural intersections and culinary evolution. Whether you're a food lover or a curious traveler, Hoi An promises a rich palette of flavors that will leave you enchanted.
