Having been an intercontinental port city for more than five centuries, Hoi An is a vibrant destination that reflects a patchwork quilt of culture. From its architecture and handicrafts to its cuisine, this city has perfected the art of adaptation and innovation. With its maze of golden-yellow alleyways and street food stalls scattered throughout the Old Town, Hoi An has become a paradise for foodies. While it’s hard to get a bad meal here, there are a few local specialties that should be considered “must-try” dishes.
Cao Lầu (Pork Rice Noodle)
Cao lầu is Hoi An’s unique rice noodle dish that stands apart from its relatives like bún or phở. The rice noodles used in cao lầu are soaked in lye water and wood ash, which gives them a distinct firm and springy texture. Traditionally, the noodles were made with water from Ba Le well and ashes from Cham island trees. While it’s unlikely that restaurants still use this purist’s recipe, the hyper-local ingredient requirements mean that cao lầu is rarely found outside of the city.
These chewy rice noodles are served in a thick sauce with marinated and roasted pork. The dish is thoughtfully balanced with fresh lettuce, crispy pork skin croutons, and crunchy bean sprouts and greens.
Bánh Mì Hội An (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
The bánh mì, a descendant of the French baguette, has become a legend in its own right. In Hoi An, a bánh mì refers to a sandwich that can be stuffed with various fillings, from grilled meat or sausage to fried eggs. Spread with pate, fresh and pickled vegetables, butter, and sweet chili sauce, this portable sandwich is served in a paper takeaway bag. Due to its affordability, convenience, and deliciousness, bánh mì has become a beloved breakfast, lunch, and snack for locals and travelers alike.
Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
Cơm gà, or chicken rice, is a popular dish throughout Southeast Asia. In Hoi An, it is known as cơm gà Hoi An and has its own unique style. The dish features shredded chicken mixed with onions or scallions, served on top of spiced yellow rice cooked in turmeric and chicken broth. It is traditionally accompanied by salad greens and herbs like coriander and mint. The combination of sticky yellow rice, glossy broiled chicken, and crunchy fresh greens creates a light yet hearty comfort food that is satisfying without being overly rich or heavy.
The best cơm gà Hoi An is served at Cơm Gà Bà Buội on 22 Phan Chu Trinh, where the recipe has been perfected by the grandchildren of Ba Buoi. Her legacy lives on through their restaurant, where the cơm gà still tastes like grandma’s cooking.
Nước Mót
Nước Mót, named after its young creator, is a kind of herbal tea that is believed to have health benefits. Made with a variety of herbs like ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, licorice, and lemon, as well as green tea, chamomile, and monk fruit, nước Mót is not only beautiful but also delicious and refreshing. Whether enjoyed cold on a hot Hoi An day or hot to warm up on a wet and chilly winter day, this drink is sure to rejuvenate the senses.
Mr. Mot, the namesake of the drink, has moved his stall indoors but most people still prefer the take-away option. So, grab a nước Mót to go and continue exploring the alleys of the city or relaxing by the river, drink in hand topped with a pink lotus petal to set the scene.
For more Vietnam travel ideas, sign up for our Travel Guide newsletter to receive our best stories in your inbox.
